Help a Child Read, Grow and Succeed in 2020

Friday, May 8th, 2020

Better literacy leads to better lives. It can break a cycle of disadvantage – Business support is needed now more than ever.

Due to the effects of COVID-19 on our education system, we are now more focused than ever to provide extra literacy supports for young people through Time to Read. The disruption has exacerbated existing inequalities and we will work alongside businesses to mitigate against this, and ensure that those who are impacted the most will be supported the most.

Although many of our Time to Read programmes were forced to end early due to school closures we were thankful that many were close to completion and the positive impacts of the literacy support were already being seen by Teachers. In 2019 there were 44 company-school partnerships taking part in Time to Read. New partnerships this year were; Cork County Council & Coachford NS, Dublin City Council & St. Paul’s Primary, Galway City Council & Mercy Primary and Sligo County Council & St. John’s NS.

It is brilliant to still have partnerships that began in the pilot programme in 2012 still ongoing: Citi & St. Laurence O’Toole NS, Elavon & St. Columbanus NS and KPMG & City Quay NS. Workday & Francis Street CBS Primary and ESB & St. Patrick’s GNS have been partnered since 2013. These long-lasting relationships are a testament to the success and enjoyment of the programme.

We are currently looking for more businesses to get involved and support childhood literacy in disadvantaged schools in September 2020.

As part of this 20 week one-on-one reading programme, the children, along with their business volunteers and parents visit their local public library and the business workplace. The business and child impact is evaluated by Business in the Community Ireland and a report is provided to each participating business at the conclusion of the programme.

“My colleagues thoroughly enjoyed themselves during the program. There was a great buzz in the offices on our return from the reading session and a sense of “team spirit” between the reading buddies.” – Company Lead

“It was great to be part of the project on behalf of a larger organisation and feel we are making a contribution locally. I really enjoyed my time in the school and seeing how much enjoyment the children were getting out of the sessions.” – Business Volunteer

We are looking for businesses across Ireland to get involved for Autumn 2020

Get in touch for more information: E: sdeegan@bitc.ie | Ph: 01 874 3807