Waterford schools encourage a love for reading

The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Jason Murphy, recently launched the 'One Book, One Community', initiative at St Paul's Community College. 

The aim of the initiative is to raise literacy awareness and instill a love of books and independent reading skills in the children and families of those taking part in the initiative. 

The initiative is being undertaken by the 14 Waterford DEIS primary and secondary schools comprising the HSCL Local Education Committee (LEC).

The book chosen is called, 'Kelda', written by local author, Dolores Lyons.

A spokesperson said: "We hope that the book will give hours of reading pleasure to all taking part and that the book will instill a curiosity in students to further explore the rich Viking heritage that is abundant in their City of Waterford."

Over 100 invited guests including students, parents, school principals, HSCL teachers, community representatives and others attended the launch in in the Community College's school library. 

The Mayor stressed the importance of developing reading skills in an age where digital technologies are taking up much of young peoples time and interests. 

Author Dolores Lyons also gave an excellent talk on the background of her book, 'Kelda'. The main character in her book is a Viking girl called Kelda who travels to Ireland and gets caught up in all sorts of interesting adventures.

Early in the next school term more than 800 books will be distributed between the schools to all sixth class and first year pupils in the 14 local schools, leading to further projects and activities related to what they have been reading.