STUDENTS at a north inner city school took part in the launch of a campaign last week that aims to promote reading for pleasure.
Ireland’s fourth National Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Challenge will take place at 12noon on Friday, April 12.
The simple but very effective idea is to promote the importance of literacy and reading for pleasure by having as many people as possible read at the same time on the same day.
Work will be put down, computer screens will be turned off, school-texts put away and everyone will be encouraged to pick up a book, magazine, newspaper, e-book or audio book and to read quietly, or indeed be read to, for 20 minutes.
The 2019 National DEAR Challenge launch was hosted by the City of Dublin ETB and the CDETB Curriculum Development Unit in the JCSP School Library in Larkin Community College.
Speaking at the launch, National DEAR Challenge founder Kathleen Moran spoke about the importance of reading.
“The main focus of DEAR is to draw attention to the importance of reading for pleasure,” said Ms Moran.
“Reading is one of the greatest gifts that can be given to children and young people. If reading is to become a lifelong habit then young people must see themselves as participants in a community that views reading as a significant and enjoyable activity.
“It’s so important to see the world from another person’s point of view…to hear other people’s stories…that’s how we learn to respect and care for other people.”
Also speaking at the launch via video-link, award winning author, poet, Laureate na nÓg and 2019 National DEAR Challenge Ambassador Sarah Crossan, said: “Reading is not about something that you have to do, it’s about doing it for pleasure and it’s about entertainment in the same way that all other arts are.
“On April 12, together, the whole country, we’ll all be reading at the same time, and how wonderful will that be, what a beautiful thing. I think you’re going to enjoy it.”
The challenge is supported by a range of organisations, including the JCSP Library Project, City of Dublin ETB, Children’s Books Ireland, LAI Youth Libraries Group, Laureate na nÓg, CDETB Curriculum Development Unit, Poetry Ireland and many more.
DEAR is open to all. Schools, colleges, community groups, individuals, families and workplaces can register to participate at www.jcsp.ie – where you will also find information, ideas and inspiration.
In partnership with Children’s Books Ireland this year’s DEAR Challenge will also be the official EURead event for Ireland in 2019.
Over 55,000 people registered to participate last year and the aim is to have even greater participation this year.
Getting involved is very simple – register now and when the clock strikes noon on April 12, just drop whatever you are doing and READ!
You can follow on Twitter @dear_Ireland and share your comments, photos and video clips using the hashtag #DEARIrl.