Children’s education boost

A NEW initiative has been launched that aims to support children’s education in the north inner city. 

Global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson, in partnership with basis.point, charity initiative of the Irish Funds Industry, has announced a €100,000 pledge to support new child development initiatives delivered to underprivileged communities.

Having invested heavily in the Dublin’s Docklands and with significant future investment in the North Docks area, Kennedy Wilson’s partnership with basis.point will support two key programmes built on the fundamentals of educational support and the presence of role models:

•Home from Home – the Early Learning Initiative (ELI) of the National College of Ireland (NCI), focusing on supporting vulnerable families living in temporary accommodation, through an integrated plan of intervention to empower parents of children from the age of 16 months. 

•The Afterschool Programme – Archways’ new programme providing evidence-based teachings for children aged between 10 and 13 who have shown a talent in either art, sport, music or academically. 

The programme aims to support and mentor children to reach their full potential. The first school identified to run this programme is St Lawrence O’Toole National School on Sheriff Street.  

Jason Byers, Head of Residential Ireland, Kennedy Wilson, said: “This exciting partnership with basis.point will provide key interventions and resources to participating children and families. 

“Kennedy Wilson’s large presence in Dublin’s North Docks makes this commitment to supporting the local community with meaningful initiatives all the more relevant. 

“We are pleased to be supporting these two very worthy initiatives over the next five years that will have a tangible impact on the fundamental early years of local children’s education. 

“Kennedy Wilson is also excited to have a number of staff volunteering directly with ELI and Archways in 2020.”

Clive Bellows, chairperson of basis.point, said they were delighted to be partnering with Kennedy Wilson on the two innovative programmes.

“The communities in this area are amongst the most disadvantaged in the country and face enormous challenges in their day to day lives,” said Mr Bellows. “By working with our charity partners, The Early Learning Initiative (NCI) and Archways, we hope that with early intervention we can help break the cycle of disadvantage.”