News
DEPUTY LORD MAYOR MAKES THE RIGHT TO READ HIS PRIORITY FOR
DUBLIN’S CHILDREN
- Friday, 3rd November 2006
A campaign to help improve childhood literacy across Dublin was launched by the City’s Deputy Lord Mayor today (3.11.06).
The Right to Read Campaign is being led by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, and is supported by Barnardos, SIPTU, INTO, TUI, ASTI and NALA.
The campaign has identified three areas for funding and policy improvements that can be undertaken at local authority level to deliver better conditions in which children can read and learn. These include homework clubs, library services and housing.
As part of the campaign, a website has been created (www.righttoread.ie) which allows members of the public to sign-up in support of the campaign. In addition, a story book entitled Room to Read – which demonstrates some of some of the conditions that result in education disadvantage - was unveiled at the launch. The book, which was written by boradcaster Eanna Ni Lamhna, will be distributed at public transport stations in Dublin over the coming week.
According to Cllr Aodhán Ó Ríordáin,"as a primary school teacher in the North Inner City, I am only too well aware of the factors that contribute to poor literacy levels and educational disadvantage among children. It is unacceptable that despite the resources now at our disposal, 11% of our children are reaching junior cert age with only very basic reading levels.
“I have decided to champion the issue of literacy during my term as Deputy Lord Mayor. To date, I have obtained support from a variety of organisations to mount this campaign, and I am also securing support from my colleagues on Dublin City Council."
It is expected that Dublin City Council will discuss its support for the Right to Read Campaign at its meeting on Monday night.