This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Money up front for champion readers
10/08/2003
Youngsters across Scotland are being encouraged to get the reading habit at an early age thanks to grants totalling £330,000 from the Executive's Home Reading Initiative.
Education Minister Peter Peacock announced today that around 450 schools, nurseries, libraries and youth groups from Kirkcudbright to Kirkwall would benefit from the Home Reading Initiative's small grants scheme.
The announcement was made on the day that First Minister Jack McConnell hosted a reception at Bute House for Scotland's Reading Champions - authors, politicians and celebrities who are encouraging parents and children to get the most out of reading.
Mr McConnell, who is himself a Reading Champion and was taking part in the International Book Festival, said:
"Introducing children to the wonderful world of books is one of the best gifts any parent can offer. By giving youngsters access to books they can discover for themselves the joys of reading.
"Reading is an essential skill that enables young people to access education and employment as well as being a lifelong source of entertainment."
Mr Peacock, another member of the growing army of Reading Champions, added:
"Encouraging children to enjoy books from an early age, and equipping them with vital reading skills, will give them a great start in life.
"The grants I have announced today will support a range of small local projects such as book sharing clubs. And because of the sustainable nature of this scheme, communities across Scotland will reap the benefits for years to come."
The small grants scheme aims to provide access to home reading materials to as many children in Scotland as possible by providing local organisations with start-up costs for initiatives to encourage and promote reading in the home. To be successful, applicants had to demonstrate the sustainability of their home reading scheme.
The majority of the grants were used to buy books and story sacks which include a book, puzzle and puppet on the same theme.
For a full list of the grant recipients contact Caroline McLeod on 0131 244 0961.
Among the recipients were:
- Kelvin School, Glasgow, who received a grant for books for blind and partially sighted children
- Dumfriesshire Traveller Education Unit who received money to provide books for travelling children
- Perth and Kinross Libraries who received a grant to co-ordinate a home reading initiative targeted at homeless families
The Home Reading Initiative encourages parents and carers to share books with their child from a very early stage. The dedicated website offers ideas about reading and recommended books, alongside encouragement from Reading Champions of all ages, from all over Scotland: www.readtogether.co.uk
It is co-ordinated by Lindsey Fraser and Kathryn Ross 0131 553 2759 and 0131 657 4412.