Home builders Cairn Homes are taking the concept of building to a whole different level. Cairn has teamed up with Children’s Books Ireland to help lay the foundation for a brighter future through books.
Building Communities is a new reading list aimed at inspiring the next generation of homebuilders, while a nationwide book-gifting project will sees six primary schools receive 100 books each from the list for their school library.
The participating schools are Rush National School, Dublin; St Catherine’s National School, Cork; Donoughmore National School, Limerick; Scoil Bhríde, Cannistown, Navan; Caragh National School, Kildare and Culmullen National School in Meath.
“It’s important to us that children from all backgrounds and locations across Ireland are aware from an early age of the opportunities open to them in construction,” said Maura Winston, Chief People Officer of Cairn Homes.
“When children don’t have adults around them who work in construction or STEM, it can be hard to see how they might make careers in these areas. It’s a case of ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.’
She added: “We work with secondary school students on a TY programme, and with third-level students by supporting internships and on a mentoring programme and by partnering with Children’s Books Ireland we are reaching children at a younger age.’
The reading list encourages children to approach their surroundings with creativity and imagination, creating places and spaces that are welcoming to everyone.
Containing 24 titles each book included is accompanied by a review from an expert in children’s literature. The launch of the guide was celebrated at Rush National School in North County Dublin.
First class pupils took part in a ‘Monster Doodle’ with artist Fuchsia MacAree, creator of the visual identity of the guide. Helped by volunteers from Cairn Homes, the children dreamt up and drew homes of all imaginable shapes and sizes on a giant, shared canvas, creating a colourful and vibrant neighbourhood of their own.
“The characters featured in this list reflect the multitude of cultures and identities in modern Ireland, working together to create a world that everyone is proud of,” said Elaina Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Books Ireland.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Cairn Homes on this project, which will bring so much joy to schools, families and communities across the country. By cultivating a love of reading, we inspire confidence, encourage empathy and empower children and young people to build their own futures.”
Celebrating the launch of new reading project at Rush National School. All photos: Julien Behal
