This project – which has gifted more than 15,000 books in Ireland to date – is funded by Enterprise Mobility's ROAD Forward initiative. Launched in 2020, the ROAD Forward initiative aims to advance social equity by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on early childhood development, youth health and wellness, and career and higher education preparation. To date, over 1,000 organizations have received ROAD Forward grants across more than 400 communities in North America and Europe.
Enterprise Mobility has also recently announced a further extension to the ROAD Forward initiative, which will see an additional $165 million global commitment through 2030. As part of this extension, Children’s Books Ireland has been named as Enterprise Mobility’s key partner in Ireland and will receive an additional $240,000 over five years to further encourage reading in children.
"This collaboration is about more than just giving books; it’s about opening doors to new worlds for children across Ireland," said Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland. "We believe every child should have access to quality literature that can inspire them, reflect their identities and give them a way to empathise with others whose lives are unlike their own. Above all, we hope these books represent the start of a joyful relationship with reading for thousands of children."
The counties where schools will be receiving books include Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Monaghan, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
