Students on the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies (Validated by Queen’s University Belfast) enjoyed an engaging presentation and conversation when representatives of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library visited SERC’s Bangor Campus recently.
The session was introduced by the Imagination Library Regional Director Meg Fletcher who outlined the aims and achievements of the initiative, which promotes a love of reading by providing free books to young children. Launched in 2007, the UK programme has worked with partners to donate seven million books to babies and children under five. An age-appropriate book arrives by post at the child’s home every month.
Meg was joined by Tracey Ripley-McElvogue from East Belfast Sure Start, which has an established partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library supported by local funding from Hagan Homes. The guest speakers stressed the programme's impact on early literacy, language development and family engagement.
The SERC students gained valuable insights into how the initiative operates locally and how early years practitioners can encourage a love of books and reading from an early age. The visit also presented an opportunity to explore the importance of partnerships in supporting children’s development.
In the picture:
(Left to right) Sarah Darragh, SERC course co-ordinator Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies; Meg Fletcher, Regional Director Northern Ireland and Northern England, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library; students Abi Patton (aged 23, from Portavogie); Melissa Campbell (21, from Newtownards); and Emily Osborne (18, from Belfast); Caroline Smyth, SERC Lecturer in Early Years.
