Children who engage in reading are likely to experience increased happiness, according to Patricia Forde, the Irish Children’s Laureate. Forde shared these insights during a recent visit to Donegall Road Primary School in Belfast, where students participated in a creative writing program organized by Fighting Words NI. The initiative aims to enhance literacy skills among children from high-need schools, encouraging a lifelong love for reading.
Forde highlighted the positive impact of reading, stating that children who are read to, as well as those who read independently, “do better in school, better in life, and… they are happier people.” This message aligns with the celebration of World Book Day, which this year coincides with the National Year of Reading 2026.
Students at Donegall Road Primary School expressed their enthusiasm for the program. Nine-year-old Scarlett mentioned that she enjoys the workshops because they allow her to illustrate characters, though she acknowledged the challenges involved in generating ideas. Another participant, eight-year-old Ishan, initially hesitant about writing, soon found himself overflowing with ideas during sessions. “When they say stop, you’re like, ‘oh man, I want to write a lot more,'” he remarked.
Forde’s visit underscores an ongoing challenge: competing with technology. She noted that screens from computers, televisions, and tablets often distract children from reading. “Parents make readers,” she emphasized, advocating for bedtime stories as an effective way to encourage literacy. She also called on teachers to dedicate time during school for storytelling, stating, “We can compete – but we have to up our game.”
The program at Donegall Road Primary School has yielded significant improvements, according to Julie Annette, a P5 teacher at the school. She observed that the initiative not only targets specific students but has also fostered growth across the entire class, particularly among those who previously struggled with writing and creativity. “Their confidence and self-esteem have improved,” she noted, highlighting that students are now willing to share their writing with their peers.
The director of Fighting Words NI, Hilary Copeland, emphasized the importance of fostering children’s confidence, creativity, and communication skills. The charity currently collaborates with five primary schools in Belfast over a three-year period, aiming to make writing enjoyable and “spark joy” in the learning process. Copeland explained that their work accommodates a diverse range of students, including those with special educational needs and newcomers facing challenges in reading and writing.
World Book Day, celebrated annually on the first Thursday of March, serves as a global recognition of the importance of books and reading. Many schools encourage children to dress as their favorite book characters, a tradition that fosters excitement around literacy. In response to rising costs, some schools in Northern Ireland have creatively adapted this practice by inviting families to decorate potatoes instead.
As literacy initiatives gain momentum across the region, the collaboration between organizations like Fighting Words NI and the Irish Children’s Laureate aims to inspire a new generation of readers, ultimately promoting happiness and well-being through the joy of reading.
