ROAD Forward initiative returns to drive reading in Irish Schools

March 2023
Share on
Leslee O’Loughlin, Group Human Resources Manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, with Aoife Dooley, author of Frankie's World and Gráinne Kennedy, Development Manager at Children's Books Ireland, at the launch of Enterprise ROAD Forward in St. Brigid's GNS, Glasnevin.
Leslee O’Loughlin, Group Human Resources Manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, with Aoife Dooley, author of Frankie's World and Gráinne Kennedy, Development Manager at Children's Books Ireland, at the launch of Enterprise ROAD Forward in St. Brigid's GNS, Gla

Over 3,500 students from 92 primary schools to receive a copy of Frankie’s World by Aoife Dooley – a vibrant graphic novel from a neurodivergent perspective

The second year of Enterprise Holdings’ ROAD Forward initiative, in partnership with Children’s Book’s Ireland, was officially launched today at St. Brigid’s Girls National School, Glasnevin, Dublin.

The ROAD (Respect, Opportunity, Achievement, Diversity) Forward programme is a €47 million global initiative funded by the Enterprise Holdings Foundation and aims to support childhood literacy in schools across Ireland. 

Over 3,500 students from 92 schools will receive their own copy of Frankie’s World by Aoife Dooley, a former student of St. Brigid’s Girls National School, Glasnevin. Told with humour, heart and fun illustrations, Frankie’s World follows its protagonist as she navigates school, friendship and her experience with autism.

Tara Hayes, pupil at St Brigid's GNS, Glasnevin, with Aoife Dooley, author of Frankie's World.
Tara Hayes, pupil at St Brigid's GNS, Glasnevin, with Aoife Dooley, author of Frankie's World.

“We’re delighted to be entering our second year of partnership with Enterprise Holdings ROAD Forward, following a hugely successful project in 2022. This is an amazing initiative, benefiting 3,500 students at a key point in their reading journeys, and Frankie’s World is the perfect title to capture their interest. Thanks to Enterprise Holdings’ support, we can continue to provide these lucky students with excellent stories from diverse perspectives, and support wonderful Irish creators like Aoife in the process!”

– Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children's Books Ireland

The launch of the project took place in St. Brigid's Girls National School, Glasnevin, where the pupils of sixth class took part in a Monster Doodle with Aoife Dooley, creating a shared work of art on two Enterprise transport vans. 

 

Pupils of St. Brigid's GNS, Glasnevin, at the launch of Enterprise ROAD Forward 2023.
Pupils of St. Brigid's GNS, Glasnevin, at the launch of Enterprise ROAD Forward 2023.

Enterprise Holdings first announced its ROAD Forward programme in November 2020 through its philanthropic arm, the Enterprise Holdings Foundation.

The €47 million, global initiative focuses on promoting Respect, Opportunity, Achievement, and Diversity (ROAD) for youth and families by addressing three areas in need of urgent attention: early childhood development, youth health and wellness, and career and college preparation.  

In 2022, the programme’s partnership with Children’s Books Ireland saw the delivery of 1,900 copies of Why the Moon Travels by Oein DeBhairduin to pupils in 64 schools across Ireland.