THE Irish News' groundbreaking Young News Readers scheme has had its most successful year to date - with almost 7,000 pupils taking part.
Young News Readers introduces schoolchildren to daily newspapers in an interactive way.
It delivers news knowledge and develops understanding in the classroom, while supporting the demands of the wider curriculum.
Pupils can read different types of articles to help their reading and writing, and then discuss what they read with classmates, parents and teachers.
In recognition of its diverse appeal, it has now been shortlisted for three awards including the Society of Editors Innovation and Initiative Award of the Year. That follows shortlisting in the education partnership category in the Business in the Community Awards and best corporate social responsibility partnership category in the Ulster Grocer Marketing Award.
With the primary goal of improving literacy levels among schools and directly targeting the reading/writing and talking/listening strands in the curriculum the Young News Readers has exceeded expectations.
The Irish News marketing manager John Brolly said there were many examples where the scheme had taken on a life of its own.
"Secondary level schools have used the scheme to partner with local primary schools creating a bond and additional learning," he said.
"We've had numerous schools create their own newspapers. We have had involvement in schools in London that have now opened a new market of readers for our product. We have schools involved on both sides of the border and across the community. It has grown beyond our wildest dreams.
"Initially the scheme focused on our daily edition of the newspaper and then in taking feedback and input from teachers we started in 2019 to base the project on a dedicated Irish News schools' edition that was edited and curated to only include age appropriate news content. That edition is fully resourced by our award winning Irish News subbing team and our journalists. That has brought the Young News Readers to a wider audience and increased engagement."
As part of the programme, the Irish News has taken part in workshops in schools, and welcomed groups of schoolchildren to meet reporters and visit the paper's office in Belfast.
"For schools this is a resource that brings an interest and interactivity to literacy learning. For us it helps us demonstrate and fulfill our commitment to the community and our social responsibility mission," Mr Brolly added.
"It is innovative in that it has demonstrated to us the market for tailored products that helps grow our brand. And it is also a great partnership with CBI and St Mary's University - business, education and the media all working together. It fulfils many of our own objectives."
:: For more information visit irishnews.com/ynr.
