Gas Networks Ireland Champions Literacy and Family Engagement with “The Magic of Reading” Event

Gas Networks Ireland, a proud UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion, hosted "The Magic of Reading" events last week creating a memorable experience that helped to foster a love for books and storytelling among employees' families.

The events, held at its offices in both Cork and Dublin, were hosted by Gas Networks Ireland's ibelong Family Network and delivered by Children's Books Ireland. They brought together over 30 children in each location for a morning filled with interactive activities, all designed to celebrate and inspire the joy of reading. A key feature was the visit from the "Book Doctors" - "Doctor" Derek Carney, a primary school teacher, "Doctor" Ruth Concannon holder of an MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature and Dr. Becky Long, holder of a PhD. in Irish Children's Literature - who prescribed book recommendations to Gas Networks Ireland's employees children based on their individual interests and reading levels.

Families also participated in the "Monster Doodle," a large-scale collaborative drawing project, led by book illustrator Jennifer Farley, whose work includes books such as "Island of Adventures" and "Scout's Best Day Ever" that encouraged creativity and teamwork. Additionally, the "Author Workshops" were a major highlight, where "Elsetime" author, Eve McDonnell and "The Book of Learning" author, Elizabeth Murray, captivated children with lively storytelling sessions and later guided them in creating their own imaginative stories.

Gas Networks Ireland's ibelong Family Network is one of six employee resource groups that are part of Gas Networks Ireland's ibelong Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programme - The other five are the Women's Network, the Rainbow Network, Ethnicity and Cultural Network,the Neurodiversity and Ability Network, and the NextGen Network.

The purpose of the Family Network at Gas Networks Ireland is to create a culture where employees can help each other in balancing work, family and other caring responsibilities through sharing resources, experiences, and providing guidance and encouragement.

Gas Networks Ireland's People Director Nicola McSweeney said:

"Our ibelong programme, which is overseen by our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council is about ensuring Gas Networks Ireland becomes a more diverse workforce, continuing to be an inclusive, equitable and equal employer enabling everyone to bring their true selves to work.

Our 'Magic of Reading' event was a wonderful demonstration of our commitment to our employees and their families, as well as our dedication to the UN SDGs, particularly our focus on promoting quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all."

Fiona O'Keeffe, Supply Chain Category Support Analyst at Gas Networks Ireland and Chairperson of the ibelong Family Network, said:

"Through our ibelong programme, we aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment that nurtures both personal and professional growth. As part of that, the Family Network provides enriching experiences that strengthen the connections between employees and their families. Family is whatever family means to each employee. It doesn't hold firm to any definition but recognises the great diversity of family and households today. This event is just one of the many ways we are bringing that mission to life."

In June, Gas Networks Ireland was appointed by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, to become one of twenty new United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champions in Ireland. Organising this Magic of Reading event is an example of the company's commitment to sustainable development, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 4 (Quality education).

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