Lads make dads proud (From Worcester News)

Lads make dads proud

5:20pm Wednesday 9th July 2008 in News

YOUNGSTERS from across Worcester have picked up awards after taking part in a ‘Dads and Lads’ reading project organised by the Worcester Warriors Education Programme.

Warrior’s players Ben Jones and Matthew Jones presented the proud young boys with their awards at Worcester Library.

The scheme was set up after national statistics indicated that boys are reluctant readers. Its aim was to encourage reading through the use of male role models, particularly fathers.

Warrior’s fly half Matthew Jones said: “The children have all enjoyed the project and it’s great to see them improving their motivation to read.”

Children from St Barnabas, St George’s CE and Perdiswell primary schools took part in activities with their fathers at the library.

New scrum half Ben Jones said: “It was good to see so many dads present supporting the project and helping their children become more interested in reading, because it is such and important skill.”

Project co-ordinator Dave Rogers said they were planning to work closely with the library on future projects.

“The Dad’s and Lad’s project has been a great success and it was fantastic to see so many children enjoying their reading,” he said. “We hope that Warriors and the library can work together to help improve attitudes to reading throughout the county.”