A new chapter for youngsters

Everton star Samuel Eto’o has given his backing to a book donation scheme delivered in partnership with Liverpool City Council’s City of Readers initiative and Everton in the Community.

Champions League winner Eto’o visited Gwladys Street Primary School to kick off the book donation campaign.

He donated copies of his own book, Birth of a Champion, and gives his backing to the scheme with the hope that thousands of books will be handed in and distributed to children across the city to improve literacy levels and create a new generation of readers.

Miss Nicola Booth, headteacher of Gwladys Street School, said: “We are delighted that Everton in the Community have joined with Gwladys Street Community Primary and Nursery School by using football as a tool to excite and stimulate the children to read for pleasure.

“It supports our school’s aims as we continue to create and inspire environments for learning. We know with this partnership the children will develop a love for reading and a lifelong skill.”

Councillor Lana Orr, who is the Mayoral lead for reading performance, said: “Sometimes books can get overlooked as presents, with children favouring the latest electronic trends or the must-have toy of the moment.

“Getting in to the habit of reading at a young age is massively important – not only does it vastly improve literacy skills but it fires children’s imaginations and makes them more creative individuals.

“We’re hoping that people give generously to this scheme – whether it’s a well-thumbed story in good condition or a completely new book – so that we can engage with as many youngsters as possible and encourage them to make time for reading in their lives.

“I’m delighted such a high-profile star as Samuel Eto’o will be joining us for the launch, and I’m sure his support of the scheme will inspire people, young and old, to get involved.”

The book donation scheme is being organised in partnership with Everton in the Community who are currently delivering a reading project in Gwladys Street Primary School after receiving funding from the City of Readers.

Jackie Twort, from Everton in the Community, said: “We are proud to be involved in the City of Readers project. Gwladys Street School is delighted we are supporting them, and the volunteers are so enthusiastic.

“It is such an easy project to deliver; however the benefits for the children are enormous, and it’s pleasing to have the football club, and such a high profile player on board. I really feel this project will be a great success”.