The Duchess of Cornwall visits Suas Literacy Support Programme at Claddagh National School, Galway

Today (May 19th) Suas, the educational charity welcomed Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall to their Literacy support programme in the Claddagh National School in Galway.

HRH Duchess of Cornwall presenting a certificate at Claddagh NS, Galway. Photo: Clodagh Kilbride

HRH Duchess of Cornwall presenting a certificate at Claddagh NS, Galway. Photo: Clodagh Kilbride

The Duchess of Cornwall, who is a Patron of the National Literacy Trust in the UK, spoke to children and volunteer mentors participating in the programme. She then presented both the pupils and their mentors with certificates to acknowledge their participation in the project.

Suas is an organisation that provides educational support to the children that need it most in Ireland, India and Kenya. Their Literacy Support Programme involves partnerships with organisations and companies whose staff and students are trained and then volunteer their time to teach pupils to read and write on a one-to-one basis.

“Given the support she offers to literacy in the UK, The Duchess of Cornwall understands how vital it is for young people to be able to read and write, said Adelaide Nic Chárthaigh, Suas Education and Business Development Manager. “Through her visit to the Claddagh National School here in Galway, she is giving the students, mentors and teachers, the recognition that they deserve” she added.

This year, 335 schoolchildren have taken part in the Programme in five cities across Ireland supported by 403 volunteer mentors. The Claddagh National School is one of 32 partner schools participating in the programme.

“We’ve noticed big improvements in the literacy skills of the students taking part in the project, and also the positive impact that it has on the class as a whole” said Michael Gallagher, principal of the Claddagh NS. “We’re so grateful to the NUIG mentors who give up their time every week to help our pupils. It’s not every day we welcome a Duchess to our school and we’re honored to do so” he said.

As a Patron of the National Literacy Trust in the UK, The Duchess of Cornwall visits many literacy focused initiatives and this is the first time she has done so in Ireland.

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