Offaly pupils honoured at Write-a-Book awards

Over 500 teachers, parents and pupils converged on The Midland Park Hotel, Portlaoise recently to celebrate the publication of over 1,350 books by 1387 pupils from thirty three schools in the Midlands in the Write-a-Book project.

This project is coordinated by Laois Education Centre in partnership with Laois County Enterprise Board and is one which is enthusiastically received by both pupils and teachers in the many schools in the catchment of Laois Education Centre which provides support to the educational partners in the counties of Laois, Offaly and North

Guest of Honour on the night, was Neil de Búrca, one of Ireland's finest traditional storytellers. Neil has featured in theatre, radio and at many festivals including Féile Earraai, the CS Lewis Festival, and The National Children's Book Festival.

A total of 83 merit awards and 360 highly commended awards were presented in the evening by Neil de Búrca each of the 1387 participating pupils received a certificate of participation as well as a Write a Book pack.

Jim Enright, Director of Laois Education Centre explained that the Write-a-Book Project enables primary school children to become real authors as they create their own books by actively engaging in the processes of writing, composing, constructing, designing, illustrating and presenting their work to a wide audience.