Published 18.12.2024
by Kids’ Own
by Kids’ Own
A children�s arts organisation and publishing house.
A children�s arts organisation and publishing house.
Kids’ Own Publishing Partnership is deeply grateful for the funding provided by the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, and the Community Foundation for Ireland, which has made a profound impact on our ability to deliver creative projects with children and young people across Ireland. This support has helped us work with diverse communities, empowering children to share their voices and experiences through art and literature.
Here’s how the funding has helped us make a difference:
Through our collaboration with Traveller and Roma communities in Cork, we co-created two powerful books, Grow Up Strong and The Real Us. These books capture the children’s unique voices and experiences. The project also produced a teacher resource for classroom use and research to highlight the significance of inclusive creative initiatives.
We hosted workshops in Dungarvan with early years Traveller children, their siblings, and parents, in partnership with the Dungarvan Traveller Community Health Project and Waterford County Childcare Committee. This play-based creative arts project encouraged outdoor exploration and family and community connection. We are now eagerly awaiting the launch of a children’s book, a video documenting the project, and the project evaluation.
In partnership with the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) and Bedford Row, we are supporting children who have experienced having a family member in prison. Guided by Kids’ Own associate artist Maree Hensey and writer Mary Branley, the children have created a book that reflects their lives and stories, giving them a meaningful space to express themselves creatively.
In a year-long residency at St Joseph’s School in Sligo, we are working with children and young people with learning disabilities to create a book that shares their unique experiences. This project provides a sustained opportunity for creative engagement, allowing students to work closely with professional artists in a meaningful and inclusive way.
The funding from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal has been essential in helping us bring these projects to life. It has enabled us to collaborate with children and families from underrepresented communities and provide them with opportunities to explore their creativity and tell their stories.
We are also delighted to say that we are continuing to work with each of these four project partners on different initiatives after successful projects funded by the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. This is really a testament to the long-term difference the fund can make and the connections it brings.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and everyone who contributed to this fund. Your support is helping us create lasting memories and impactful projects that celebrate the creativity and voices of children across Ireland.