Emu Ink links with Starbucks to help budding young writers
By Maurice Garvey
A PUBLISHER who helps turn primary school pupils into real published authors, has partnered up with coffee giant Starbucks.
The Emu Ink Schools’ Publishing Programme, founded in 2017 by former The Echo newspaper editor Emer Cleary and her software developer husband Brian, has published thousands of children’s stories to date using the company’s technology to encourage literacy skills in children.
Emer Cleary, Founder & CEO of the Emu Ink Schools’ Publishing Programme with Celine Gilmer, Group Marketing Manager for Starbucks
Last year, Emu Ink published a collection of short stories by third class pupils at St Louise de Marillac Primary School in Ballyfermot.
The publisher’s course for youngsters is a series of lessons and exercises, that can be accessed online and projected through the interactive whiteboard or viewed via tablet, computer or phone, on completion of which will see each student having written a short story.
All short stories are then published in a paperback anthology.
In partnering with Starbucks, every child in every participating school will get two special bookmarks as a gift upon publication, which will double up as vouchers and entitle the new authors to free hot chocolates – and their parents to free coffees – in any Starbucks.
They will also get €10 off any activity at any Leisureplex, and every teacher in participating schools will also receive a free Starbucks reusable cup.
Ms Cleary said the companies will also be running various events, including open mic experiences where children can read their work to an audience.
“Our programme encourages children of all standards to aim high, be imaginative and work hard, and it rewards them for it by publishing their work, no matter what their age, capability or standard,” she said.
“It is important for us to work with companies that share our vision, that care about social inclusion and literacy and recognise the incredible work being done in our schools both through our programme and outside of it.”
Celine Gilmer, Group Marketing Manager for Starbucks said: “We are delighted to have partnered with such an innovative Irish company, which promotes imagination and freedom of expression – as well as social inclusion. We look forward to working with Emu Ink long into the future.”
For more information log onto emucourses.ie
