FEP delivers new chapter for young readers
Over 40 children in Cowdenbeath will receive free reading books every month for the first five years of their lives, thanks to a new literacy initiative between ExxonMobil Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) and The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT).
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By donating over £5,000 to the cause, FEP is supporting CRT in the Cowdenbeath rollout of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an internationally acclaimed programme that will now gift 2400 high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children, completely free of charge.
The Initiative aims to support children living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, where early access to books can make a meaningful difference to their literacy development.
The books will be delivered directly to children’s homes every month through Home-Start Cowdenbeath, a local charity that provides emotional and practical support to parents with young children.
To launch the exciting new chapter, FEP collaborated with CRT and Home-Start Cowdenbeath to host a celebratory event at Cowdenbeath Library.
Children, families, and carers enjoyed a special reading of the first book they will receive, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, read by ExxonMobil FEP’s Safety, Security, Health, and Environment Manager - and mum of three- Susannah Storey.
“Cowdenbeath, like many former mining communities, has faced its share of challenges over the years,” said, Bob Young , Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s Trustee
“However, through vital initiatives like this, we are investing in the long-term futures of our children while building prosperity and opportunity. We’re grateful to ExxonMobil Fife for their generous support, and to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Home-Start Cowdenbeath for being such vital partners in this important campaign.”
Cowdenbeath is located less than two miles from ExxonMobil Fife’s Ethylene Plant, which employs 500 staff and contractors many of whom are from the town and surrounding areas. The donation also forms part of ExxonMobil FEP’s ‘40 Years in Fife’ celebrations, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the community.
“As proud employers in the Fife area, we recognise that by investing in young people we are not only supporting them today, but also helping to educate and inspire the future workforce of the region, perhaps even the next generation of ExxonMobil FEP engineers.” Said Susannah Storey.
“With the programme now reaching more than 9,000 children across Scotland, we are delighted to see Cowdenbeath join a growing network of communities giving children the best possible start in life.”