In the highly anticipated annual event children and staff from across the school nominate their favorite books with a description of why they like the book and why it should be read. A panel of judges including staff and pupil librarians select the Oscar nominees.
This year was the first in two years that the award ceremony event was hosted in person where all the children in the school dressed as book characters and the Oscar winners are announced.
Martin Higgs Headteacher at Alverton Primary School said: “The awards afternoon is a much-anticipated annual event with all the children present in the hall once again this year after having to hold a virtual award ceremony for the last couple of years there is no doubt that LiveWest’s donation will make a big difference to our prize winners as alongside their Oscar they also received book tokens thanks to your generosity. Books are a great way to fire up a child’s imagination and to teach them about the world around them.”
LiveWest are in the process of donating book tokens to schools across the Penwith region in an area where there is an identified need to support children with their reading and education.
LiveWest has supported Pensans Community Primary School, Heamoor Community Primary School, Alverton Community Primary School, Pendeen School and St Ives Junior School with tokens for new books to refresh school libraries across Cornwall.
Keri Thomas, Community Connector for LiveWest, said: “Books are a fantastic way to feed children’s imaginations. We understand the importance of children being able to read and wanted to play a part in addressing the issue where lack of school funding can be a barrier to some children getting new books.”
“As a leading housing association, LiveWest can make a real difference to families and the community who have been hit hard by the impact of lockdowns, rising living costs and impacts to education.
“Giving back to our communities is a vital part of the work we do and we are absolutely delighted to be able to provide the book tokens to schools in our communities where we have homes which will make a positive difference to the children.”
With an increase in living costs LiveWest has stepped in to help customers in crisis by issuing more than 1,400 crisis and hardship grants to households across the South West, totaling more than £300,000 as well as £112,000 in grants for community spaces and digital inclusion.
Helen Thomas Grants Officer from LiveWest added: “Through a combined approach, including our Tenancy Sustainment team, working with community organisations and other partners and agencies, we are able to help customers ensure they are accessing longer term support.”
During the Covid19 pandemic we also issued £32,000 to schools to allow them to buy much-needed IT equipment and donated refurbished laptops.