It’s Time to Count! Gas Networks Ireland partners with local Cork school for numeracy support programme

Who said learning can’t be fun?

Third class pupils at Scoil Aiséirí Chríost in Farranree played games and had fun while improving their maths skills through an eight-week programme of specially designed numeracy and activities which was delivered by employees from Cork-headquartered utility, Gas Networks Ireland.

A Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) initiative, the Time to Count programme fosters children’s confidence around numeracy and maths problem-solving skills which play a vital role in their development.

Scoil Aiséirí Chríost’s Principal Teresa O’Sullivan said the pupils engage better when learning is made fun:

"The Time to Count programme really supports the curriculum and helps to make maths more enjoyable and interesting for the pupils. Having engineers and scientists from Gas Networks Ireland volunteer their time to deliver the programme has certainly promoted a positive attitude and helped inspire the pupils.”

Gas Networks Ireland’s Social Sustainability Manager, Gráinne O’Reilly, said employee volunteering is a key part of the national gas network operator’s social engagement strategy:

“We are delighted to be working with BITCI to deliver such a fantastic programme to young children at Scoil Aiséirí Chríost. The programme is a great opportunity for Gas Networks Ireland employees to support the local communities in which we operate,” Ms O’Reilly said.

“Our volunteers take great enjoyment from participating in the programme through the facilitation of games and fun activities that build confidence. It is great to see the pupils’ participation and their eagerness to learn from the programme.”

BITCI Regional Coordinator, Diane Beckingham, said the organisation has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Gas Networks Ireland:

“It has been brilliant partnering with Gas Networks Ireland to deliver the Time to Count programme to local students in Scoil Aiséirí Chríost,” Ms Beckingham said.

“Literacy and numeracy skills are so important for children and instilling this foundation in them at a young age, is so important for later life.”