The National Literacy Trust is marking its 30th anniversary this year. Throughout these three decades, they have been dedicated to empowering families and children, transforming lives through the influence of literacy. Moreover, during this 30-year period, the National Literacy Trust has accomplished remarkable feats, such as inspiring and empowering 5 million children, donating 528,303 books in the past year alone, and collaborating with nearly 17,000 schools. 

Triangle are proud to work closely with the National Literacy Trust, both at a national level as a business pledge signatory and with the Hastings Hub to help improve literacy levels in our local area of Hastings & St Leonards. Research shows that children who are supported to develop strong language skills in their earliest years are more likely to succeed in school and work and subsequently lead to happier lives.

Dream Big

Triangle Fire Systems funded the Words for Work, Dream Big Initiative for Year 1 and Year 2 pupils at Hollington Primary School. The Dream Big programme fosters literacy skills, inspires ambitions, and challenges stereotypes, and as volunteers, we felt we played a part in supporting these objectives.

The programme began with Stage 1 Classroom visits with Triangle volunteers. The volunteer session involved reading with the children to enhance literacy skills and engaging in a Q&A session on fire safety, our roles, and future aspirations.

Moving on, Stage 2 consisted of Dream Big classroom activities. This included the school receiving their Dream Big box, full of career focuses books, literacy lesson and career-related role play items. Exploring different jobs from an architect to a journalist.

Finally, Stage 3 was the Dream Big celebration! This last phase was held at the primary school, encouraging the opportunity to showcase their learning to the teachers as well as parents. Using their speaking skills, students were able to present their learning to front of everyone and received certificates.

Feedback from the National Literacy Trust

“This partnership has contributed greatly to the community at Hollington Primary School. At a time of unprecedented political, technological, and social change, it is vital that businesses and charities continue to come together to give children the skills they need to reach their potential. We hope to continue working together, with the support of Triangle Fire Systems Ltd, to deepen the impact and reach for young people, further improve their confidence and build their skills and aspirations for the future.”

Literacy Champions

In July, a reception was held at Clarence House by Her Majesty the Queen to commemorate this achievement. Amy, Triangle’s Finance Manager and one of our Literacy Champions, received an invitation to the National Literacy Trust celebration on the 9th of July. Over 60 volunteers, including  Literacy Champions, staff, trustees, and supporter, came together for this remarkable occasion.

Our Literacy Champions have made a big impact within our offices, this year they have introduced bookshelves to promise reading among our staff. The collection includes a wide variety of genres such as adult fiction, young adult fiction, children’s books, and non-fiction. Our aim is to provide everyone with the chance to read for relaxation or to enhance their literacy skills.