New book launched to promote active citizenship
2 March 2023
A new children's book has been launched today, World Book Day, to inspire young Islanders to influence change and improve their Island. 'The Many Hands Club', commissioned by the States Greffe and written by acclaimed local author, Penny Byrne, includes several Island references and recognisable local scenery, and links to the Jersey Curriculum. It also features winning poetry from a competition held during Democracy Week 2022.
'The Many Hands Club' was developed with the support of the States Assembly's Political Awareness and Education Sub-Committee, which sits underneath the Privileges and Procedures Committee. Deputy Carina Alves, Chair of the Sub-Committee, commented: "'The Many Hands Club' is part of an expanding suite of initiatives that we are developing to encourage Islanders to get involved in local politics. The book underlines the importance of teaching children about Jersey's democratic system with the goal of fostering life-long engagement with the States Assembly."
Deputy Lucy Stephenson, member of the Sub-Committee said: "'The Many Hands Club' promotes active citizenship through the story of a group of friends who decide to make a difference in their local community. I hope that the story will encourage children across Jersey to become curious about how the Island is run and to understand that they can make their voices heard on subjects that matter to them."
The author Penny Byrne, creator of the 'Charlie & Spud' books, 'The Silent Garden' and 'What's in your pocket, Peg?' is leading a workshop today with school children in Year 6 at Grouville School to celebrate the launch of 'The Many Hands Club' on World Book Day.
Every Year 5 student who visits the States Chamber this year, with their class, will be given a copy of 'The Many Hands Club'. The book is also available to buy at The States Greffe Information Centre at Morier House, Halkett Place; Société Jersiaise; The Ranch (café), and is available online at Waterstones.
