WREXHAM students have celebrated the launch of Welsh-English children's book 'The Lucky Dragon' at the Stok Cae Ras.
Hosted by Wrexham AFC’s Global Technology Partner HP, the event commemorated a new bilingual Welsh-English children's storybook brought to life by HP and NABU, with support from the club.
On a mission to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030, HP has been in collaboration with NABU since 2020, a non profit organisation that focuses on increasing access to literacy resources for children around the world, especially in their mother tongue languages.
‘The Lucky Dragon’ (Y Ddraig Lwcus) is available for free online via NABU’s web reader with printed books to be donated to schools and libraries across Wrexham.
By enabling access to engaging stories that are culturally relevant, HP and NABU hope to spark a love of reading and equip children with the skills they need to thrive in our digital world.
To celebrate ‘The Lucky Dragon’ launch, and as part of HP’s partnership with Wrexham AFC, HP and NABU held a read aloud event for 30 children aged 7-11 from Welsh medium community primary school Ysgol Bryn Tabor.
The event took place on March 21 at the Stok Cae Ras and included a live bilingual read aloud of the book, as well as workshop activities using the latest HP technology.
Children learnt to create digital artworks based on the book illustrations and printed them on keepsake photopaper. In addition, the children learned to make an origami dragon bookmark based on the club’s mascot.
Kevin Williams, headteacher at Ysgol Bryn Tabor said: “We had a great time at the STōK Cae Ras. The children were excited on the way to the event and it managed to exceed all of their expectations.
"The children had a fun time with the origami and digital art colouring on the HP devices and this was capped with a reading of the story and meeting some of the Wrexham players. It was difficult to tell whether the pupils or the school staff enjoyed it the most.
"The huge smiles on everyone's faces on the bus journey back to Coedpoeth told the story.”
Zoe Westwood, UK & Ireland Sales Director at HP, who plays a key role in HP’s partnership with Wrexham AFC, said: “When we became Global Technology Partner to Wrexham AFC last year, we committed to deliver meaningful projects beyond the football pitch.
"With a shared ambition to drive positive impact for this community, we couldn’t be prouder of the reception this Welsh-English children's book has received, and the engagement with the technology that helped to create it."
Fleur Robinson, CEO of Wrexham AFC, said: “The book, which celebrates Welsh culture and language, brings our city to life in a truly special way.
"Both Wrexham AFC and HP see sport as the cornerstone of togetherness, with football clubs being a hub for all communities.
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"With this book, we hope to inspire children and adults alike with a story they can feel connected to."
Stephen Rule (aka Dr Cymraeg) hosted the read aloud to an audience of children and players.
He said: “As a huge Wrexham fan myself and long-standing teacher of the Welsh language, initiatives like this will have untold impact on the Welsh learning community.
"Initiatives like this are amazing for celebrating all that makes us unique.”
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