The event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the impact delivered during the 2025–2026 academic year, share key successes and lessons learned, and celebrate another year of collaboration.

Special guest speakers included Laura Fitzpatrick, NI Regional Lead of the National Literacy Trust and Project Manager for National Year of Reading 2026, and Ashwin Chacko, an author-illustrator and storyteller whose bold, colourful work encourages confidence, imagination and positive thinking.

Time to Read helps children build literacy skills and confidence through regular reading support, while Time 2 Count helps pupils strengthen maths and numeracy skills and see how these apply beyond the classroom. Time to Code supports children to develop coding and ICT skills, alongside teamwork, problem solving and collaborative thinking. Together, the programmes give children the tools and resources they need to succeed in school and in life, while inspiring them about future careers and the importance of the skills they are learning for different jobs.

Ciara Mulgrew, Time to… Programme Manager at BITC, said: “Early intervention is vitally important in helping children build confidence, strengthen essential skills and reach their full potential. It was a pleasure to bring together our volunteers, schools and partner organisations to recognise the impact they are making across Northern Ireland.”

During the 2025–2026 academic year, the Time to… programme supported more than 5,000 children. 139 schools benefited from weekly activities, with 413 volunteers engaged and 1,534 pupils reached across Northern Ireland. The initiative also included a Safer Internet Day live broadcast involving 32 schools and more than 3,500 pupils, while volunteers from 45 different organisations, supported by retired and community volunteers, helped deliver this impact.

Fran Murray, SENCO at St Joseph’s Primary School, Carryduff, said: “Time to Read and the volunteers who come into our school are a very valued part of our school community and we are incredibly grateful to them all. The children love their sessions and have developed a real love of reading. What makes such a difference is the way volunteers take time to connect with each child, helping to build confidence, enjoyment and meaningful relationships that support their progress.”

John White, Time to Read volunteer at St Joseph’s Primary School and Time 2 Count volunteer at Carryduff Primary School, said: “Being part of the Time to… programme has been a really rewarding experience. I love what I get back from the children, and it is wonderful to see them learn and make great progress over the academic year.”

The A&O Shearman Foundation, through the Belfast Grants programme, supports Business in the Community’s ‘Time to’ initiatives in primary schools across Northern Ireland.

Pauline Wylie, Communications Manager at A&O Shearman, said: “We know not every child has the same start in life, but we firmly believe every child should have equal access to opportunity. Supporting initiatives like ‘Time to’ is one of the most meaningful ways we can help build confidence, develop skills, and open doors for the future. Our involvement goes beyond funding, with our colleagues volunteering in schools to inspire young people, spark curiosity and nurture a lifelong love of learning.”.

To find out more, visit www.bitcni.org.uk/timeto.