Hellenic Bank supports innovative reading initiative

The Cyprus Children’s and Young People’s Book Society, supported by Hellenic Bank, successfully wrapped up its innovative reading initiative titled ‘The Furry Book Club’.

This year, both children and parents embraced the club, which continues to gain popularity, offering numerous benefits to the younger generation.

Primarily, the programme aims to assist children with learning difficulties and self-confidence issues by providing a unique reading experience with trained therapy dogs. It also encourages the habit of reading from an early age.

This year, the club also addressed the critical issue of climate change. In April, in collaboration with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, the Green Furry Book Club took place.

Stories with environmental themes were read by First Lady Philippa Karsera, and Minister Panayiotou to a room filled with children of various ages, highlighting the importance of environmental awareness.

From September 2023 to June 2024, the club hosted 29 weekly creative workshops. Over 300 children, aged 7-12, had the opportunity to enjoy stories read by Cypriot and Greek authors and illustrators.

These sessions were held in a specially designed area within the Hellenic Bank Administration Building, where the children could also interact with one of the four trained reading dogs: Coda Bear, Forest, Orla, and Pitz.

It has been widely demonstrated in various countries that literacy programmes incorporating therapy dogs have positive effects on children’s mental well-being, reading skills, while it also boosts their exposure to literature.

Reading with a therapy dog can alleviate the anxiety and stress that children often feel. Indeed, during these sessions, the children responded positively to the presence of the dogs, eagerly anticipating the next club meeting.  

The dogs provided a calming, non-judgmental presence, helping reluctant and anxious readers to relax. Unlike humans, dogs do not judge, rush, or show frustration at mistakes; they simply offer loving and supportive companionship. 

“Hellenic Bank continues to be a pioneer in Corporate Social Responsibility, supporting initiatives like The Furry Book Club,” the bank said in a statement.

“With children and their future being a crucial pillar within the Bank’s broader ESG (Environment, Society, and Governance) Strategy, such actions emphasise their commitment to fostering positive social impacts,” it added.