UNISON learning reps at De Montfort University launched their new nine-month programme of events to promote reading for pleasure for all staff with an event addressed by renowned poet, musician and activist Benjamin Zephaniah last month.

#DMUreads is modelled on the Reading Ahead challenge, which ULRs have run with great success in the past. But the big difference is that participants can read and review as many titles as they like.

The launch was held during lunchtime in the Campus Centre Atrium and many staff from across the University took the opportunity to hear Benjamin give a speech – which reps called “inspirational”. 

Benjamin recalled:

When I got expelled from school at the age of 13, the teacher said to me, ‘You’re going to end up dead or doing a life sentence.”

I really believe that if I didn’t discover reading and writing that probably would have happened to me.”

He also highlighted some of the issues he had overcome to become a writer and poet. Telling the audience that:

I’m severely dyslexic and I read at my own pace. You’re never too young or old to start, you can be a cleaner or a lecturer it doesn’t matter – once you’ve got it you’ve got it.”

As well as addressing the launch, Benjamin mingled with the staff afterwards.

UNISON ULR Andrew Jennison said: 

Benjamin was superb: I sat down afterwards and I thought, ‘I couldn’t have had anyone better to do the launch.’”