Isobel Abulhoul OBE
She has spent a lifetime being true to one simple belief, that when a child becomes a reader, someone who reads regularly for pleasure, they gain a head start that lasts a lifetime. Reading builds critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, empathy, and confidence. It opens doors, long before a child may even realise, they exist.
The GESS Lifetime Achievement Award for Education is something she will treasure, because it recognises not a single moment, but a lifetime spent following that dream. She never set out to win awards. She set out to make sure children had access to books, stories, and reading experiences that respected who they are, the languages they speak, and the futures they could imagine. When she says she, she refers to the wonderful people who have been at her side, and who shared the same passion for education and for making a difference. Nothing is ever achieved without the help and support of incredible kindred spirits. She accepted this wonderful award on their behalf.
Nurturing an Ecosystem of Reading
When she looks back over the years, this belief has taken many forms, bookshops that welcome families, schools that nurture curiosity, festivals that bring stories to life, libraries that empower communities, and publishing initiatives that give children books that are both a mirror and also a window on the world. Together, they form an ecosystem built on trust, patience, and people.
The greatest reward is seeing a child fall in love with reading
There have been challenges. “Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort,” she says. Funding, changing educational trends, fear of doing something differently but she has learned that staying true to one’s values matters, whilst always being open to listen to differing opinions. Education is not about speed. It is about depth. It is about each child and how they can learn best.
Education is not about speed. It is about depth
Moments That Matter Most
The memories that stay with her longest are mainly personal. Her own children’s joy of favourite books, and now her grandchildren’s journey falling in love with books and reading. Observing children enjoying books in school libraries, that they have chosen for themselves, finding a teacher rediscovering joy in reading aloud, listening to a librarian who have realised the difference they can make. All these beautiful moments help her realise why this work matters.
A Journey That Continues
This award does not mark an end. It strengthens her resolve to continue, to support in whatever way she can. With each passing year, she may have less energy, but she is uplifted by the chance to help. One child, one book, one dream, at a time.
One child, one book, one dream, at a time
As she has said, this journey has never been hers alone. She is deeply grateful to her family, colleagues, partners, and communities who have walked alongside her.
Most of all, she is grateful to the children, who remain the greatest teachers.
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