Family Literacy Receives Boost in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians have real reason to celebrate National Family Literacy Day today.

A $2.4-million Family Learning Initiative Endowment Fund is being created -- the first of its kind in Canada. Interest from the endowment will fund projects that encourage families to promote learning and literacy at home, support parents and children in their personal educational goals, and integrate family learning with other life skills. Parenting programs, family resource centres, libraries, school advisory councils, and community health clinics are just some examples of how funding could be used.

Education and Culture Minister Wayne Gaudet says literacy and learning are key to full participation in the home, the community and the workplace. Literacy is also the foundation for a strong economy, and it all starts at home.

"We want to give children the right start in life, and parents are our children's first teachers," Mr. Gaudet said. "Support for literacy and learning within families helps prepare children for school, and for the world of opportunities that lie ahead."

The endowment is funded through a partnership of the Halifax Youth Foundation and the provincial and federal governments. The foundation will seek other partners and carrying out fund-raising so more Nova Scotians can have access to family learning programs.

The Halifax Youth Foundation has a long history of supporting youth initiatives.

"The Halifax Youth Foundation is honoured to have such proactive and committed partners in this endeavour," said Hugh Smith, foundation president. "The fact that all the partners are so dedicated to providing support for family learning in the province speaks to the importance of literacy and learning in our lives."

A request for proposals from interested groups will take place this spring. An awards committee, consisting of representatives of the partner groups, will evaluate proposals in the fall. The first funding will be awarded in November.

"Support for family learning is a fundamental element in community building," said Senator Alasdair Graham. "This project fosters a collaborative, developmental process among families, communities and institutions."

Funding from partners will be phased in over three years. The Halifax Youth Foundation is contributing $1 million; the National Literacy Secretariat of Human Resources Development Canada, $1 million; and the Province of Nova Scotia, $400,000, plus in-kind administrative support.