Parents Get Help for Learning at Home

Nine literacy organizations across the province will receive grants to help parents play a more active role in their children's learning. The grants were announced today, Jan. 27, at a Family Literacy Day event attended by Premier John Hamm and Education Minister Jamie Muir.

"When you invest in literacy, the rewards are enormous for Nova Scotian children, their families, and our society," said Premier Hamm. "Learning is a lifelong adventure and we are committed to ensuring our children get the best start in life."

The organizations are getting a total of $100,000 through the Family Learning Initiative Endowment Fund. They will use the funding to provide workshops, resources and opportunities for parents and children to work on reading and writing together.

"Family literacy programs enable parents and caregivers to help children develop a love of learning," Mr. Muir said at the Keshen Goodman Public Library in Halifax today. "More than ever, literacy is essential in today's ever-changing economy and society. That's why we have made literacy a priority in our schools. We will continue to invest funds to help more children develop the literacy skills they need to succeed."

Family literacy is part of Nova Scotia's comprehensive approach to developing literacy at all levels -- through the public school system in the early years, and through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning and workplace education programs for adult Nova Scotians.

"We all have a role to play in helping children develop strong reading and writing skills at an early age," said Hugh Smith, president of the Halifax Youth Foundation. "We're pleased to help parents in their role as their children's first teacher by supporting these community programs."

The endowment fund now totals more than $3 million. It was launched in 1999 by the Halifax Youth Foundation, the Department of Education and other partners. The Department of Education supports the foundation by co-ordinating the proposal review and monitoring projects.

"For the Halifax Public Libraries, Family Literacy Day is an opportunity to celebrate what we do all year round," said Tracey Jones, literacy, English as a second language and diversity services manager, Halifax Public Libraries. "We offer innovative and exciting programs that celebrate reading, listening, learning, participating and interacting."

The nine organizations receiving funding this year are:

• Annapolis Valley-Hants Community Action Program for Children ($13,000)
• Community Learning Association North of Smokey ($17,312)
• Conseil scolaire acadien provincial, École Beaubassin ($10,000)
• Digby County Family Resources Centre ($7,088)
• Eastern Shore Family Resource Association ($10,000)
• Fairview United Church ($5,600)
• Friends of the River John Library Society ($10,000)
• Musquodoboit Valley Family Resource Centre ($14,000)
• Pictou County Continuous Learning Association ($13,000).

Family Literacy Day was initially created by ABC Canada Literacy Foundation in 1999 to promote the importance of family literacy. It is now celebrated every Jan. 27 by families, schools, communities and literacy-related organizations across Canada.