Communities Across Nova Scotia Celebrate Family Literacy Day

NOTE: A list of Family Literacy Day events across the province follows the release.

For the past three years, Gerri Miller, a grandmother of six from Windsor, has spent one day a week reading to her granddaughter's elementary class. Her goal is to gain inspiration for her next children's novel.

Ms. Miller is part of the Early Learners and Parents' Partnership program, which works to increase parents and caregivers literacy activities at home and in school. This program and other family literacy efforts are an inter-generational approach to education that fosters learning and literacy within the family.

She attended Family Literacy Day celebrations today Jan. 25, in Windsor. Family Literacy Day is officially Jan. 27 but is being held in communities across the province until Monday, Jan. 28.

Family Literacy Day celebrates the outstanding literacy and learning efforts by families, schools and community groups across the province. The Department of Education is partnering with community literacy organizations to host reading circles, children's activities and family entertainment to mark the day.

"Since enrolling in the early learners program three years ago, I have written two children's books, and plan to write many more," said Ms. Miller. "I get some of my inspiration and ideas through reading to my granddaughter's Grade 2 class once a week. I even plan to have my granddaughter and her classmates help me write my next book.

"This program has uncovered my hidden ability to write, and I hope to share this talent with my grandchildren for many years to come."

Since 1999, the Department of Education, in partnership with community learning organizations, has supported the development and delivery of family literacy programs across Nova Scotia.

"Today we celebrate our successes and support future efforts to build literacy skills among Nova Scotians of all ages," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "I applaud the outstanding literacy and learning efforts all over our province. An investment in family literacy builds healthier families, stronger communities and economic potential.

"The Nova Scotia Family Literacy Grant Program recently awarded more than $200,000 in grants and we plan to continue that support."

The Department of Education also works with the Halifax Youth Foundation. The foundation has a history of providing financial support to literacy programs that benefit children across Nova Scotia.

"The Halifax Youth Foundation is very pleased to play a role in supporting literacy and youth in our province," said Hugh Smith, president of the board of directors, Halifax Youth Foundation. "We feel all children should be given the opportunity to learn together with their families, and we are working to achieve that goal one family at a time."

This year, the foundation approved 13 projects across the province, totalling $100,000 in family literacy funding.

Family Literacy Day celebrations:

Friday, Jan. 25 Richmond County -- Richmond County Learning Network and Port Hawkesbury Literacy Council Dress Up Day. Dress as your favourite storybook character and submit photo for a prize draw. Businesses and elementary schools in the area will be participating. Richmond County is also proclaiming Jan. 20 to 26 Family Literacy Week.

Antigonish County -- The Antigonish County Adult Learning Association writing contest for Grades primary to 4, 220 Main St., Antigonish. For more information call, 902-863-3060.

Guysborough County -- Guysborough County Adult Learning Association display and name your favourite author contest (until Feb. 14), 136 Church St., Guysborough.

Saturday, Jan 26 Colchester County -- Colchester Adult Learning Association, 8849, Highway. 2, Great Village, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be music by The Elliotts, a discovery centre, story corner readings, door prizes, and special guests CTV's Cindy Day and Minister of Education, Karen Casey.

Queens County -- Queens Learning Network two-day (Saturday and Sunday) reading relay, Thomas Raddall Library, 95 Gorham St., Liverpool. Celebrations will include a reading of The Tent Dwellers, and will be part of the Tent Dwellers Centennial Festival 2008.

Sunday, Jan 27 Cape Breton Regional Municipality -- McConnell Library, 50 Falmouth St., Sydney, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., stories, puppet shows, crafts, refreshments and prizes.

Yarmouth County -- École Belleville, 84 Belleville Rd.,Tusket, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. , reading, music, cake and presentation. Health Minister Chris d'Entremont will attend.

Pictou County -- The New Glasgow Public Library will host an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party with readings, crafts, and refreshments at 182 Dalhousie St., from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, Jan 28 Hants County -- East Hants Adult Learning Association will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Elmsdale to launch a new family literacy program, Focus on Family. It's being held at the Nova Centre, 224, Highway 214, Suite 108, at 3 p.m.

Colchester County -- Maggie's Place, 67 Pictou Rd., Bible Hill, will host a celebration including readings and displays. It begins at 10 a.m.