Families Celebrate Literacy

Nova Scotian families gathered to listen to stories, celebrate words and take part in festivities during a family literacy fair in Oyster Pond, Halifax Regional Municipality, today, May 10.

Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Bill Dooks, attending on behalf of Labour and Workforce Development Minister Mark Parent, recognized organizations throughout the province for their efforts to enhance literacy skills within families.

"Children who live in homes where they are read to at least once a day tend to perform higher in school, even in subjects such as math," said Mr. Dooks. "Through family literacy programs, parents and caregivers will receive the support they need to improve their own skills so they can better support their children.

"This fair gives us the opportunity to celebrate their success, and to support future efforts to build literacy skills among Nova Scotians of all ages."

In 2005, the provincial government introduced an adult-focused family literacy grant program to enhance family literacy skills with community projects.

In 2007-08, the grant program contributed $240,000 to help family literacy organizations across the province promote the importance of literacy and encourage a love of reading.

"Because of the support we received through the grant program, we were able to develop a new family literacy program called Learning to Go," said Joyce Power, co-ordinator with the Eastern Shore Musquodobit Valley Literacy Network. "Parents receive a bag full of literacy goodies such as playing cards and recipes. During workshops, we teach parents how to use these everyday materials in their learning activities with their children.

"Through our programs, we are able to reach out to families in our community to provide them with the tools they need to raise their children in a fun and happy learning environment."

Family literacy programs include reading circles for parents or caregivers and children, adult literacy programs that focus on health and parenting, and workshops for parents and caregivers on how to support their child's educational development.

"By investing in family literacy, we are building healthier families, economic potential and stronger communities in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Dooks. "As we do this, we are also helping to shape the minds of the next generation."