Government is providing $500,000 to this year’s Raise-a-Reader campaign to support community-based literacy programs for children and families throughout B.C.
“Literacy is so important to the lives of British Columbians. These are the skills that allow us to take part in our communities and live full and healthy lives,” said Education Minister Mike Bernier.
“Raise-a-Reader and Decoda are doing great work to support literacy and by extension, build stronger communities throughout the province.
“I encourage everyone to go out and support literacy in their community by contributing to Raise-a-Reader this week.”
Government’s annual $500,000 contribution to Raise-a-Reader supports programs that provide families with fun ways to engage in literacy.
Families can find a variety of literacy programs offered at their local library, school or community centre.
During these programs families learn how to read and write together, learn new songs and rhymes, or make crafts like family trees, memory books, or sock puppets.
These activities help develop confidence in reading, writing, and communication skills for children and their parents.
Further to government’s efforts to support learning for families and young children, a new $600,000 partnership between the Ministry of Education, the Provincial Office for the Early Years and the B.C. School Superintendents Association will give early years professionals the tools they need to better support children entering kindergarten.
Raise a Reader Week is celebrated Sept. 22 to 29.