BC’s provincial literacy organization, Decoda Literacy Solutions and local literacy organization Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society are encouraging everyone to “Put On Your Purple” in support of literacy programs in BC. These programs help increase the literacy and learning skills of children, families, adults and seniors to improve their quality of life.
“There is a direct relationship between low literacy levels and poverty,” said Sandra Lee, executive director at Decoda Literacy Solutions. “Stronger literacy skills have a ripple effect to improve people’s job opportunities, future education opportunities, health, civic participation, community connections – and improve their family’s literacy.”
The Literacy Month theme is “Literacy connects us… at home, at work and in the community.”
· Literacy connects us to our kids. Having books and reading together at home helps develop children’s literacy.
· Literacy connects us to health. Canadians with stronger literacy skills enjoy better health. Literacy skills help us find, understand and use health information.
· Literacy connects us to employment. People with strong literacy skills have more job opportunities and can earn more money.
· Literacy connects us to learning. People with stronger literacy skills are more likely to participate in adult education and job-related training.
· Literacy connects us to the digital world. Digital access and skills allow people to fully participate in society.
Throughout September, province-wide activities include a campaign on @decodaliteracy social media channels, a Literacy Month Activity Calendar, and a #Connect4Lit23 Literacy Month Activity Photo Contest draw. Look for radio and television ads aired on CBC, exclusive broadcast media partner of September is Literacy Month.
Visit the literacy booth at the Fall Fair for activities, storytelling, and a free book for kids!
Locally, Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society (MWFLS) will celebrate Literacy Month at the Regional Fall Fair at the Chilton Regional Arena in Port McNeill September 9th and 10th.
“At our booth, children receive a free book, MWFLS bookmark and sticker, and families can pick up a Literacy Month Activity Calendar,” said Leslie Dyck, MWFLS executive director and literacy outreach coordinator. “We will also have a few of our Fostering Literacy youth tutors there to play literacy games with the kids, Mother Goose storytelling, and literacy socks for sale as a fundraiser.”
MWFLS staff will be there to answer questions, share information about programs or talk about volunteer opportunities.
“We have opportunities for adult literacy tutors, ONE-to-ONE reading tutors for children, and volunteer guest teachers in our United Way School’s Out programs,” said Leslie. “We also have job opportunities for youth as Fostering Literacy tutors, for adults as Mother Goose storytellers, and we’re currently hiring School’s Out program coordinators at AJ Elliott and Wagalus schools.”
The Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society works with communities, schools and organizations to support literacy and learning with free programs for people of all ages on North Vancouver Island.
Learn more and donate at: mwliteracynow.wordpress.com.
