48 per cent of eighth grade students in Peace River North School District 60 reported “never” reading for fun, per the Human Early Learning Partnership’s report.
To improve outlooks on reading in the city, the Fort St John Literacy Society asked city council to dedicate September as “Literacy Month.”
“Solid literacy skills are vital to our country’s social and economic development,” declared Mayor Lilia Hansen during the council’s early August meeting. This month the literacy society included specific programming to educate residents, but its resources are available year-round.
“(We) help all age groups from birth right down to senior to be able to improve their literacy. Whether it’s through just providing books (or) through our workshops,” said Danelle Boyd, the local literacy society’s executive director.
Boyd said literacy is important because it impacts how a person interacts with the world.
“When literacy is missing (in any) aspect, it determines how a person’s mind communicates, who they interact with, things they’re able to gain access to in life, and how much they’re able to help themselves,” she explained.
“We tend to be a big supporter,” said Matthew Rankin, the director of library services at the Fort St John Public Library Association. The library is working with the society on a reading challenge for kids.
They also offer a summer reading club to encourage students to stay sharp while on break.
“Take advantage of all the help that is available within your community to help your child,” Boyd said to parents of children who are struggling.
Rankin concurred. He said another important point for readers of all ages to remember is it’s supposed to be enjoyable.
“Try to find a subject you’re really interested in,” he said. “Even starting off (researching) with reading a Wikipedia article or trying to read a news article a day can be helpful. There’s tons of resources at the literacy society and at the library that can help you with that.”
The work of the society goes beyond books. They offer programs on networking and conversation etiquette – these soft skills are the ripple effect the month is themed after. Residents are encouraged to participate in the final days of the society’s activity calendar. Upcoming activities include writing a letter or doing a jigsaw puzzle.
