NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010EDUC0004-000086 Jan. 27, 2010

Ministry of Education Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development

 

B.C. PROCLAIMS FAMILY LITERACY DAY

 

VICTORIA – Libraries, communities and families throughout B.C. and Canada are celebrating Family Literacy Day today with events that promote the importance of reading as a family, Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid, and Advanced Education and Labour Market Development Minister Moira Stilwell announced.

 

“Research has shown the significant influence parents have on the literacy development of their children,” said MacDiarmid. “Reading with your child for just 15 minutes a day can make a tremendous difference in their learning and language growth. What’s more, reading together can be a fun, sharing activity that builds connections and family memories that will last a lifetime.”

 

Today, schools, libraries and community centres have scheduled a variety of events to mark Family Literacy Day, including writing contests, storytelling, public readings, read-a-thons, book drives, reading circles, family literacy workshops and seminars.

 

Family Literacy Day, which takes place every year on Jan. 27, was created in 1999 by ABC Canada to encourage families to read and learn together. Last year, close to 290,000 Canadians participated in Family Literacy Day events and activities across the country.

 

“Literacy is an incredible gift that opens up a world of opportunities, achievement, and learning and ensures every British Columbian realizes their full potential,” said Stilwell. “We know there are direct links between literacy and employment, income and health – supporting literacy for all family members will help people succeed at work, at home, and in their communities.”

One of the goals of Family Literacy Day is to promote literacy development for family members of all ages. There are many ways families can strengthen their literacy skills together in the home, whether through reading, writing, playing games, following recipes or singing songs.

 

“Family Literacy Day is just one day of the year, but we hope today’s celebrations will inspire families to make literacy activities a bigger part of their lives,” said ABC Canada president Margaret Eaton. “Family reading and writing time can help fuel the skills that are essential to thriving in today’s knowledge-based society. Strong literacy skills create opportunities and enable individuals to participate fully by giving them the tools and the confidence to learn, grow and pursue their dreams.”

 

 

Since 2001, the Province has invested $1.2 billion in literacy and literacy-related initiatives, such as StrongStart BC early learning programs, almost $15 million to operate the Kindergarten readiness program Ready, Set, Learn and $2.7 million for the LEAP BC program that encourages literacy, physical activity and healthy eating in preschool-aged children.

 

ABC Canada Literacy Foundation is Canada’s private-sector voice championing adult literacy.

 

To find a Family Literacy Day event in your area,

visit http://www.abc-canada.org/en/fld/2010/.

           

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Contact:

Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963

 

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.