Literacy is an issue province-wide, not just locally, according BC-based Decoda Literacy Solutions. The literacy organization found that 45 per cent of BC residents struggle to accomplish some daily living tasks due to limited literacy skills.
Decoda data indicated 16 per cent of residents between the ages of 16 and 65 score at a literacy level one, which means they have difficulty filling out forms, navigating websites or reading food labels. Another 29 per cent score at level two, which includes having trouble understanding newspapers, filling out a tax return or comprehending a rental agreement.
For the past 18 years, the province has proclaimed January 27 as Family Literacy Day. This is the second year the celebration has been extended from one day to an entire week, allowing more time for events in libraries, schools and other community spaces from January 21 to 28.
"Literacy flourishes when families read, play and work together," said Decoda board chair Anne Cooper.
This year’s literacy theme asks: What’s on my plate?
“We are encouraging families to talk about food, read recipes, prepare food together and enjoy sharing family meals," said Cooper.
Local programs address the literacy needs of all ages, according to Megan Dulcie Dill, literacy outreach coordinator at the Elsie Paul Literacy Centre located inside Powell River Public Library.
“Here in Powell River we have the Zine Lab and we have partnered with School District 47 and the library to deliver that,” said Dulcie Dill.
A zine refers to a homemade magazine often focusing on a particular subject. Weekly zine lab sessions have proven to be a popular after-school activity, according to Dulcie Dill.
Another program focuses on digital literacy and offers new technology training.
“It’s open to all ages, but it’s been quite popular with seniors as it helps make sense of technology,” said Dulcie Dill.
Local elementary schools are also becoming involved in celebrating literacy week. On Friday, January 26, Henderson Elementary School will host a pancake breakfast and reading from 9-10 am; the event is open to parents, family, community members and friends.
James Thomson Elementary School is preparing for a continental breakfast on Monday, January 29, where students and staff are encouraged to dress as their favourite literary character.
Edgehill Elementary School students will be encouraged to dress up as their favourite character during literary events that focus on the books of children’s author Robert Munsch.
Westview Elementary students will decorate classroom doors and invite parents and grandparents to read with their children from 9-9:30 am on Friday January 26.
Decoda Literacy Solutions is celebrating family literacy with a province-wide online photo contest to encourage residents to share their family literacy activities. For more information, go to decoda.ca.
