B.C. supports literacy for lifelong learning

Children and families throughout B.C. will keep building stronger futures through reading and everyday learning with continued support for literacy programs.

“Literacy helps people thrive in every part of life and is the foundation of strong communities,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “From reading a bedtime story to filling out a job application, literacy is a powerful tool that supports children’s development and helps all of us connect to opportunity, community and each other.”

Continuing its annual support, the B.C. government is providing $500,000 to the Raise-a-Reader campaign, which supports literacy for young readers and families by increasing awareness and raising money to fund community-based programs throughout B.C. Since 2017, the Province has donated $4.5 million to the campaign.

“Raise-a-Reader is a vital source of family literacy funding across British Columbia, particularly in rural, remote, and northern communities,” said Sandra Lee, executive director, Decoda Literacy Solutions. “It has empowered newcomer families to access child care, sports and after-school programs, supported community gardens that connect literacy with environmental action, and, through a partnership with Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo, created opportunities for children to build confidence and find joy in reading and learning.”

Literacy is an essential skill that helps people succeed at school and work and feel confident navigating everyday life. Reading sparks curiosity and creativity, and can provide valuable and fun learning opportunities to children through daily routines. Reading together also supports emotional growth and well-being by opening up conversations among children and caregivers, helping build stronger bonds.

“Books BC applauds the Province’s sustained investment in Raise-a-Reader’s mission to ensure literacy programs are accessible by all British Columbians, regardless of age, geographic location or English language ability,” said Matea Kulić, executive director, Association of Book Publishers of BC (Books BC). “Books are a pathway to exploration, increased empathy and lifelong learning. Fostering a love of reading also helps to strengthen B.C.’s publishing industry, which contributes over $57 million to the provincial GDP and sustains hundreds of B.C. jobs.”

This year, the Raise-a-Reader campaign will run from Friday, Sept. 19 until Friday, Sept. 26. Organized by the Vancouver Sun and delivered in partnership with Decoda Literacy Solutions, the campaign helps fund programs that focus on young readers and families. Donations are used to buy and share reading materials to support further development of reading programs in community organizations, public libraries and schools, as well as host community events focused on awareness and building literacy skills throughout British Columbia.