News release

Nova Scotia Communities Celebrate Family Literacy Day

Labour and Advanced Education (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Today, Jan. 27, has been proclaimed Family Literacy Day in Nova Scotia.

Family Literacy Day celebrates outstanding literacy and learning efforts by families, schools and community groups across the province.

The Department of Labour and Advanced Education is partnering with community literacy organizations to host reading circles, children's activities and family entertainment to mark the day. A provincial celebration planned for Gaspereau, Kings Co., has been rescheduled to Friday, Jan. 28, because of weather conditions.

"Investing in family literacy builds healthier families, economic potential and stronger communities," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Marilyn More.

"Parents and guardians are children's first and most important teachers. By focusing on literacy at an early age, we have the opportunity to instill in children a lifelong love of learning that will give them tremendous advantages throughout their lives."

The government has supported the development and delivery of family literacy programs for more than a decade. The Nova Scotia Family Literacy grant program awarded $260,000 to community organizations this year.

The province also partners with the Halifax Youth Foundation to deliver family literacy programs. This year, the foundation approved $110,000 for 21 projects.

Shirley Caldwell, a participant in the Publish It! project sponsored by the Valley Community Learning Organization, said she never dreamed she would write a book with her children.

"It was a great experience for me, my husband and my kids," said Ms. Caldwell. "We did it as a family and now we are all reading more than we ever did before. Plus, my kids want me to read to them more often."

For more information or to view Family Literacy Day activities, visit www.gonssal.ca and select Family Literacy Day under Latest News.