If there was ever a time to grab a good book and head for that cozy chair by the fireplace, now would be it.
The City of Williams Lake has proclaimed this week Family Literacy Week.
Family Literacy Day is a national initiative created in 1999 and held annually on Jan. 27 to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family.
The Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy works toward improving literacy every day and promotes the Reach a Reader campaign throughout the month of January, which we here at the Tribune/Weekend Advisor of course support fully.
It has been said time and time again that taking a few moments every day to read or do a learning activity with children is crucial to a child’s development. Even just 15 minutes a day can improve a child’s literacy skills dramatically, while helping a parent improve their skills as well.
No one believes more in the power of literacy than Lil and Bruce Mack, who have been long-time champions for local literacy.
Bruce is the current president of the CCPL while Lil volunteers as a director and treasurer.
“For me, it’s a great equalizer being able to read and understand,” Lil said earlier this month of why she supports CCPL.
CCPL employs a partner-assisted learning co-ordinator to recruit and train 50 volunteer tutors in the Williams Lake and 100 Mile House area to help those with literacy challenges.
Lil said for a lot of people though, the biggest problem is just having the self-confidence to reach out for assistance.
“Overcoming that is one of the biggest hurdles,” said Lil, adding that those with literacy problems become very good at hiding it.
We need to watch for those clues and support our friends, families and co-workers who may struggle with literacy.
Reading truly does open the door to a whole other world of possibilities.
If you have young children, be sure to make the time to take in the CCPL’s Family Fest this weekend at Marie Sharpe elementary school, where multiple agencies will gather to offer a range of activities for children.
Families will also be able to find out about the many community resources available for young children.
For more information on Family Fest see Page A22 or visit https://www.facebook.com/CaribooChilcotinPartnersforLiteracy.
- Williams Lake Tribune