Campbell River Improves Local Literacy

The Campbell River literacy task group received $100,000 from Literacy Now Communities. Funds were used to create an online literacy resource and to purchase equipment that allowed marginalized youth to produce DVDs. The productions feature Aboriginal Elders passing on their teachings.

In addition, the local literacy group supported training for home-based day care providers; created a literacy centre at the Salvation Army Lighthouse; and donated computers to Family Services to strengthen youth literacy programs. The group also supported summer programs for low-income kids and sponsored Family Literacy Day 2009, a community-wide event.

Literacy Now Communities guides communities through a planning process to identify and address local literacy needs. The program focuses on building partnerships, networking and sharing best practices within BC's communities and regions. There are currently 96 task groups throughout BC working to improve local literacy. Literacy Now Communities is supported by the Province of British Columbia.