BC invests in literacy projects

British Columbia is investing $6 million towards literacy programs across the province, in an effort to improve its literacy strategies in school districts and establish new programs for Aboriginal, rural and remote areas.
The plans were announced on International Literacy day by Education Minister Shirley Bond.
"By funding literacy projects in all areas of the province, as well as encouraging lifelong learning by ensuring those projects are available to all citizens, B.C. is well on its way to meeting that goal," said Bond.
The 2010 Legacies Now was granted $2 million to expand literacy organization in all 60 B.C., school districts. This new investment will build on previous funding of $1.6 million for regional literacy co-coordinators at 16 public post-secondary institutions to improve the delivery of adult literacy programs.
"This funding will help B.C. build a seamless adult education system," said Advanced Education and Labour Market Development Minister Murray Coell in a news release. "Access to education will be designed and co-ordinate to benefit British Columbians of all ages and abilities in all communities."
Free tutoring for the adults who would like to improve their literacy or improve their education will be provided by post-secondary institutions thanks to an investment of $2.4 million in 70 community adult literacy programs.
"The funding for Aboriginal family literacy programs will be able to better reach many children and adults in our communities," said Grace Neilsen, president of the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centers. "Improving literacy is a goal of our organization and we welcome this opportunity to work with the province to improve the lives of our clients and their success in work and life."
Help for the accomplishment of Aboriginal family literacy programs in friendship centers around the province will be found as the B.C. association of Friendship Centers is receiving $1.2 million.
An Imagination Library book program will be established with $110,000 in partnership with the First Nations Education Steering Committee, Métis Nation B.C., the Dollywood Foundation and Invest in Kids.
Aboriginal children living in 30 rural and remote communities should be provided with a free, age appropriate book every month until the age of five, as a goal of the new program.
"Improving literacy for Aboriginal learners is a key objective of this government and part of our commitment to help close the social and economic gaps between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians," said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong.
The government has invested more than $140 million in new literacy initiatives since 2001.