Family and literacy go hand in hand

STELLARTON - Literacy comes in many forms to many people, but the one form that's pivotal to many is literacy within the family.
That message came across loud and clear on Wednesday at the community college as part of the Family Literacy Day celebration. Speaker after speaker addressed the importance of lifelong learning, learning at home, learning together and how it has benefits through life.
The Pictou County Continuous Learning Association, which provides academic upgrading of adults, was in the spotlight as part of the celebration. The Take FLIGHT Family Literacy Program got particular emphasis and well-deserved praise.
Carollynne Nemecek of PiCCoLA said adult learning is important in the lives of the students themselves and in the lives of their families.
"The family that learns together will ultimately excel together…. Our belief at PiCCoLA is that learning is a lifelong endeavour. It doesn't stop when you leave school."
She said skills that are offered through PiCCoLA take on many shapes and forms and arrive in many different ways. "Literacy is more than just books. There are many ways to strengthen literacy skills," she told the group.
Susan MacPhail is one of the success stories that came out of the Take FLIGHT Family Literacy Program.
"It has built up my self-esteem," she told the crowd.
June Crossman also took the time to say a few words as a part of the Take FLIGHT program. "I hope to inspire my children and encourage a lifelong commitment to learning and literacy."
Both women talked about skills they've learned along the way and the pure enjoyment they got out of sharing the program, at different times, with their children.
Ross Landry, provincial Justice minister and a former PiCCoLA board member, said literacy spreads from a strong base.
"Adult literacy is a key ingredient to advancing efforts in family literacy."
He said that increased self-esteem in parents and caregivers through increasing literacy spins off to successful, confident, intelligent children.
"Children who see parents involved in literacy, they get energized as well…. Let's continue to make literacy a family event, but most of all let's have fun doing it."
Lynne Wells-Orchard, acting manager of the adult education division of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development, said parents are children's first teachers and the better equipped parents are to support their educational goals, the better equipped they are to support their children.
"Partnerships are key…. A safe, supportive, literate community is everyone's responsibility and reward."