The provincial government will match funds raised for the PEI Literacy Alliance during The Guardian’s Raise a Reader event September 23, says Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning Richard Brown.
“I want to congratulate The Guardian for its highly successful Raise a Reader Day, held Wednesday across the Island,” said Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning Richard Brown. “Today, I am pleased to announce that we will bolster the support from this event, with a contribution equivalent to the funds raised.”
The money raised through Raise a Reader, and matched by the provincial government, will be used by the PEI Literacy Alliance to help with their work promoting literacy to both children and adults.
Funds will be used to support two programs: The PEI Volunteers for Literacy Program enlists older people as volunteer tutors to assist adults who would like to improve their reading and writing skills; and a pilot program that will employ UPEI students to provide math tutoring for students from Grades 3 to 6.
“I have seen just how valuable the programs delivered by the PEI Literacy Alliance can be to the success of Island children and adult learners. Government will work with them on strengthening current programs and exploring new avenues,” Minister Brown said. “I recognize that strong reading skills are building blocks for a good education which is key to people’s quality of life and integral to the economic success of Prince Edward Island.”
Dr. Ron MacDonald, Chair of the PEI Literacy Alliance, said the funding provided by the Department, paired with the Raise a Reader Day donations, will assist them in delivering tutoring programs across the Island.
“Our workers and volunteers are committed to promoting literacy and numeracy in every corner of our province. Strong reading and math skills are the foundation of a good education and a good career; this will help us provide that foundation for more Islanders,” said Dr. MacDonald.
Kyle Bryenton, president of the UPEI Math Society, is the champion among the students for this mathematics tutoring, with the support of the PEI Literacy Alliance.
“Learning has opened a lot of doors for me. With the PEI Literacy Alliance’s backing, I hope to help younger students get the basic skills that will let them reach their potential as learners,” said Bryenton. Importantly, the UPEI Math and Physics departments along with the English Language School Board and the Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture have offered support for this initiative.
The PEI Literacy Alliance has a long standing reputation as an organization that makes good things happen. By developing partnerships and fund raising with the Annual Golf Tournament for Literacy and numerous other events, the Alliance is able to award scholarships and bursaries to adult Islanders who return to school, as well as provide supports for both children and adults in Prince Edward Island.