Reading, learning and playing together is what next week is all about for British Columbia families.

The Province is officially proclaiming Jan. 22-29, 2017, as Family Literacy Week. There are events throughout the province to help British Columbians celebrate with their families.

This year, government provided over $2.6 million in support of community literacy to Decoda Literacy Solutions. Decoda uses this funding to support the coordination of community literacy services and initiatives throughout the province.

For the past 17 years, the Province has proclaimed Jan. 27 as Family Literacy Day. This year, the Province is extending the celebration from one day to an entire week, allowing more time for communities to hold fun literacy events. Here are some of the events happening in B.C.:

• Families in Ashcroft can test their skills in a game of literacy “Survivor” at the Ashcroft HUB from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 23.
• Chetwynd families can have some fun playing Giant Scrabble, Jenga and other board games at the Chetwynd Public Library’s Family Games Night on Jan. 27 from 6-7:30 p.m.
• Families in Hazelton can play instruments with local musicians at the Learning Shop’s Musical Community Kitchen Night on Jan. 26, from 2:30-5:30 p.m.
• Campbell River families can attend free drop-in programs at the Sportsplex throughout the week, including family badminton, music programs and preschool sports and games. These programs are hosted by the City of Campbell River.
• In Merritt, families can attend a Family Literacy Funfair with games, crafts, face painting and storytelling. The fair will take place on Friday Jan. 27,  from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Merritt Civic Centre, and will be followed by a parade.

For more information and a full list of Family Literacy Week events happening throughout the province, visit: http://www.decoda.ca/wp-content/uploads/FLW_Events_Around_BC_2017.pdf

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“As a parent of five, I know how important it is to get out and have fun together as a family. It is great to see communities all over the province organizing events to celebrate Family Literacy Week. I encourage all families to check out what’s going on in their community and celebrate this important week together.”

Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education –

“Our government is investing in adult literacy programs to help British Columbians gain the skills they need to achieve their educational and life goals. Community adult literacy programs give adult learners the opportunity to learn close to home in schools and communities throughout the province.”

Anne Cooper, board chair, Decoda Literacy Solutions –

“Family Literacy Week helps British Columbians honour parents, literacy outreach coordinators, volunteers and community organizations that provide critical supports to families across this province. Any parent who has watched their child struggle to learn how to read, and has sat with them every night to help them over the hurdle, understands the value of family literacy programs and services.”

Quick Facts:

• Family Literacy Day is the largest national family literacy initiative in Canada, created in 1999 by ABC Life Literacy Canada.
• Decoda is the only provincewide literacy organization in B.C.

Learn More:

Decoda Literacy: www.decoda.ca/literacy-in-bc/