The Rotary Literacy Foundation once again stepped up to support literacy in PEI with donations to Island organizations totaling $25,500.00.
The announcement was made to the Rotary Club of Charlottetown following the Foundation’s board meeting on November 20th, 2020.
The announcement was made to the Rotary Club of Charlottetown following the Foundation’s board meeting on November 20th, 2020.
"The Foundation was established to help provincial organizations develop and deliver boots-on-the-ground programs to address literacy in PEI", said President Gary Scales. "Despite the pandemic, the board felt that literacy is a critical issue for Islanders that continues to need our support, perhaps more than ever. Many Island children and adults—46 percent according to a 2018 report—struggle with reading, writing, math, communication, digital, and thinking skills, which has long-term implications for their health and well-being. Local organizations do impressive work to help them improve their literacy skills and the board is delighted to once again provide funding for their initiatives."
The largest grant was $15,500.00 to the PEI Literacy Alliance for The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program, a book gifting program. Each month, thousands of registered Island children under five will receive a free high-quality book by mail.
A second grant of $10,000.00 was given to the Wellington-based charity Centre Goéland Inc. for a bilingual creative songwriting and performance retreat offered in collaboration with arts and writing organizations. The retreat will promote music education as a vital tool in literacy development and encourage creative writing as a means to enhance positive mental health and well-being.
The Rotary Literacy Foundation was formed in 2006 to raise awareness about literacy and essential skills in PEI. In August each year, the Foundation solicits applications and disburses grants to Island groups that are working to address literacy and essential skills in their communities through projects and special initiatives.
Learn more about the Rotary Literacy Foundation at https://rotaryliteracypei.ca.