What am I reading now? Skellig by David Almond
There’s a literacy crisis in Canada. Did you know?
One statistic states that “annual school library budgets allow for less than one third of a book per child.” One third. Not in a far off country on the other side of the world but here in Canada, here at home.
According to a survey by the Canadian Teacher’s Federation in 2001, “teachers and principals spent $143 million of their own money to buy books and learning materials for their students.” The generosity of these everyday heroes is unparalleled; however, the need for them to do so shouldn’t exist.
To say I was horrified to learn these startling statistics, is an understatement. This is not acceptable. We, to put it simply, have to do better.
The mission of the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation is a simple one: “[T]o encourage a love of reading in every child and give them the chance to reach their full potential.” To date, the foundation has committed $9 million dollars for high-needs elementary schools.
To learn more, watch Writing on the Wall. And if this issue speaks to you, there are things you can do to get involved. You can donate, purchase special merchandise or sign the online petition.
We can eradicate the literacy crisis looming over our children one book, one student, one school library at a time.
