Pat Buckland
SO Community Literacy Society
The love for literacy can never begin too early.
The Kiwanis Club of Oliver has generously donated time and money to fund the Books for Babies program – they’re into their ninth year of supporting this worthwhile program.
A family literacy program, Books for Babies provides the tools for parents to start off the rewarding activity of reading to their children. Based on the belief that early childhood years (ages 0 to 5) are critical for brain/language development, this program supports parents in becoming the most effective “first” teachers of their children.
This ideal sets the stage for a child’s well-being and lifelong learning, working towards the development of a well-rounded, educated and confident new member of this community which benefits everyone.
Each kit’s canvas book bag contains an age-appropriate board book, a picture book for siblings or when the child grows into the next level and information on ways to foster and support emerging literacy development.
Thanks to the Kiwanis’s generous support, the efforts of the Oliver Public Health Unit, the Oliver Public Library and the South Okanagan Community Literacy Society, the Books for Babies program in Oliver has been a resounding success.
Kiwanis also kindly provides an age-appropriate book to each child in Oliver at age 6, 12, and 18 months. Next Step creates awareness and appreciation in families of the importance of reading, too.
For more information about this program or other literacy issues, call the South Okanagan Community Literacy Society at 250-498-8433.
