In recent years family literacy programming in Nova Scotia has been provided by a variety of organizations and sectors. Local need and the resources available in a community have helped to determine the type of program or service that is available. Many of the programs focus on the child and early childhood interventions.
How is family literacy funded in Nova Scotia?
The Department of Education, Adult Education Division Footnote 11 has provided funding for a number of pilot projects over the past three years. Developed in partnership with community literacy organizations, the projects focused on parents gaining literacy skills so they can help their children learn outside of school. This funding is now used for a grant based program that continues to fund similar types of family literacy services.
In the last several years the provincial government has made a significant investment in adult focused programming. Family literacy programs must also address adult literacy skills. While funding is provided on a year-by-year basis, some programs have been in place for many years.
The Family Learning Initiative Endowment Fund provides grants to projects in NS that support the development of family learning. The Fund was created by the Halifax Youth Foundation in cooperation with HRSDC and the NS Department of Education. The Department of Education coordinates the proposal review process and liaises with organizations that provide family literacy programs. Strong partnerships with one or more agencies/organizations in the community are encouraged. Potential partners could be schools, health and social services agencies, adult literacy programs, learning councils, children’s services authorities, libraries, service clubs and businesses. Footnote 12
The federal government also provides some funding for family literacy initiatives. For example, in the spring of 2007, HRSD Canada provided funding for a pilot project called "Family Activities for Kitchen Tables."
Over the last 3 years, the Canwest Global Raise-a-Reader campaign has contributed thousands of dollars to family literacy programs. Both the Cape Breton Post in Sydney and The Chronicle Herald in Halifax participate.
Return to note 11 As of April 1/08 the Adult Education Division is part of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development.
Return to note 12 Family Learning Initiative Endowment Fund Information/Application Guide 2007-2008, page 4.