The foundation for literacy launched the 27e Edition of its program Reading as a gift, an initiative which, year after year, concretely transforms the lives of thousands of northern children from more disadvantaged backgrounds.
The initiative that goes out on a provincial scale allows children to develop their love of books, from their first months.
On the North Coast, only last year, 3,352 new children’s books were distributed to CPEs, schools and community organizations in the region.
A simple gesture, lasting fallout
The principle is clear: deposit a new book intended for a child from 0 to 12 years old in a participating bookstore, so that it is then given to a young person who does not have easily access to reading.
In the region, two collection points are available, the Côte-Nord Librairie de Sept-Îles and the B bookstore in Z de Baie-Comeau.
Last year, 71 pounds were collected locally in these two businesses, a modest, but essential contribution which is added to the large chain of solidarity.
These donations made it possible to feed the distribution around 10 CPEs, 16 schools and 4 North-Côteiers community organizations, including the Port-Cartier family house, Parenfants resource and several schools in Passamit, Uashat Mak Mani-Unuma and Sept-Îles.
Actress and program spokesperson for almost 11 years, Salomé Corbo recalls that the stake greatly exceeds the simple pleasure of reading.
“Literacy is a social problem. With the famous 52 % of the population which does not reach level 3 of literacy, Quebec is below its capacities. We could do so much better, ”she says.
She insists on the importance of giving young people to the love of reading. “What we want is that children adopt reading as a habit of life. A new book is a treasure, ”she says stating that the feeling of pleasure facilitates the school career. “As soon as a child has the curiosity to open a book, we won,” she adds.
Titles that bring cultures together
Among the books given or recommended, many highlight the cultural and identity richness of the North Shore. Salomé Corbo cites as an example Our chemicals by Mélissa Mollen Dupuis, who “creates a bridge between cultures and allows an identity reappropriation”.
Other books, relating to hockey, nature or aerospace, respond to the interests of young northern-co-parties and aim to awaken their curiosity.
An invitation to the North-Côteiers
The Foundation invites the population to participate in the campaign all fall.
In addition to deposits in bookstores, a large symbolic mobilization is scheduled for September 8, on the occasion of International Literacy Day under the theme this book which changed everything.
Salomé Corbo recalls that it is not necessary to give large volumes. “Even a little cardboard book for 0-5 year olds can make all the difference. Just be guided by the child we have been and offer a book that we would have liked to receive. »»