Participating in PICCOLA’S Take Flight family literacy program has made a difference for Susan MacPhail.
MacPhail says the program offered by the Pictou County Continuous Learning Association has improved her reading skills, which has allowed her to enjoy the time she spends with her daughter, Melissa.
MacPhail was one of three people who shared testimonials last Wednesday during Family Literacy Days celebrations at the Nova Scotia Community College’s Pictou Campus in Stellarton.
“It has given me self-esteem,” she said. “I’ve been more confident spending quality time with Melissa.”
The celebrations in the Pictou campus’s main foyer included remarks by Justice Minister Ross Landry, who delivered a resolution proclaiming Family Literacy Day on behalf of the province.
Family Literacy Day is observed each year on Jan. 27. It was established in 1999 to encourage families to read and learn together.
The initiative asked families to read together at least 15 minutes a day.
Landry was a member of PICCOLA’s board of directors before he entered politics last year.
“Through groups like PICCOLA we’re building stronger communities,” Landry said.
“I know the good work they do, and I applaud the literary efforts in this area,” he said. “Adult literacy is a key area in advancing literacy because when children see their parents reading, it encourages them to read.”
Like MacPhail, June Crossman also delivered a testimonial, praising the literacy program.
“I hope I inspire my children to a life-long journey with literacy,” she said.
PICCOLA was formed as a non-profit, community-based organization to provide every adult an equal opportunity to an education.
It is directed by Carollynne Nemecek of Pictou, and it is part of the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning under the adult education division of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development.
Its Level I classes up to Grade 6 operate mornings Monday through Thursday in Stellarton.
Level II classed for Grades 7 to 10 are conducted each morning Monday through Thursday in Stellarton and Pictou, as well as Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Stellarton.
The classes have no more than 15 students who must be at least 19 years of age. Programs each year take place from mid-September to the end of May.