KidsFirst North is located along La Ronge Avenue in La Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

early learning

Literacy hub set to open in La Ronge in July

Jun 3, 2021 | 1:25 PM

La Ronge has been selected to host northern Saskatchewan’s first Northern Family Literacy Hub.

In a news release by the provincial government, it was announced this week the new literacy hub will be operated by KidsFirst North and it should open in July. It will be accessed through a partnership with the nisto ihtāwina Early Years Family Resource Centre and serve families in Air Ronge, La Ronge and Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

Literacy hubs are meant to empower caregivers to support their child’s early literacy development at home and improve caregivers’ own literacy levels. When caregivers are actively engaged in their children’s learning, children are better prepared for school and achieve at higher levels.

“The La Ronge and Area Family Literacy Hub will provide opportunity for northern families to access, learn and engage in family literacy programs that relate to their experiences as northern residents,” said KidsFirst North Program Manager Rebecca Clark.

In addition to books that reflect the language, culture and environment of the North, students at the literacy hub will be able to learn the tradition of drumming while storytelling.

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The work of the hubs has continued through the pandemic in ways such as virtual programming, lending out laptops, supporting parents with learning at home, building literacy kits for families and leading physically distanced and outdoor events, such as story walks.

The program is meant to strengthen literacy skills in children and their caregivers. (submitted photo/Government of Saskatchewan)

“Literacy is so important for children’s learning and development, and parents really are their child’s first teacher,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said in a media release. “Saskatchewan’s Family Literacy Hubs offers great supports – even during a pandemic. It is inspiring to see how these hubs have continued to serve families.”

Other hubs operate in Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Rosetown, Lloydminster, Prince Albert and Saskatoon. The Ministry of Education has funded literacy hubs since 2007 and invested $425,000 in the 2021-22 budget.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno