Our team reflects on literacy, rooted in our experiences and areas of expertise.
Today: Zoë Whittall, Communications Coordinator.
“As a child, my parents read to me almost every night, instilling in me a love of books and stories. This early reading experience shaped my imagination, but it also shaped my future. It led me to pursue a master’s degree in English literature and work towards a master’s in library and information studies.
Today, working in communications for an early literacy nonprofit allows me to turn that personal passion into impact. Unfortunately, though, passion alone is not enough. Montreal is seeing a troubling rise in the number of kindergarten-aged children identified as vulnerable in critical areas of development.
In just a decade, this figure has increased from 25.6% to 28.9% (EQDEM, 2022), a change we can’t afford to ignore.
Literacy is a school issue, yes. But more than that, it’s a societal one. The Fraser Hickson Library’s minibiblioPLUS initiatives address this challenge head-on, offering a comprehensive, bilingual approach to early literacy development.
These programs distribute books while simultaneously building bridges between families, educators, and communities, fostering early skills that lay the groundwork for long-term academic and social success.
When we invest in early literacy, we’re shaping the trajectory of future generations and strengthening the social fabric of our city and province.
I am proud to be a part of an organization committed to taking action in ensuring our youngest minds have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
Source:
https://santepubliquemontreal.ca/professionnels-et-partenaires/thematiques-de-sante-publique/enquete-quebecoise-sur-le-developpement-des-enfants-la-maternelle-eqdem#:~:text=claire%2C%20connaissances%20g%C3%A9n%C3%A9rales.-,Statistiques%20%2D%20EQDEM%202022,(CLSC)%20et%20des%20voisinages.
