A number of local community organizations are coming together to deliver a new program for Syrian families with young children.

The Immigrant Parents as Literacy Supporters program aims to help immigrant and refugee families support their preschool and kindergarten-aged children鈥檚 early literacy development.

The eight session program, starting in February, will have parents working on a series of different literacy activities alongside their children.

The free program will be offered at Pearson Road Elementary School, Field Studies Learning Centre.

鈥淭his program is an incredible opportunity to bring together a variety of community literacy resources to support the Syrian families that now call 琉璃神社 home鈥� said Christine McWillis, Project Literacy 琉璃神社 Society Executive Director.

鈥淭he program will work in a culturally sensitive way to help parents support their children鈥檚 literacy development.鈥�

Although the program supports the development of literacy skills among young children, the parents have an opportunity to engage in developing their own literacy.

鈥淚PALS is a bridge to starting school for these families," said program facilitator Donna Kozak. "We look forward to offering an accessible, bilingual, culturally responsive and supportive learning environment for both the parents and children.鈥�

The delivery of this program in the 琉璃神社 area is supported by Decoda Literacy Solutions and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Partnerships with Project Literacy 琉璃神社, Central Okanagan Public Schools, 琉璃神社 Community Resources and 琉璃神社 Child Care Society will make its local delivery possible.

If you are interested in getting involved or finding our more about the IPALS program, contact Project Literacy 琉璃神社 Society today.