In communities across British Columbia, the simple act of reading together is creating something extraordinary. Decoda’s Fostering Literacy Program is quietly transforming lives—one book, one child, one caring connection at a time.

Weekly, from October to June, more than 580 children who struggle with reading meet one-on-one with trained tutors in 23 communities. Some are in government care. Others are newcomers to Canada. Many have never felt confident picking up a book—until now.

“It helped my reading A LOT. It’s AMAZING!”

Dee, a Grade 4 student reading at a Grade 1 level, joined Fostering Literacy partway through the year. She couldn’t spell her last name. Reading was daunting. But her tutor, a volunteer with experience supporting children with dyslexia, brought patience—and play. Dee’s favourite part? “Writing in cornmeal, making letters with playdough, the food, reading, EVERYTHING!”

Week by week, something shifted. From struggling to sound out words, Dee began to recognize them. She read aloud. She smiled more. And by June, she was choosing to read for fun—even picking up another book when her mom was late to pick her up. Dee now spells her full name and reads with pride.

“Can I come back next year?”

It’s a question we hear all the time—from students who used to dread reading. One Grade 5 student, who arrived head down and unsure, left with this message for his tutor:
“Now I’m not afraid to try hard things.”
He had been on the waiting list the year before. This time, he said, “reading day was the best day of the week.”

For vulnerable children, reading at grade level can be a protective factor. Strong early literacy isn’t just about decoding words—it’s about confidence, curiosity and believing in your ability to learn. Fostering Literacy provides that safe, fun and affirming space where growth can happen.

“I noticed a difference in my son’s willingness to try.”

Parents and caregivers are part of the journey, too. Through workshops and resource kits, they learn strategies to support reading at home—some for the first time. One parent wrote:
“He was hesitant at the beginning… but then he started to look forward to it.”

Another, new to Canada and still learning English herself, shared:
“My child used to cry and say, ‘Dad, I’m not good.’ Then this program helped him believe in himself again.”

At one school, a family’s child went from refusing to attend class to eagerly waiting for her tutor each week. The change wasn’t just academic—it was emotional, social and deeply human.

“We gave, and we received.”

Fostering Literacy also offers youth their first paid work experience—as tutors. Many of these young leaders grow alongside their students, developing empathy, communication and leadership skills. One youth leader reflected:
“We taught—but we learned, too.”

Tutors remember the little victories: a student reading aloud for the first time; a reluctant reader lighting up at a new book; a child saying, “Let’s not dilly-dally… let’s get to our room now!” These connections are lasting, real and often transformational—for both tutor and learner.

“Just seven sessions left?”

An evaluator visiting one site recalled a moment when a volunteer mentioned how many sessions remained. The room went silent as one child repeated, “Just seven?” Soon, others echoed it. That quiet realization—the program was ending—revealed just how deeply these students valued the experience.

These are more than reading sessions. They are spaces of trust, joy and discovery. Where shy students begin to speak. Where quiet kids find their voice. Where hesitant readers become confident learners. Where tutors become mentors. And where communities come together to uplift their youngest members.

As one volunteer summed it up:
“I gave and I received; I taught and I learned.”

By the Numbers

• 23 BC communities
• 200+ trained tutors
• 580+ students served annually
• Countless smiles, stories, and breakthroughs

Whether it’s a newcomer child finding their place, a Grade 1 student writing about their camping trip for the first time, or a teen tutor becoming a role model—Fostering Literacy is more than a program. It’s a lifeline.

And it’s working.

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“Thank you for helping me read. I can read so much now!” — Student, age 7
“This is the most fun I’ve had as a volunteer.” —Tutor
“Please keep this program for the little students.” — Parent
“Too bad you couldn’t make it today. I hope you feel better soon!” — Tutor to student

 

Fostering Literacy is building stronger readers—and stronger communities—one page at a time.

 

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