Jonah* struggled with reading from an early age and saw it as a dreaded chore. By the age of eight, reading had become a nightly battle for both Jonah and his parents. His self-confidence dwindled and he gave up on learning. The following year he started the free Fostering Literacy reading program. Jonah initially resisted, sulking through each session. However, with patience and creativity, his tutor gained his trust. Over time, Jonah started attending willingly and even began reading nightly without complaint. Another exciting breakthrough came when he asked his parents to visit the library to take out a book in the series that he and his tutor were reading. By the end of the year, Jonah was not only reading confidently but thriving alongside his classmates.

Reading at grade level is a protective factor for vulnerable children. Decoda’s Fostering Literacy program provides extra support for these children, particularly those in government care. Fostering Literacy also provides training sessions for parents and caregivers, so they can learn tips and strategies to support their children’s learning at home.

450 children increased confidence, fluency and comprehension

Last year, more than 280 trained tutors, including 120 youth, supported over 450 elementary school children in 23 BC communities.

The results reported by tutors and teachers in the 2023-24 program year have been remarkable:

• 94% of learners increased in confidence
• 90% of learners increased in fluency
• 92% of learners increased in comprehension

Learners, schools, parents, tutors and program coordinators share the success of the program in their own words below.

Learners have fun while improving skills

“I used to not like reading and now I love it!” – Okanagan

“I had a hard time reading before. My buddy has helped me to understand words.” – Cariboo

“I am reading books!” – Metro Vancouver

“It’s fun and has been good reading practice. Can I come back next year?” – Cariboo

Schools see dramatic results

“Teachers expressed great surprise and happiness at the outcomes with 8 out of 10 students reaching proficiency in reading by the end of the program.” – West Kootenays

“Teachers are talking amongst themselves about the positive impact Fostering Literacy is having in their school. We have already had three principles reach out asking if we would consider running a Fostering Literacy program in their school!” – Cariboo

“The program serves as a lifeline. Many of these children cannot afford extra tutoring and teachers are unable to provide the personalized attention they require due to time constraints. Book Buddies (Fostering Literacy) fills a crucial gap, offering tailored support and guidance to students who need it most.” – Metro Vancouver

“Both children who had extra support with volunteers flourished this year as readers. The extra practice and consistent support built on what was happening in the classroom and helped it all come together for them. They both went from reading well below grade level in September to reading well above grade level by June – fantastic!” – West Kootenays

“Thanks again for initiating this program. The benefits are more than improved reading. The children learn valuable social skills, boost their overall confidence and access excellent community services. I’m grateful Marie Sharpe students have this opportunity.” – Cariboo

“Teachers’ feedback has been incredible this year with many saying they have seen huge improvement in fluency and engagement with reading. A true testament to how amazing this program is and how it changes so many kids’ literacy skills.” – Fraser Valley

Parents and caregivers applaud Fostering Literacy

“My son doesn’t want to miss a day. He enjoys hanging out with his reading buddy.” – Cariboo

“My daughter feels more confident in reading now and reads books for her younger brother at home. She helps me sound out words, too!” – Metro Vancouver

“A parent shared the ‘ripple effect’ of Fostering Literacy in her home. Her son, who refuses to do homework, wanted to play the literacy games he had been learning at the reading group. The family has been playing hangman (with mom using spelling words), Boggle and rhyming games. Not only has this brought the family closer together but it has revolutionized how she is approaching homework with her son. She was almost in tears when she talked about how amazing it was to see her children playing these games after dinner, instead of rushing to fight over who got to play video games.” – Cariboo

Tutors rewarded with learner success and smiles

“To watch this student improve and learn has been very rewarding. I have observed a huge growth in their fluidity and expression when reading, which has come after lots of practice. ” – East Kootenays

“On party day a little learner showed up with Mom, Auntie and 5 siblings, so excited to be able to show off where she learns each week! She read a whole book out loud to her Auntie in front of everyone. The work we did was to show her what confidence feels like, she did all the tough work and she did it so well!” – East Kootenays

“My little guy was one of the lowest level readers. When I first started working with him, he was practically shut down and unable to read anything. Near the end of the year here, he was so proud (as was I) of his accomplishments! The last chance I’ve had to visit with him, he stopped me in the hallway and said quietly, ‘I really do want to learn how to read.'” – East Kootenays

“It was exciting to see the joy that a child had when he reluctantly chose a book that really interested him, but that he thought would be too difficult for him to read. He nervously opened the book, swallowed hard and then began reading. He discovered that the book he thought was out of reach for him, was, in fact, easy for him to read. He was beaming!” – West Kootenays

Program Coordinators offer creative solutions, support and bonds

“A student was reading at a Grade 2 level despite years of tutoring. His new tutor noticed his love of storytelling – a trait others dismissed as ‘telling tall tales.’ Embracing this, she began writing stories with him. As he wrote, he learned to sound out words, which boosted his reading confidence. The student is now reading at a Grade 4 to 5 level, depending on the materials.” – Fraser Valley

“An English Language Learner adapting to a new school environment struggled, making little progress and showing high levels of anxiety, to the point of refusing to attend school. Our coordinator met with the family, completed an assessment of skill and matched her with tutor; she also worked one-on-one with the learner. Within a short time, the student began to read – and even more importantly, the one-on-one support helped her confidence grow, so that she began to enjoy school.” – Vancouver Island

“The impact of our Fostering Literacy program this year has been truly amazing. Seeing the transformation in the children’s confidence and reading abilities within such a short span of time has been incredibly rewarding. The bond formed between learners and tutors has been heartwarming to see and is such a huge part of this program. Beyond improving literacy skills, our program serves a supportive and safe environment for children to grow and feel valued.” – Fraser Valley

Help Support Fostering Literacy Programs in BC

Fostering Literacy programs are made possible thanks to the Al Roadburg Foundation, the Y.P. Heung Foundation, the Estate of Sheron Diane Austin and individual donors like you.

Your donation of $50, $100, $250… or more will help pay for play-based activities and books, tutor training, and training for parents to support their child’s reading at home.

By supporting Fostering Literacy, you are making an investment in the future of British Columbia’s youth.

Make your gift to the Decoda Literacy Foundation

* Name has been changed for privacy.