Happy International Literacy Day!

September always feels like the “New Year” to me. As communities across BC start their literacy learning programs, I get excited about the learning and the fun to take place over the year. Today, celebrations are happening around the province to showcase the importance literacy plays in the lives of British Columbians. This September 8^th, I am thinking about the work literacy practitioners, tutors and volunteers accomplish and how that makes BC stronger.

Today, we celebrate UNESCO International Literacy Day. Landmarks across the province will light up in purple tonight. Thank you to our “Lights of Purple” sponsors, BC Mayors and city councils for proclaiming September is Literacy Month.

We are grateful to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills for continued funding in support of Community and Adult Literacy. Through this funding, families learn and play together, and communities gain valuable skills in writing, reading, math and technologies.

In this issue of The Decoder, we highlight solutions to reducing barriers to education. PACE Community Access Fund provides short-term funding for learners who cannot afford basic things like bus fare, books or childcare to attend their literacy programs. On Cortes Island, community organizations are finding creative ways to support rural learners. I’m so inspired by their work.

For the second year in a row, I’m thrilled to tell you that September is Literacy Month is presented by First West Credit Union and its four locally known and trusted divisions: Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial.

Every donation made to the Team Trivia Challenge will be matched $1 for $1 up to $10,000! Register today and join us for a fun evening hosted by CBC’s Dan Burritt and Nice Guys Trivia at the Butcher & Bullock House on September 27.

Even if you can’t attend, you can still make a gift by supporting The Decoders, our board and staff team. Please take this opportunity to double the impact and make your gift today!

I would like to thank all our community and corporate partners: Rotary Club of Vancouver, Blue Sky Clothing, Marsh Canada, Motorola Solutions, Chris Chung – BMO Nesbitt Burns and all our live auction and prize sponsors. Special thanks to CBC, our returning exclusive media broadcast sponsor. Stay tuned to watch Decoda’s PSAs all month-long on CBC.

This month, I encourage you to get involved. #PutOnYourPurple. Purchase your purple socks to support literacy. Enter our province-wide Literacy Month Photo Contest (#Connect4Lit23) and find out how Raise-a-Reader Week (September 22-29) empowers children and families to read.

Let’s celebrate!

Sandra Lee

Executive Director