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The MY BOOK project

E4C is launching an exciting new literacy initiative, in partnership with the Edmonton Public School Board, and E4C supporter, Sara Tharakan.

Several years ago, Sara and her friends got together and raised enough funds to give each child their own book to take home in a school that they had connections with. It was such a moving experience that Sara decided to take on the challenge again, to raise funds and in partnership with E4C, and to bring the project to more schools.

E4C runs a lunch program in 7 high needs schools in central and northeast Edmonton.  We are pleased that through this project, we can include in our support for these kids and their communities, this new literacy project!

Schools often have great libraries, but studies have shown that if children actually own and have books in their homes, their reading and writing abilities improve enormously. However, many children from low-income homes do not have books in their houses

Ownership of a book encourages kid to read more often, and children who have books at home are more likely to develop and enjoy regular reading habits. Literacy is essential to a child’s confidence and performance in their education.

More then 40% of adults in Alberta struggle with low literacy. Developing strong literacy skills in childhood contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty by increasing lifelong independence, employment and overall health.

How the MY BOOK project works:

  • Children, in 7 high needs schools, from Kindergarten to Grade 3 will sit with their teachers or classroom workers, and choose from a catalogue a book that they would love to have, in a general discussion about books and reading
  • The teacher will note the book, the MY BOOK project will order the selection, and a team of volunteers will deliver the books, complete with that child’s name in it, on one special day in February where the love of reading will be celebrated
  • Each child will take their own book home with them

To donate to this exciting new initiative, please visit our donate page and select MY BOOK from the list of specific funds.