TEPF’s Books For Kids program is on track to deliver more books to students across Alberta in 2024, underscoring the need for the critical problem this program is trying to solve – that one in four Canadian families do not have books of their own.
“We believe literacy is a fundamental human right and this program supports building a passion for reading from a young age,” said Shelley Forbes, TEPF’s Manager of Events and Literacy Programs. “We’re pleased by the program’s uptake so far and want to continue expanding its reach in the years to come.”
The Books for Kids program was started to address the urgent need for educational support in high-needs areas. Since its inception in 2021, the program has shown remarkable growth in reach and impact in its first few years:
2021: 2,273 students were provided with books.
2022: The number rose to 2,643, showing a steady increase in distribution.
2023: The program expanded dramatically to benefit 4,076 students.
2024 (Jan to Apr): In just four months, 2,106 students have already received books.
This initiative is part of TEPF’s broader commitment to enhancing literacy and educational outcomes for children, particularly in Alberta’s most vulnerable communities. By providing students with their own books that they have chosen, TEPF not only fosters a love of reading but also supports academic skills crucial for long-term success.
The foundation of the Books for Kids program lies in its ability to equip students with their own reading materials, which is often a rarity in homes where educational resources are overshadowed by basic survival needs. One in four Canadian households lacks a single book, which underscores the critical nature of this initiative.
Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, illustrating the program’s significant impact. “It was a wonderful new book for students to receive- many of whom have never received a new book of their very own. Thank you so much!” shared one teacher. This sentiment is shared by educators across the province who have observed a marked improvement in reading engagement among their students, with help from the Books for Kids program.
As Books for Kids continues to grow, TEPF is committed to reaching even more students each year, with the aim of laying a solid foundation for their future educational achievements. This initiative is a testament to the power of community support and the profound impact of providing young learners with the tools they need to succeed.
For those looking to support or learn more about the Books for Kids program, additional information is available through our Books for Kids page. Contributions from the community not only help in distributing more books but also in fostering a lifelong love for reading among students.
