CELEBRATING LIBRARY PARTNERSHIPS IN SASKATCHEWAN

Learning Minister Deb Higgins joined community members and children from the prekindergarten programs at the Herchmer and Sacred Heart schools to launch the Hand-in-Hand Partners in Literacy project at Albert Library in Regina today.

"Our Government is committed to making Saskatchewan the best place for young people to live, work and build strong futures," Higgins said. "This collaborative project will do much to promote literacy skills at the pre-k level and to provide more support for vulnerable families with young children in North Central Regina."

Hand-in-Hand Partners in Literacy is a joint project with Regina Public Library, Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholics Schools. A facilitator will work with the parents and children of the two schools to develop literacy and reading readiness. Children will also be encouraged to use the resources of the Regina Public Library. The children attending the project launch received books for their home collection.

"Reading is a skill that is used over and over again at all ages," Regina Public Schools director of education Bob Brown said. "Teaching young children to read pays dividends for the students, their families and our communities."

"Regina Catholic Schools is pleased to be part of this life-long learning project," Regina Catholic Schools CEO and director of education Gwen Keith said. "Reading is so very important and starting at the pre-kindergarten age will certainly benefit and enhance the future school years of our young readers. I would like to recognize and applaud the members of the Hand-in-Hand Partners in Literacy project and thank everyone involved for their support."

"Access to books helps nurture a love of reading, and a love of reading leads to higher literacy levels," Regina Public Library director Jeff Barber said. "This project will do all of those things and place something tangible into the hands of the children - their own books to take home and keep."

Hand-in-Hand Partners in Literacy has received $50,000 as part of Saskatchewan Learning's 2005-06 commitment of $300,000 per year for three years for projects that support collaboration between school divisions and public library systems related to development of library collections and programs or services to enhance student learning.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: 306-787-5609 Email: jmclean@sasked.gov.sk.ca