‘The Ripple Effect’ announced as theme of 11th annual BC Literacy Month

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Literacy Society has announced that ‘The Ripple Effect’ will be the theme of the 11th annual BC Literacy Month in September.

Society says the ‘ripple effect’ occurs when literacy programs have positive consequences, such as contributing to a more prosperous economy, healthier populations, safer workplaces, and more connected communities.

“Improved literacy skills have a powerful ripple effect that positively impact nearly every aspect of life at home, at work, and in the community,” said the society’s executive director Jessica Kalman.

The society is a non-profit organization promoting literacy in the city and surrounding area since 1990.

In a media release on Tuesday, the Society says more than 700,000 people in B.C. struggle with literacy challenges, 45 per cent of British Columbians aged 16 to 65 may have difficulty understanding various reading materials, and 52 per cent of the same age demographic may have difficulty understanding car loan information on a graph. 

Other statistics from the society say a one per cent increase in Canadian literacy scores can lead to a three per cent increase in labour productivity and income per capita. 

Literacy skills are linked to better job opportunities, higher earnings, and safer work environments.

“These programs help increase the literacy and learning skills of children and families, youth, adults and seniors to improve their quality of life at home, at work, and in the community,” said the society in the release. 

Several events and fundraisers will be held throughout the month to celebrate literacy, that can be found on its Facebook page.

On August 26th, Fort St. John city council proclaimed September as Literacy and Disability Employment Month.