National Adult Literacy Database

This report documents the "Family Literacy Matters!" symposium held from September 26-28 in Toronto, Ontario. Everyone present participated in a strategy session to identify critical issues in family literacy, and to develop "next steps" designed to move family literacy forward.

The purpose of the symposium was to bring together people from across the province to develop a shared vision for the future of family literacy in Ontario. As well as having the opportunity to participate in workshops and panel presentations, delegates shared their knowledge and expertise. Everyone present participated in a strategy session to identify critical issues in family literacy, and to develop ‘next steps' designed to move family literacy forward.

This hands-on, highly interactive workshop provided participants with an opportunity to explore issues related to culture and power in the context of the practice of family literacy. Through a series of hands-on exercises such as the cultural identity bag and the power flower, the participants were made aware of issues of diversity, violence, women, respect, cultural sensitivity and language. Practitioners were encouraged to be aware of the walk their participants walk every day, and to use teaching materials that are reflective of society and are in plain language or in several languages.

The document was prepared by the Ontario Literacy Coalition, which is now called Essential Skills Ontario. For more information, click here: http://www.essentialskillsontario.ca/.