Frontier College’s literacy support for urban Indigenous school-aged children in Grande Prairie takes place in partnership with Avondale Public School and Mother Teresa Catholic School. Frontier College provides individualized supports for children to build their literacy skills and increase their engagement and confidence as lifelong learners. Their goal is to reach Indigenous students that are at risk of falling behind and create meaningful personal relationships with students that emphasizes the wonder of books.
Since receiving a Community Foundation community impact grant in December of 2018, their reach has increased from 42 total students at the beginning of the school year to 63 students. Increased confidence, self-esteem, and engagement in school have been noted by administration, teachers and support staff at both schools, and by Frontier College volunteers and staff.
“We have seen this illustrated in improved attendance, test scores, social gregariousness and want to participate in the program and socialize with everyone involved in it. Students have even shown up unannounced on unscheduled days, hoping to squeeze in a visit with a reading buddy!” states Janine Kozlowski, Community Coordinator.
“I love Trains and I love coming here to read. Reading is fun because I get to make a choice where I sit, what books we read and I can bring my own books and stuff.” – Frontier College learner, Grande Prairie, grade 7.
Your Community Foundation is able to support this program through our generous donors of the Community Impact Fund. Giving young people the opportunity to be their best sets them up with the tools and resources to develop and grow. This is essential in developing a stronger community.
The Community Impact Fund provides the opportunity for the Foundation to be responsive to community needs.
You can make a difference in our community – not only for today but forever. When you make a donation to the Community Impact Fund, we invest that gift into a permanent endowment fund and the original gift is never spent. Earnings from your gift are distributed in our community to support all needs in the community. Donations can be made online here –https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/38163 or by calling the Community Foundation at (780) 538-2820.
