CCSI aims to improve child literacy in Dominica

Advocates for children and their families, today began discussing the enhancement of literacy in Dominica, through the family unit.

The Caribbean Child Support Initiative (CCSI) has joined in the execution of the ‘Family Literacy’ workshop, on for two days at the Public Service Union.

Participants are to provide feedback on the issue by the end of the seminar.

Melena Fontaine, Coordinator for Special Education told those present at the opening of the workshop Tuesday, literacy is of great concern to the ministry of education.

“Over the past two decades, we have made some strides in developing a more literate society; however, an examination of the data gathered from national assessment, will show that we have a lot of work to do, to close the achievement gap or before we can feel satisfied that we are on our way to become a fully literate society,” Fontaine stated.

She underscored that family involvement is among the solutions that will improve literacy in Dominica.

“The family literacy approach provides families with the educational opportunity for every member to improve on their literacy and life skills…it is based on the premise that parents and children do best when learning together,” she said.

Meanwhile Francis Joseph, Director of ChildFund Caribbean, also stressed the need for family participation in enhancing literacy.

“We are telling them that, the children are important, they have to communicate to their children…We are not singling out or singling in anyone deliberately. Everyone has to be involved.”

Participants will also look at infusing the family literacy concept into the Roving Caregivers Program, an initiative which focuses on informal early childhood education.

Joanie Cohen-Mitchell, Consultant for the Family Literacy Project is also attending the workshop.