Imagination Library - Free books for preschoolers
Karen
Davis
Karen Davis
Manitoba Imagination Library Program
Yes
First Nations people.
Early childhood (e.g. daycare, preschool).
1‐5 years
To replicate the Imagination Library that will provide free books into the hands, homes and hearts of our families in Manitoba First Nation communities.
Start-Up (a project that is just getting started)
I truly believe the social impact of this initiative will be life changing for some families. Literacy awareness has significant educational benefits for everyone. It has been stated "Life without literacy is life without hope". In many of our communities there is a need for literacy awareness and a better understanding of what is needed to reach academic success for our children . I believe the gift we can provide for our preschoolers, families and the community as a whole will have a direct impact on their future. The strong foundation that can be built upon literacy success could directly affect many of the social determinants of health that affect our communities.
To work with First Nations communities to ensure books are being delivered and family literacy activities are being promoted.
We will have a new generation of readers in our First Nation communities.
Children entering kindergarten will be exposed to a variety of books promoting school readiness skills and the love of reading. Parents/ caregivers will have a better understanding of the importance of literacy and know the value of shared story time. Children feel more confident in beginning school "ready" and teachers will notice a vast improvement in skill development and also see a large increase of "those children who have been read to" as opposed to a child holding a book not really sure what to do with it. Partnerships will be developed to improve family literacy rates in the community. More emphasis placed on the importance of learning, literacy and language through an community Early Years strategy.
I have demonstrated the community need and have the support of key people in First Nation gov't who know the value of the initiative that I have developed. I have many friends/colleagues, organizations who are assisting with promotion, networking, etc. I have managed to contact key people in Government, Corporations, Financial organizations that have invited me to send in proposals, grant applications, etc. The biggest partnership to date is the Dollywood Foundation who will be coming to Manitoba to meet with reps from various organizations to finalize contracts, agreements, etc. We are working on a provincial replication model that has been done in one other province. It is also hoped with the promotion of this initiative additional communities in Manitoba will want to replicate.
I have presented to a number of school staff about the benefits of the Imagination Library. Many are excited about the possibility of free books and family literacy awareness activities. The most important people in this initiative are the families but more so the potential partners that realize the true benefit of what I am trying to accomplish in our communities. I will be approaching First Nation Inuit Health, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Provincial Government, Tribal Council Investment Group, RCMP, Frontier School Division, Banks and Credit Unions, Businesses and Private Corporations. It is important that I gain the support of those who feel literacy is important and an investment in early years is crucial. Although the fundraising is focused on the first five years, there will be a plan developed to ensure the program is sustainable beyond the five year period.
I have received various types of support to date regarding networking, media outlets, promotional opportunities, etc. Once the initiative goes into full swing, I will require volunteers from the community to assist in promotion of the program, literacy activities, etc. I will ensure that strong partnerships are developed by those organizations serving early years to ensure that all families are aware of the Imagination Library program. This is one of the best non-threatening engagement tools for even the most isolated families in a community. I would also like others to promote the program to other communities in Manitoba so that eventually all children could benefit from the Imagination Library Program. It is much more beneficial to have too many books in a home that none at all.
No (skip next two questions)