On October 15 a community in Verdun, Quebec gathered for an event called “Lasagna and Literacy”, hosted by RECLAIM Literacy, an organization in the Metropolitan Montreal area that offers reading, writing and basic math services for English speaking adults. What made the event extra special was the enthusiasm and good humour from a group of HSBC Bank Canada (HSBC) employees who volunteered to help run the literacy activities!
As the event name stated, the first order of business for the 35 attendees was dinner. In this high-needs community, the complimentary lasagna and cake was appreciated and started the evening off right. Behind the scenes, 13 HSBC employee-volunteers were busy training on best practices for working with families to build a respectful learning environment. They soon grabbed their own dinners and spread out amongst the families, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
The engaging stories and fun activities that were at the heart of the evening came from the new HSBC Family Literacy First program, that focuses on literacy learning for the whole family. Developed by ABC Life Literacy Canada and sponsored by HSBC, this program is available for free to families across Canada.
One strength of the program is that families learn together, an aspect that was clearly evident around the room as parents created family trees, folded paper boats and crafted drums out of empty cans and balloons, together with their children. Parents’ smiles were just as bright, their giggles, just as prevalent. When parents play a role in guiding early literacy, their abilities increase alongside their children’s. Both literacy—and parenting skills—improve.
One of the HSBC-employee volunteers was Rocco Mocella, Head of Branch Network, Quebec and Atlantic. He took a few minutes out of working with families to comment, “HSBC believes that education is a fundamental building block of healthy communities; and when fun is matched with learning, rich and rewarding experiences can be had by all.”
The buzz in the room, the laughter and the accomplishments by children, parents and volunteers alike certainly reflected Rocco’s observations.
“Thank you so much, this was amazing,” one mother said as she left at the end of the event. Perhaps the most remarkable take away of the evening was that, the same sentiment could clearly be heard from the volunteers to the families, as well. Learning truly does flow all ways given the right circumstances.
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HSBC Family Literacy First offers literacy modules, each with a story and accompanying activities designed to bring families together to celebrate and practice their literacy skills. Modules are currently available in English, French and Simplified Chinese. In January 2016, three new modules will launch in English, French and Tagalog. Download the modules for free at www.familyliteracyfirst.ca. HSBC volunteers may be available to help out at community-based HSBC Family Literacy First events in your area.
By Stephanie Wells, Communications Manager, ABC Life Literacy Canada who had the privilege and pleasure of attending “Lasagna and Literacy.”
About ABC Life Literacy Canada
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy skills. ABC Life Literacy Canada envisions a Canada where everyone has the skills they need to live a fully engaged life. For the latest news and information on adult literacy please visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca or stay connected with us through Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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