By Kim Stock
One third of Alberta adults possess reading skills that limit their ability to deal with much of the written material they encounter, according to the Alberta Association for Adult Literacy.
To combat such realities the University of Calgary Students For Literacy club is holding an event Jan. 27-28 called Wonder of Words Days.
"We will be concentrating on raising awareness of how reading enriches our lives, of what our program does, and of other opportunities to help out in the community," said Students’ Union Vice-president External Nassr Awada.
SFL Co-ordinator Lorinda Brinton explained that literacy skills include basic reading, writing and math skills.
According to the association, one in seven adults in Alberta are at the lowest literacy level, having serious difficulty dealing with printed materials.
"There are many people in the Calgary community who feel they’d like to improve their literacy skills," said Brinton. "SFL provides a free one-on-one tutoring service. This opportunity allows students to contribute their own knowledge in a way that helps someone else."
There are several activities planned for the event.
"We are having a reading/study tent, a mini book sale, draws with prizes furnished by Chapters, and possibly some poetry or other readings," explained Awada.
Family Literacy Day is also on Jan. 27, so SFL will be handing out information on family literacy and how to read with kids.
"We want people to think about the positive impact literacy and reading has had on their lives," added Brinton. "We’re hoping to increase awareness of literacy issues, and in particular, family literacy."
The event will run this Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the North Courtyard of MacEwan Student Centre.
For more information about SFL call Volunteer Services at 220-3092.