Literacy for Life
NEED:
With little or no support, teenage mothers are less likely to complete their education and are therefore more likely to have limited career opportunities. Data shows that many teenage mothers are less likely to have adequate parenting skills and are more apt to feel isolated and excluded from society.
Our (Literacy for Life) experience informs us that assisting teen mothers to develop strong literacy skills increases their ability and willingness to create a family culture of literacy and learning, thus impacting the literacy skills of two generations. Literacy is a powerful tool and a first step in breaking the cycle of poverty
PROGRAMS:
1. Women with Words Reading Circles –Lit for Life flagship program. Each week, pregnant and parenting teenage girls meet at various shelters and youth centres throughout the City to read and discuss novels with trained facilitators – for many of the girls this is the first book that they have ever read. The young moms begin to see language as a tool to express themselves. They become empowered through reading, writing and discussions – finding new ways to solve problems and learning to be proactive in their lives instead of reactive. They begin to understand that their voices and stories have value and meaning which leads to increased self-esteem, a renewed interest in literacy and learning as well as an investment in their community. They pass these values on to their children who are then better prepared to attend and do well in school, less likely to become involved in gang activity or to be incarcerated.
2. Publications (Yo'Mama and SOLACE) by the teen moms
Yo’Mama, the magazine the girls started, research, write, edit, design, illustrate and publish is sought after by other services for teens, by doctors’ offices, libraries and community centres. 20,000 copies go out quarterly!
SOALCE - Giving back to the community is part of the program, and part of their learning experience. Through SOLACE the young moms are engaged in solution-based discussions about violence, abuse, gangs, guns and addictions. They are learning the value and dignity of having an education and having work, of being a good parent, of saying no to abuse and violence. They are developing the ability to value themselves, their children and their community.”
**** SOLACE won the 2008 Mayor’s Community Safety Award
Poetry - The first publications from Lit for L were books of poetry written during their reading circle programs. To read some of their poetry >>>>
OUTCOMES:
To speak -- and to be heard. To write -- and to be read. Empowering young mothers is the greatest gift Literature for Life has given to more than 500 women and their children since our inception in 2000
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1,200 young moms have participated in Women with Words.
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2,000 children have received age appropriate books to build a family library
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10,000 books have been distributed to young moms and their children
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Yo'Mama
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20,000 copies are distributed annually
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150 agencies receive quarterly issues
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Employed 35 young moms as writers, graphic designers, distribution managers, editors and production.
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- SOLACE - just won the 2008 Mayor's Community Safety Award
- One young mother who graduated from our program, volunteered in the community and worked in our office was named the 2003 YWCA Young Woman of Distinction. In her acceptance speech she stated, “I am living proof that teen mums, when supported, can do anything.” more>>
- There are several other examples of achievement: many of our clients have moved on to college or university; several now own their own businesses.
Give Girls A Chance has supported Literature for Life since 2003 and thus was one of the first grants made by GGAC. These grants have helped LforL grow from one reading program at one location per week to ten.