A number of local community organizations are coming together to deliver a new program for Syrian families with young children.

The Immigrant Parents as Literacy Supporters program aims to help immigrant and refugee families support their preschool and kindergarten-aged children害羞草研究所檚 early literacy development.

The eight session program, starting in February, will have parents working on a series of different literacy activities alongside their children.

The free program will be offered at Pearson Road Elementary School, Field Studies Learning Centre.

害羞草研究所淭his program is an incredible opportunity to bring together a variety of community literacy resources to support the Syrian families that now call Kelowna home害羞草研究所� said Christine McWillis, Project Literacy Kelowna Society Executive Director.

害羞草研究所淭he program will work in a culturally sensitive way to help parents support their children害羞草研究所檚 literacy development.害羞草研究所�

Although the program supports the development of literacy skills among young children, the parents have an opportunity to engage in developing their own literacy.

害羞草研究所淚PALS is a bridge to starting school for these families," said program facilitator Donna Kozak. "We look forward to offering an accessible, bilingual, culturally responsive and supportive learning environment for both the parents and children.害羞草研究所�

The delivery of this program in the Kelowna area is supported by Decoda Literacy Solutions and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Partnerships with Project Literacy Kelowna, Central Okanagan Public Schools, Kelowna Community Resources and Kelowna Child Care Society will make its local delivery possible.

If you are interested in getting involved or finding our more about the IPALS program, contact Project Literacy Kelowna Society today.