Editor's note: This is the latest article in our Co-op Cares series, sponsored by the Southern Plains Co-op. Thanks to the co-op for supporting this article, and to the literacy group for their work in the community.
The Estevan Area Literacy Group (EALG) has a passion for helping people boost their reading and other essential skills.
Grace Caputo, who has been the literacy group’s co-ordinator since November 2020, said the agency was formed in 2007. Throughout the year, they offer free educational, fun programs that are open to all members of the community.
The literacy group was located in the Estevan Public Library for many years, but it is now in the Estevan Comprehensive School.
They have programs for children and adults, and they work with English as Another Language adults.
“We solely survive on grants, local donations and fundraising, which allows us to offer free programming,” said Caputo.
The literacy group is a United Way Estevan member agency, and the United Way is their biggest contributor. Saskatchewan Lotteries, the Children’s Initiative Fund, the Access Communications Children Fund and the Estevan Lions Club are among the other supporters.
Summer is typically a busy time for the EALG. They will have Nature Smarts, running Monday to Thursday from July 5-Aug. 20. Sessions are 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m.
“It’s just an educational program which focuses on building and maintaining literacy and other essential skills,” said Caputo. “It includes scavenger hunts, games, crafts, book reads. The program is open for children ages four to 12. We just want to offer children a fun and unique option and a way to learn and socialize during the summer break.”
The fall will bring an English Fun program, which is to be offered weekly over four weeks for children ages four to 12.
“It’s just a fun, educational experience,” said Caputo. “We’ll have a theme each week, and we’ll offer books reads, scavenger hunts and games for children.”
The EALG has also organized the Battle of the Books in local schools, she said, but it didn`t happen in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID_19 restrictions. The competition sees teams of students in different grades answer questions about 10 different books. Prizes are handed out, and the top team receives a trophy.
Caputo hasn’t been part of a Battle of the Books yet, but she’s heard how much the children love it.
The literacy group is busy with other programs during the year, too.
“Basically throughout the year we partner up with different groups in the community, such as the Souris Valley Museum, the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, the Southeast College and the Southeast Newcomer Services, where we hold programs for children and families which promote literacy and fun learning.”
She hopes to start book clubs in the schools again this fall.
“We have school break programs that we offer for the children when they’re on their school break,” said Caputo.
She has been busy since joining the literacy group, thanks to the different programs, and since this is her first job as a literacy co-ordinator.
The literacy group also just recently held its first Heroes of Estevan initiative at Michael’s Coffee Shop and Bakery.
“We wanted to acknowledge all of our heroes who contribute to our local community, so they basically do a book read to the children.”
Michael Ellis, the owner of Michael’s, read a book to the children.
All of their progams are free, so it’s important for the literacy group to receive grants and donations.
The EALG is currently in the midst of a fundraiser with Michael’s. People can purchase a voucher for a 16-inch pizza of their choice, and the literacy group will receive a portion of the proceeds. There’s no expiration date on the voucher.
They were also a recent recipient through the Burgers for a Cause fundraiser at Blackbeard’s Restaurant.
If anyone wants information on the literacy group or to register for a program, they can caputo at 306-634-4711, or email her at literacycoordinator@outlook.com.
