As a successful session of the Reading with Newcomer Children program came to an end, program co-chairs Marcela Mangarelli and Patti McIntosh extended our sincerest thanks to all the many volunteers.
Over 30 volunteer readers, from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island, read to over 45 newcomer children in the Greater Toronto Area (all done virtually!). A sense of community and friendship developed over the five months the program ran and we heard how reading together became a weekly highlight for all involved (children, parents and volunteers alike).
The impact is far reaching!
The Reading with Newcomer Children volunteers are often one of the first and most important liaisons between newcomers and Canadian society. I want to highlight the importance of your role in the integration journey of the families and children you are reading to… IBBY and you are crucial to our ability to meet the changing needs of the diverse immigrant communities and we want to thank you for the amazing work you are doing.
— Mirna El Sabbagh
General Manager Stakeholder Engagement, COSTI
She is a great teacher. She taught my son how to read. He has more confidence when he reads in English now. Also, I can tell that his English level has improved because of the story sessions. A big thank you to our great volunteer and I wish that she will continue reading to my son and daughter.
— mother of a participant
The volunteer is great and my son started to love reading because of this amazing program.
— father of a participant
We read together many stories. She taught me new words in English. I like stories because I learn new things.
— participant
The Reading with Newcomer Children program will be starting up again this September. Please do let us know if you are interested in volunteering!
Reading with Newcomer Children
Winter/Spring Programming Wrap Up
As a successful session of the Reading with Newcomer Children program came to an end, program co-chairs Marcela Mangarelli and Patti McIntosh extended our sincerest thanks to all the many volunteers.
Over 30 volunteer readers, from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island, read to over 45 newcomer children in the Greater Toronto Area (all done virtually!). A sense of community and friendship developed over the five months the program ran and we heard how reading together became a weekly highlight for all involved (children, parents and volunteers alike).
The impact is far reaching!
The Reading with Newcomer Children volunteers are often one of the first and most important liaisons between newcomers and Canadian society. I want to highlight the importance of your role in the integration journey of the families and children you are reading to… IBBY and you are crucial to our ability to meet the changing needs of the diverse immigrant communities and we want to thank you for the amazing work you are doing.
— Mirna El Sabbagh
General Manager Stakeholder Engagement, COSTI
She is a great teacher. She taught my son how to read. He has more confidence when he reads in English now. Also, I can tell that his English level has improved because of the story sessions. A big thank you to our great volunteer and I wish that she will continue reading to my son and daughter.
— mother of a participant
The volunteer is great and my son started to love reading because of this amazing program.
— father of a participant
We read together many stories. She taught me new words in English. I like stories because I learn new things.
— participant
The Reading with Newcomer Children program will be starting up again this September. Please do let us know if you are interested in volunteering!
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