Youth Literacy Workshop

Challenge

Literacy is a huge issue in the NWT.  In a territory with 11 official languages, a dispersed population, and strong cultural traditions, English language literacy and western numeracy lag behind other parts of the country. Tait Communications was hired to conceive and present literacy workshops to provide youth workers and recreation co-ordinators with tools to promote literacy in their communities. Tait conducted two such literacy workshops for Yellowknife’s SideDoor Youth Centre, funded through Education, Culture & Employment – one in 2010 and one in 2011.

Solution

The 2010 workshop focussed on helping participants work through a process to identify local needs, and begin writing funding proposals in support of their needs.  Through dialogue and brainstorming, Tait facilitated a discussion of local literacy needs, youth interests, and existing resources. Each participant identified a project they would like to do in their community to engage youth while developing their literacy skills.  All participants also created a framework for a local newsletter.

In 2011, participants worked on practical computer literacy skills, and how to use those skills to increase literacy with youth in the community. From website development to Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, participants took a hands-on tour of social media and how it can be used to engage youth and improve literacy. By the end of this highly practical workshop, participants developed their own page of a new website that brings together all participating youth centres in the NWT.