Pictured above: Children from Kangiqsujuaq, QC, participate in an educational reading session 

Children from three Nunavut communities got the opportunity to grow their knowledge base and potential through literacy this past summer – thanks in part to a $10,000 grant from The North West Company’s Healthy Horizons Foundation.

Frontier College has been partnering up with Indigenous communities across Canada to host Summer Literacy Camps. The camps feature daily programming, including fun-filled literacy activities and educational workshops meant to enhance youths’ abilities and confidence as readers. Programs make use of traditional languages such as Inuktitut and are guided by Elders and community members, who often act as role models to the children.

This year, the camps were delivered differently due to COVID-19 restrictions, but Frontier College remained committed to advancing education through literacy.

As part of the 2020 Summer Literacy Camps in Nunavut, programming started off by hiring local talent in order to form more meaningful connections with children. The local camp workers offered children engaging activities using radio, social media and small group-sized gatherings. The activities often began with a reading session and were followed by interactive activities.

Pictured above: (Left) Camp counsellor, Kevin Eetoolook, reads a story online and children complete activities.

Frontier College was grateful for the opportunity to help children grow their literacy skills, expand their vocabulary and become closer to their culture – all while making sure COVID-19 safety precautions were being taken into consideration.

“With all the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the generous contribution of the Healthy Horizons Foundation to the Frontier College Summer Literacy Camps in Nunavut was more impactful than ever. We are looking forward to continue offering summer learning opportunities to the children of Nunavut in the years to come with the support of the Healthy Horizons Foundation,” said Melanie Valcin, Regional Director, Frontier College.