Literacy for Life: A Conference for Children, Youth and Adults
This unique literacy conference was first held in the spring of 2006 and has become an annual event.
The purpose of the conference is to provide children, youth and adults with mentors and models of good literacy. Each year approximately 4600 students are invited, over three days, to an adult like conference held on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan. The students attend sessions led by local, national and internationally recognized authors, illustrators, journalists, storytellers and other positive literacy role models. To date, over 49 presenters have taken part in the conference.
Connecting to the presenters on the U of S campus offers students the opportunity to set their sights on a lifetime of learning.
Approximately 1500 adult delegates attend sessions to provide professional development for educators and to bring the business leaders and community members together to better understand the impact literacy has throughout one’s life. These events are also fundraisers that support the students’ “no cost” conference. On average, there are 30 - 35 sponsors and 45 – 50 donors per year. The conference is very thankful for the corporate sponsors, partnerships and donors who ensure that this conference is cost free to the students.
Keynote presenters at the banquets and luncheons have included:
David Bouchard O.C., Senator Jacques Demers, Susan Aglukark O.C., Honourable Mike Harcourt, Tom Jackson O.C., Bob McDonald, Erin Gruwell, Charles Coffey O.C., Gary Merasty, The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, and Simon Jackson.
