Frontier College kicks off summer literacy program for Indigenous youth

For most kids, the best part of the summer holidays is no homework. But a new nationwide initiative is trying to change that, somewhat.

Frontier College has launched a program specifically for Indigenous youth and runs all across Canada.

"It's to prevent children from summer reading loss, and developing the love of reading and to have parents be engaged with their children to read all summer long," said Thona Longneck, regional director of Frontier College for Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The summer literacy camp is meant to encourage kids to both take learning outside the classroom, and retain what they learned the year before.

"Our campsincorporatefunactivitiesthat children adapt to very easily," said Longneck.

The camp includes teachings from elders and other Indigenous community leaders.Approximately 7,000 students are expected to partake in the summer camp this year.

Thona said the program is mindful of students that might come from lower-income families, and inner-cityschoolsand that they might not be receivingthe necessary supports.

She added the summer program strivesto give kids theconfidence they need to do well next year.