Literature has always been a huge part of my life, so when I heard that the NWT Literacy Council was hiring, I immediately wanted to hand in my résumé.
Though I was only at the Council for a short time, I learned a lot. My communication skills are much better since being around the families that I worked with. I am much more confident talking to other people. I also gained confidence each time I was asked to lead an activity or complete a new task.
One of my favorite tasks was representing the Council at the Yellowknife Farmers Market. With the bookmobile, I and another summer student helped children and their parents learn about the Literacy Council and what we do. We encouraged children to take home as many books as they wanted, and the parents to donate unwanted children’s books to the Council.
As an immigrant myself, I saw first-hand how the Literacy Council impacts the lives of people. From ski club activities and female-only swim nights, to fishing trips and potlucks, the Council’s Community Connections program plays a significant role helping immigrant families explore and integrate into northern Canadian society.
I will never forget my summer at the Literacy Council. The memories I have made and the people I have grown close to will forever be a part of my life.
— Aishah Mohammed returned to Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife, where she is in Grade 10.
