The U of M Graduate and Postdoctoral Society (UMGPS), in partnership with the Children’s Reading Circle (CRC), has launched a free summer literacy program to support graduate students with families by providing educational and recreational activities for children during the summer break.
The program’s most recent session, held earlier this month, attracted more than a dozen children who participated in activities including reading, arts, science and gallery explorations at the U of M.
Laleema Senanayake, UMGPS vice president academic affairs and senator, said the initiative was introduced to address the challenges many graduate student families face.
“UMGPS is committed to supporting our graduate student community,” Senanayake said. “Some graduate students with families struggle to find affordable childcare and summer activities for their children. Childcare and summer camps can be expensive or difficult to access, particularly for international and newcomer graduate students. This motivated UMGPS to launch a free summer childcare initiative for our community.”
Ngozi Okose, founder and program coordinator of the CRC, said the program was established to provide children with something she knew was needed through her own experience with her daughters.
“I wanted to create a free, accessible space where children could spend meaningful time at the library, enjoy reading, make new friends, and take a break from the screens and gadgets that often dominate their summer days,” Okose said.
The program draws on the concept of the circle to create an inclusive environment for participants.
“The name was inspired by Indigenous teachings about the circle. A circle represents equality, connection, and belonging — everyone is seen, valued, and has a place,” Okose said.
Attendance has grown over the first three sessions. Okose said community members donated books for participants to take home, while volunteers, educators and CanU youth mentors have supported program delivery.
Activities include independent and buddy reading, storytelling, knitting, crocheting, group discussions, community service projects and educational field trips to parks and historical sites.
“These experiences help children develop not only strong literacy skills but also empathy, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging within their community,” Okose said.
Graduate students who missed the registration deadline can still express interest by contacting UMGPS via [email protected], and the registration link may be reopened if space is available.
