Education, Literacy
&
the Arts
Proceeds from CFUW's Home & Garden Tour allow us to support a variety of educational activities in our local schools.
More than 20 members volunteer with ELA to enrich the lives of Lanark County elementary school students with positive, shared experiences around reading and literacy, and the creative arts.
Love Reading?
Give just two hours a week to help K-8 students revel in the joy of reading and discover new worlds.
"Our Kindergarten students have been the recipients of a wealth of support with their foundational literacy and numeracy skills ... thanks to CFUW volunteers." - Glen Tay School Teacher
Got a Creative Spark?
Share your passion for music or art during lunch-hour or classroom workshops.
"Students learn collaboration and critical thinking in the Arts. It is such a joy to visit the class when they are creating." - Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School Principal
Ignite a child's Imagination!
and Make a Real Impact
Your time builds student confidence and curiosity. While our community fundraising provides the resources, our 20+ volunteers provide the heart.
"(volunteering) is a highlight of my week... I delight in seeing each student's pride in building confidence." -ELA volunteer
Reading in Schools
This past year, 20 members worked one-to-one or in small groups to improve basic reading skills. Volunteers read for two hours weekly, when it fits their schedule and that of classroom teachers. Students gain confidence, and volunteers are rewarded in sharing in each student’s reading success.
This past year, 20 members worked one-to one or in small groups to improve basic reading skills. Volunteers read for two hours weekly, when it fits their schedule and tha tof classroom teachers.
Students gain confidence, and volunteers are rewarded in sharing each students reading success
One volunteer shares her experience!
2026 Support for Summer Literacy Programs in Lanark County
In 2026 the Education, Literacy & the Arts Committee of CFUW Perth & District provided six local libraries with $800 each to support the delivery of literacy programs for children in the summer of 2026.
Read More about the CFUW's contributions to local libraries in support of this program
Art and Music in Schools
Christmas greens and Spring florals workshops brought joy to two schools this year using Katharina Allen Memorial funding and presented by ELA volunteers.
CFUW funded arts events and experiences in local schools. Three schools arranged arts experiences with MASC (Multicultural Arts for Schools and Communities) a non-profit organization in Ottawa, and one school hosted JB Arts from Almonte
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Chimo students moved to the Sounds of Haiti- Celebrating Culture Through Dance.
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Duncan J Schoular students created characters and video stories using Stop Animation.
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Students at Sacred Heart of Jesus took part in a performance by Junkyard Symphony
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Maple Grove students created colorful plaster masks.
Generous funding from the Home & Garden Tour of $4000 is gratefully acknowledged.
Fostering Curiosity, Possibility, and the Confidence to Create
“I am a volunteer at Chimo Elementary School in Smiths Falls, reading with grade one children once a week on Thursdays.
My visit usually entails 2 hours of reading time.
The teacher is very supportive in providing material and discussing feedback and strategies with me.
The kids are very cute, look forward to reading with me every week and we talk about what they are doing at home as well. Their progression over the year is very interesting and I will be happy to volunteer again next year as it is very rewarding."
Sheila S
“I started volunteering at Chimo Elementary in March 2022. The grade 3-4 teacher I work with is very organized and has my reading material always ready for me. I find that the children really enjoy the one on one time.
I must say this has been the most rewarding volunteer experience I have participated in. I can see myself continuing with this program for years to come as I believe there is a real need to help these children improve their reading skills and to develop an interest in reading for their enjoyment.”
Elaine F
Proceeds from CFUW Perth and District community fundraising activities allow us to support a variety of educational activities in our local schools. Our volunteers enrich the lives of Lanark County elementary school students with positive, shared experiences around reading and literacy, and various forms of arts. Volunteers will be asked to complete a free Vulnerable Sector Check, a criminal record check conducted by police specifically for volunteering. We will help you through this online process.
