Commemorating International Day of Families with a Family Literacy Webinar
Written by Tamara Starr
On May 28, over 300 participants from more than 30 countries attended WFWP, International’s launch of WFWP Perspectives, a digital platform that showcases distinguished leaders who are creating an impact within their field or within their community. The first webinar was entitled, “Family Literacy in the Time of COVID-19: Impacts Now and Moving Forward” and it featured Dr. Denny Taylor. The event was also held in commemoration of the 27th Anniversary of the UN International Day of Families.
Dr. Taylor is an author, academic, and an activist. She has been continuously engaged in research with families living in extreme poverty, and in regions of armed conflict and natural catastrophes, since 1977.
The concept of "family literacy" originates in her doctoral research--which is now being used by many UN Member States in local projects and initiatives that are a conduit for peacebuilding and for addressing the many problems and challenges that are captured by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
During the webinar, Dr. Taylor first gave a presentation about what family literacy is and then one of WFWPI’s International Vice Presidents, Alexa Ward joined her for a discussion about how family literacy affected the many families that she has worked with during the years.
Mrs. Ward was impressed by the depth and breadth of Dr. Taylor’s work with Family Literacy, which includes families, schools, first responders, as well as UN organizations and UN member states. She believes that the material is both relevant and applicable to all stakeholders.
After the discussion, participants were able to ask Dr. Taylor a variety of questions. Many participants like Mitty Tohma, felt very inspired about the whole presentation.
“Many thanks Dr. Taylor for a wonderful presentation. It’s very encouraging [for] the children to use their skills and talents. I found the whole presentation thoroughly informative and relevant,” she shared on Facebook Live.
Some even expressed how they would like to learn more about how they can start a Family Literacy initiative in their own community.
For Irmgard Baynes, she agreed with Dr. Taylor’s “…point on being concerned that children will be academically arbitrary [and that] quality time spent with parents and one’s siblings or friends is so important [along with] collecting family treasures and stories.”
To continue with the theme of collecting family treasures, a Call to Action was shared for everyone to get involved. The project is in entitled, #ForTheLoveOfOurFutureLeaders. This activity encourages individuals to submit a photo of an elder in their family and to share why this person is special to them. Participants are given the option to work on their own or to help a younger member of their family get involved with the initiative.
This project was designed to bring families together, and to encourage children to join in by collaborating with a parent or caregiver in a fun way.
For more information on the Call to Action or to watch the recording of this webinar, please visit