Issue 3: Jade - Miss Nipissing District 2021 & National Canadian Miss Ontario 2018

1 in 4 children will grow up without learning how to read. Literacy is a foundational skill in society, unfortunately for many children and adults the inability to read can sometimes be a massive barrier for achieving their goals. For this Teacher Candidate and Nipissing District representative in the Miss North Ontario Pageant, combatting Illiteracy is her 'REAL WHY'.

When Jade was in grade school, reading and writing were her forms of escapism from the bullying she endured every day, needless to say, reading and writing has become an increadibly important aspect of her life. Jade was inspired by the documentary 'LeLee's Kin', seeing the generational poverty cycle instigated this sense of urgency in her to create change; later inspiring her to pursue a career in Teaching. Jade aspires to teach for the organization 'Teach for Canada'; an organization which aims to provide low-income children equal access to quality education, with nearly sixteen-million children living in poverty, 'Teach for Canada' aims to provide these children an opportunity to thrive.

Jade decided to go into teaching because she wanted to inspire change! As a Teacher Candidate, Jade aspires to make a change to the generational illiteracy cycle through giving students opportunities to keep and trade books within her future classroom. By selecting books of representation, creating incentives to reading at home, and modelling literacy skills in her classrooms; Jade is on a mission to create opportunities for young children through literacy as being a proficient reader and writer opens doors as well as empowers generations.

As 25% of Canadian households don't have a single book in them, Jade plans on doing her part to change this statistic! Through her upcoming Book Distribution Project for low-income neighbourhoods, Jade will provide readers with materials showcasing diversity, empower young people to see themselves in reading, the opportunity for youth to be the directors of their own learning, and encourage young people to make reading a part of their daily routine!

Jade will be continuing her 'REAL WHY' mission as she competes in the 15th Edition of the Miss North Ontario Pageant, and as a Graduate and Teacher Candidate from Nipissing University. Jade is excited to take the experiences she has learned to improve illiteracy in Northern Ontario or Manitoba through the 'Teach for Canada' Organization. Where she aims to continue her work with Indigenous learners. As a women of colour, empowering Black and Indigenous learners is a part of her 'REAL WHY'!

Interested in supporting Jade's Book Distribution Project? Or her journey to Miss North Ontario? Feel free to go give her a like and a follow to help this beautiful queen accomplish her 'REAL WHY' - ILLITERACY!