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| Children seen here wearing masks were participating in the Summer Arts Academy at the Downtown Center. |
Every fourth Saturday of the month, the Cal Poly Pomona Downtown Center offers Family Fun Days to the surrounding communities.
The Cal Poly Pomona Academy for Literacy through the Arts, headquartered at center, created the free event to foster education through art-centered activities. Children receive a book at each Family Fun Days event to highlight this belief.
“It offers an alternative activity for kids and their families,” said Jonnie Owens, Family Fun Days founder and community outreach coordinator of the Downtown Center.
Owens added there is a need for more literacy programs because of the educational benefits it provides the community. Such programs help participants develop lifelong reading and writing skills.
Whether through story circles, puppet shows or workshops, Family Fun Days entertains individuals of all ages. Attendees participate in a variety of activities such as theatre games, improvisations and hands-on projects. Each activity corresponds to a specific learning theme selected for the month.
The Family Fun Days event in April will cover the subject of geography. On Saturday, April 28, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. children and their families will broaden their horizons at the event “Doorway to the World.” During the festivities, adults can participate in a financial workshop that provides tips about money management.
The joy of reading will be spotlighted during the Family Literacy and Book Fair on Saturday, May 26, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Attendees will learn the benefits of living a reading-enriched lifestyle.
The April and May Family Fun Days events feature activities taught by Cal Poly Pomona student-volunteers. Many of the volunteers receive class credit for their participation. For students aspiring to be teachers, the events are an opportunity to develop and improve their teaching skills.
The Cal Poly Pomona DowntownCenter is located at 300 W. Second St. in Downtown Pomona. For more information, call the Downtown Center at (909) 469-0080.