It's a chance to foster a love for reading in people from a young age, and it's back again this year. I Love to Read Month has officially kicked off in Manitoba, and this year many schools will be focusing on joy and justice in their reading.

Barb Lepp from the Manitoba Reading Association says that the month of February's focus on reading is an important one. "We love to read all year, of course, but the month of February helps in promoting literacy for young people, and families." The theme this year is "literacy for joy & justice."

The organization is also trying new things through social media this year for I Love to Read Month. "On Twitter we will be posting a word each day, and then invite people to post a photo of something that reminds people of that word." 

In combination with I Love to Read Month, the Manitoba government is increasing funding for kindergarten to Grade 12 education. Manitoba has put a $13.1-million boost towards public schools.

"Students and families across Manitoba understand the importance of a quality education and so does our government," said Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart in a release. "Education is a fundamental building block for personal growth and success in life." The announcement represents an overall one per cent increase for the 2017-18 school year.