Let's bridge the literacy gap

2024 marks our 125th anniversary. In 1899, United for Literacy (formerly Frontier College) was founded on the approach that “every place is a learning place.” This spirit of inclusivity is still at the heart of all we do, and today we’re celebrating 125 years of empowerment through literacy.  

This year, we are running a special fundraising campaign to raise 10,000 gifts of $125 to reach and serve more learners throughout Canada. According to the report 'An Economic Overview of Children’s Literacy in Canada' by Deloitte (2020), more than one million children in Canada—at least one in eight—are not reading at grade level.

Children who face systemic barriers, such as poverty, are struggling the most. Everyone deserves access to literacy and learning. We want to empower young people with the skills they need to learn, achieve their goals, and follow their dreams. But to make it a reality, we need your support.  


 

United for Literacy is part of the solution. You can be, too.

Your donation, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to a world where everyone can read and write. Here are some ways your contribution can help:  

• $125 will provide a dozen quality, new books for six children living in low-income neighbourhoods.  
• $250 will help mobilize and train five volunteer literacy tutors to support learners of all ages.

 

Donate today!
 

Literacy is essential for quality of life, not just for working and learning. 

A 2024 national public opinion poll confirmed that 92% of Canadians agree that improving literacy rates in Canada would improve the standard of living. Most Canadians also believe that lower literacy has negative impacts on quality of life and prosperity. 

With over a century of frontline experience we know just how profoundly literacy changes everything. We know this because 89% of parents observed that their child’s reading skills improved after participating in a United for Literacy program, and more than 82% of teachers and educators observed an improvement in reading after their students participated in a United for Literacy program.  

“Reading is really important, and that is why I am here with United for Literacy—to help some of the learners who are struggling. Even if they can read a simple word such as ‘bug’ or ‘hug,’ you can see their eyes light up and say, ‘Ah, I got it.’ It’s just beautiful.”  

—Keisha, volunteer tutor

When you help a child build strong literacy skills, you are showing them that you believe in their future. You can donate by calling 1-800-555-6523 ext. 3405 by clicking here to land on our donate page. Our 125th anniversary is a wonderful reason to celebrate your generosity. To thank you for your gift we will send you a digital copy of Alfred Fitzpatrick's Schools and Other Penitentiaries, with a new foreword written by our historian, Dr. James H. Morrison.    

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to making a difference. Together, we can create a future where literacy is accessible to all.