Literacy is a fundamental skill, as defined by UNESCO: "Acquiring literacy is not a one-off act. Beyond its conventional concept as a set of reading, writing and counting skills, literacy also includes financial literacy, English as an Additional Language (EAL), as well as French as an Additional Language (FAL). Literacy is a continuum of learning and is part of a larger set of skills, which include digital skills, media literacy, education for sustainable development and global citizenship as well as job-specific skills."
A simple definition of literacy is the ability to read and write. But in a larger sense, literacy means understanding or competency. "Literacy is the set of foundational skills that enable an individual “to interpret information, make decisions, and solve problems in personal, work, and community life” (Windisch, 2015, p.20).
Literacy is the foundation of all learning and touches virtually every aspect of our lives and has a great influence on our well-being.
Everyone has some level of literacy. People who struggle with reading often learn to manage and disguise their challenges. They learn coping techniques like memorizing bus schedules and menus. Some people have strategies like sticking to a routine or only doing new things with friends or family around to offer support. Individuals with literacy challenges have families, jobs, hobbies, and interests.
While people who seek literacy support live rich and rewarding lives, being able to read and write with confidence makes living in today’s world more comfortable and accessible. It also gives people more opportunities and opens doors. Today, literacy is often used along with a specific word that describes a topic of understanding outside of reading and writing. Computer, financial, emotional, and health literacy are some common forms of literacy. When used this way, "literacy" describes having working knowledge of a specific topic. Numeracy, or being able to understand and work with numbers, is also a part of the bigger picture of learning.
At United for Literacy, we believe that everyone can learn, but not everyone has the support and resources they need to succeed.
For many people, one of the steps to building literacy skills is gaining confidence. Working with one person—say, a tutor—each week builds trust. When someone shows up and encourages a learner, it helps to build confidence. Confidence is necessary when the work is challenging.
It’s important to recognize that everyone has some level of literacy. Even if a person is unable to read or write, they have knowledge that has built over their lives. Many people who struggle with learning know how to drive, work at a job, take care of kids, and perform daily tasks. Often, people go to great lengths to hide their inability to read. People are resilient and adaptable. There is not one reason why an adult may not have strong foundational skills, and there are many ways to support and nurture their learning and growth. That is why we say we meet people where they are on their learning journey.
Being able to read and write with confidence makes the world easier to handle. Information is everywhere. Having the skills needed to decode the words and their meanings with ease helps people learn new things and make informed decisions.
Young children who have support as they learn gives them the structure to becoming stronger readers. This sets them up for success as they continue in school and in life.
Free, accessible programs for children, teens, adults, seniors and families opens the space to explore new ideas, concepts, and possibilities. This is especially true for people who didn’t have a lot of success with traditional learning or who are new to Canada. Adults with strong reading comprehension can help their kids with homework, find better jobs, and be certain they’re following the directions on a medication label. From there, anything's possible.
To this day, United for Literacy has transformed "every place in a learning place," by customizing our approach for each individual or community we support.
We have historically anchored our activities in the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion—even before it was a widespread concern for society: women in 1920s; newcomers in the 40s; youth leadership roles in the ‘60s; and learning with and from Indigenous communities in the ‘70s. At the turn of the 21st century, we embraced the latest technologies to reach the most geographically isolated learners across the country.
United for literacy works with people living in poverty, people with disabilities, newcomers to Canada who desire to improve their language skills, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals who have historically been underserved by the formal education systems.
Since literacy is connected to the achievement of educational, economic and health outcomes for individuals of all ages, we connect deeply with individuals, families, and entire communities we serve.
That's what sets us apart.
A recent report shows 19% of Canadian adults struggle with basic reading skills, a critical issue with personal and economic impacts. As Canada faces growing challenges, improving literacy is crucial for both individual and national success. It’s time to act—discover why literacy is vital for Canada’s future.
Read moreThe majority of Canadians (92%) believe improving literacy rates in Canada would improve the standard of living, according to a new Pollara survey commissioned by United for Literacy. Find out more!
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