Just two hours each week to help a child, youth, or adult become a stronger learner can create meaningful, lasting change. By supporting learners in your local area, you’re helping to:
- Build a stronger economy with healthier, more resilient, and highly skilled employees
- Set up students for continued school success
- Empower people to think critically and engage more fully in daily life
- Create safe, welcoming spaces where newcomers can connect and feel at home in Canada
- And much more!
Volunteer with children or youth
Most United for Literacy programs require just 3–6 hours of training. After that, you’ll spend a couple of hours with your learner each week. Showing up regularly builds trust and consistency, so your learner knows they can count on you.
“My learner… has learned to face any reading challenges as they arise,” says a volunteer in Kingston. “Her literacy has certainly improved since the start of our time together.”
A volunteer in Edmonton, where we serve over 2,000 children annually, shared: “This program helped me reach out of my own bubble and help my buddy with things I didn’t know I could help with.”
While we often talk about how literacy skills build learner confidence, our programs also benefit volunteers by providing space to develop skills they can take to any workplace: resourcefulness, empathy, and flexibility. These skills are strengthened through direct, hands-on support of learners in real learning settings.
"Math used to confuse me,” admits a Grade 6 student in Manitoba. “But the instructors explain things in a way that makes sense. I feel proud because I am doing better in school and not scared to ask questions anymore."
Find out more about volunteering.
Volunteer with adults
United for Literacy’s adult programs follow a student-centred approach where learners set their own goals. Volunteers build mentorship skills while supporting social equity and finding ways to support people who learn at varied paces.
Most volunteer opportunities with adults include working one-to-one with a learner, while others involve leading small groups. Reading, math, computer skills, financial literacy, and workplace safety are topics volunteer tutors address.
In Québec City, one tutor pair shared that they looked at holiday traditions, government documents, English proficiency exams, income tax preparation, and verb tenses. And that’s over just three meetings!
Depending on your location, you may also support conversation groups or family literacy programs, helping newcomers meet new people, practice their speaking skills, and feel welcome.
“The participants had a lot of questions and learned a lot of new words and things about Canada,” says a volunteer at a Ukrainian English Conversation Club. “They seemed to enjoy themselves very much.”
Learn more about tutoring adults.
Get Involved
Becoming a United for Literacy tutor is simple. Complete the Volunteer Inquiry Form to get started. You don’t need previous teaching experience, just a willingness to learn and share your time and skills with others.
