May. 12 2026
When people think about literacy, they tend to think about reading and writing. While these elements are true, literacy is also about being able to identify, understand, interpret, and communicate ideas and concepts. It is important for functioning in today’s fast-paced world where information and digital tools are everywhere.
In general, we use five key literacy skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. These skills help us navigate the world through, for example:
Literacy skills help us to separate fact from fiction and make sense of events. These abilities also support sharing critical information with others. In addition, literacy helps us solve problems and make choices in our daily environments by accessing, assessing and applying information.
Our current literacy levels fall short of what we need to succeed in today’s world. The numbers below highlight the scale of literacy challenges across Canada today:
Literacy impacts every aspect of your life, from the information you access, analyze, and use, to the informed decisions you make about a range of issues, including your health. Improved literacy skills will support overall quality of life.
Higher literacy levels will also enhance communities across Canada. For example, improving adult literacy by just 1% could generate $67 billion per year, putting about $1,800 more in each Canadian's pocket.
United for Literacy (UFL) is a national charitable literacy organization that works with community partners and volunteers. We support people as they develop the skills and confidence they need to reach their full potential.
We design and deliver programs based on identified community needs across the country, ensuring literacy support reaches where it is needed most. Our programs (both in-person and online) support learners at every age and at every stage. From homework clubs and summer camps for kids to skills training and tutoring for adults, learners are at the heart of our work.
We were so happy to hear a child in one of our summer camps excitedly say, “I think I can read now.” And it’s not just children who feel great about learning. One adult said, “It’s magic. It gives people the tools to grow. The tutors work WITH the individual and treat them like human beings.” These moments reflect the real impact of our programs on learners’ confidence, skills, and their lives.
People are the heart of our organization. This includes learners, staff, donors, Literacy Ambassadors, and, of course, volunteers and community partners.
Each year, over 1,500 volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences generously give thousands of hours to United for Literacy. They tutor math, reading, and writing, read stories to children, help with special events, and more.
Volunteering your time can change a life. As one volunteer told us, “Volunteering with the Independent Studies Program at United for Literacy…has provided me the opportunity to slow down, open my heart, and give of myself in a way that I hadn't known before.”
We are always looking for more people to volunteer with us. You can find out more here!
Thanks to generous donations from individuals like you, United for Literacy provides tutoring, books, and learning support at no charge to learners. We are pleased to note that, with your support, in 2025:
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3,150 children were able to participate in literacy camps in communities with limited access to literacy support.
We were able to distribute 54,905 free, new books to learners across Canada.
Donate today and help someone take their first step toward a brighter future!
Literacy transforms lives. Through our programs, we help individuals and communities to achieve their goals and unlock their potential. Join with us today to continue making a difference.
To keep informed of our work, please visit our website.
A retired federal public servant policy and program manager, Stephanie Wilson is now a part-time freelance writer and editor. A member of Editors Canada, Stephanie has over thirty years experience in writing, reviewing, and editing documents for internal (government) senior management and for the general public. She is an avid reader and is passionate about supporting literacy for everyone at any age.
