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PRAIRIES

United for Literacy strengthens communities across the Prairies by delivering inclusive, learner-centered programs that meet local needs. In Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, our teams partner with schools, libraries, newcomer and Indigenous organizations, and community groups to make literacy learning accessible for children, youth, and adults—whether in urban centres, rural areas, or remote regions.

Alberta

Programs and Services

Alberta programs serve diverse urban, rural, and remote communities through learner-centered, trauma-informed, and inclusive approaches that reflect the unique realities of each region.

In 2024:

Learners served: 4,885
Books distributed: 6,544
Volunteers: 148

Our key initiatives and locations include:

Reading Tents (year-round and summer): Lethbridge, Grande Prairie, Edmonton
Summer Literacy Camps (17 in 2025): Alexis, Anzac, Cadotte Lake, Conklin, Enoch, Ermineskin, Fort McKay, Gift Lake, Goodfish Lake, Grouard, Heart Lake, Peavine, Pigeon Lake, Piikani, Paul First Nation, Samson, Tsuut’ina
Reading Circle/Reading Support: Edmonton, Lethbridge

Programming runs year-round and seasonally, often aligned with the school year, offering:
1:1 reading support in elementary and middle schools
Online and in-person tutoring
Homework clubs and after-school programs
Reading tents and adult programming
20 Indigenous summer camps

Programs are accessible to children and adults looking to strengthen reading, writing, math, soft skills, and digital skills.

Access programs in Alberta

Partnerships in Alberta

We collaborate with a wide network of organizations across the province, including local schools, friendship societies, newcomer agencies, public libraries, other non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities.

Partner with us

Contact our Team in Alberta

Click here to contact the person best suited to your request. You will be redirected to our “Contact” page, where you will find the name and specialty of each member of our team.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Programs and Services

United for Literacy has been active in the Prairie provinces since 1906. We provide free, flexible programs that help children, youth, adults, and families in underserved areas build skills and confidence. We work closely with local partners, staff, and volunteers in Winnipeg, Selkirk, Brandon, Saskatoon, and surrounding First Nation communities.

Annual Highlights

Learners served: 7,000+
Books distributed: 9,300+
Volunteers trained: 250+
Activity kits distributed: 1,200+

Regions and Programming

Programming in Winnipeg, Selkirk, Brandon, Saskatoon, and surrounding First Nation communities
Year-round, school-year, and summer programs, often in partnership with local organizations

Programs and Services

English Language Learning, Homework & Math Clubs, After-school Programs
One-to-one tutoring for all ages
CAEC prep courses (high school equivalency)
Reading tents and family literacy workshops
Summer literacy camps
Free and flexible programming, offered in-person or online

Access programs in Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Partnerships in Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Partnerships are at the heart of our work. United for Literacy collaborates with a wide network of organizations across the province, including:

Local schools
Newcomer settlement agencies
Public libraries
Other non-profit organizations
First Nation Communities

These collaborations allow programs to be deeply embedded in communities, offering locally relevant and culturally responsive literacy support.

Read about our mobile children's literacy partnership with Brandon Area Community Foundation.

Become our partner

Contact our Team in Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Click here to contact the person best suited to your request. You will be redirected to our “Contact” page, where you will find the name and specialty of each member of our team.

Support our Programs

Become a volunteer

United for Literacy programs support people as they build literacy skills. These skills provide more opportunities for improved health, better employment prospects, and enhanced social engagement. United for Literacy currently requires volunteers for in-person, remote, and hybrid programs.

Program volunteers participate in planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of the program. It’s a great way to learn new skills and share your knowledge with others.

No teaching experience? No problem! Our volunteers come from many different backgrounds and experiences. Fill out the form below to become a volunteer tutor today!

*Workplaces can also get involved through volunteer activities—from book drives to tutoring and mentoring learners.

I want to be a volunteer

Make a gift

There are many ways to make a difference. You can give a one-time or monthly donation, sponsor an event, donate securities, or even contribute Air Miles. Many employers also match employee donations, doubling the impact.

Every contribution helps provide children, youth, and adults with the skills they need for a brighter future.

I want to support

Programs

United for Literacy believes any place can be a learning place. We deliver our programs in schools, community centres, shelters—anywhere we're invited. Our literacy and numeracy programs are all free.

View all our programs