The Salvation Army recognizes that literacy is a powerful tool to help people achieve their goals, develop their knowledge and potential, and participate fully in their community. Across Canada, we provide programs that help individuals and families build their literacy skills and find hope for a brighter future. “I’m a single parent and attend the  […]

Imagine, at age 59, being unable to spell boat, step or help. “It feels disgusting when you can’t read or write,” says Bob. “But now I’m doing something about it.” Bob is a participant in The Salvation Army’s STages Education Program (STEP) in Winnipeg. The community-based adult literacy program is open to anyone with a  […]

Imagine being a dad who can’t understand the meaning of sentences or spell simple words such as “easy” or “less”, or having children you are unable to read to. Wanting to improve his literacy skills, and strengthen the bond with his children, Mark returned to the classroom at The Salvation Army in Winnipeg. The Salvation  […]

Being able to read and write is a fundamental building block for learning and personal empowerment. Although many believe that Canada is doing well on the literacy front, the fact is that nearly half of Canadian adults have low literacy levels. Research states that poverty has a direct link to illiteracy. And the lack of  […]

Poverty and literacy are closely connected. A low literacy level leads to a lack of education and poor paying jobs, perpetuating the vicious cycle of poverty. According to the Canadian Literacy and Learning Network, adults functioning at low literacy levels are more likely to be receiving social assistance and often lack the skills and means  […]

The Salvation Army’s after-school reading program in Toronto’s Regent Park community helps children catch up on reading skills in a fun environment after school that could otherwise leave them behind their peers in class.