ABC Life Literacy Canada

At a recent online press conference announcing new literacy research, ABC Life Literacy Canada officially declared September as Life Literacy Month.

“Our primary motivation for Life Literacy Month is to raise awareness and inspire more Canadians to increase their literacy skills," says Margaret Eaton, President, ABC Life Literacy Canada. "In so doing, not only can we remain competitive in the global marketplace but ensure that Canadians are living fully engaged lives.”

Life Literacy Month will feature the following activities and initiatives:

UNESCO International Literacy Day (September 8)
A worldwide effort to spread the message of literacy in our communities. Become part of the solution by taking part in the online International Day Literacy Challenge. Share your thoughts and opinions with weekly online polls and engage your organization with simple at-work projects available via the social media guide created in collaboration with our partners Frontier College, Movement for Canadian Literacy and the Ontario Literacy Coalition.

Launch of new online platform for LEARN program
One-stop online database of national community literacy programs and agencies brings search to everyone’s fingertips. With a simple click, individuals can be connected to resource centres available to help them, their family or friends meet their improvement goals. Visit lookunderlearn.ca to find a centre near you.

Essential Skills Day (September 23)
Investing in your workforce is imperative to ensure longevity and success in the current economy. A new annual initiative created by ABC Life Literacy Canada raises the awareness of workplace literacy and essential skills training. Craig Alexander, Chief Economist at TD Bank Financial Group, will be speaking in Calgary, AB on this day. View event details.

Good Reads Series One Launch (September 28)
Great Canadian authors pen easy reading books specifically for adult literacy learners. Published by Grass Roots Press, the six-book series one launch includes titles by Gail Anderson-Dargatz, Louise Penny, Maureen Jennings, Rabindranath Maharaj, Deborah Ellis and Gail Vaz-Oxlade. Written in clear language, readers will not be able to put them down. The books will be available via literacy and adult basic education programs as well as libraries. Good Reads books will also appeal to fluent readers including those who may not have time for full-length books. Distribution via select bookstores and retailers will be available thanks to HarperCollins Canada. Read more about Good Reads.

As a finale to Life Literacy Month, ABC Life Literacy Canada will celebrate 20 years of mobilization across business, unions, government and communities on October 6 during the inaugural Life Literacy Night.