The Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award honours innovation in the creation and delivery (or in the development, implementation and delivery) of adult literacy or adult-integrated family literacy programs delivered by a community organization in Canada. The adult-focused literacy program makes a positive contribution to the lives of the participants as well as the community and could serve as a model for other organizations to adapt.
There is one (1) top award of $20,000 and up to four (4) honourable mention awards in the amount of $5,000 each. The awards as granted can be invested into the program and/or applied to operating funds.
2020 Top Award Winner: Receiving $20,000
Organization:
REP Here in Canada, Victoria, BC
Program:
Here Magazine is a print and digital publication produced by adult learners through community workshops called Here Labs. Here Labs are multi-discipline, hands-on workshops where participants learn and develop storytelling tools suitable to each learner’s language skill level and include writing, photography, podcasting, and videography. Here Lab workshops lay the groundwork for the publication and explore issues relevant to newcomer, immigrant and racialized communities from the perspective of the learners. The goals of the program are for participants to be published in Here Magazine, to be actively involved in the publication process, and to overcome real and perceived barriers to skill development.
REP Here in Canada was presented the LIA in October during a virtual event. The award presentation was followed by a moderated discussion showcasing all LIA winners as models for best practice in the literacy and essential skills sector. Watch the event recording.
2020 Honourable Mention Winners: Receiving $5,000 each
Program:
The BSD LINC Literacy Stream Program
Organization:
Centre for Family Literacy, Edmonton, AB
Program:
The Edmonton Literacy Classroom on Wheels (the COW Bus)
Organization:
John Howard Society of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
Program:
Skills Plus
Organization:
Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, in partnership with Atlantic provincial partners, PEI Literacy Alliance, Newfoundland & Labrador Laubach Literacy Council and Literacy Nova Scotia
Program:
Essential Skills for Atlantic Fisheries (ESAF)
How To Apply:
The 2021 award is now closed. Thank you to everyone that applied.
Frequently Asked Questions:
About Our Sponsor:
Canada Life has been a major supporter of ABC Life Literacy Canada since 1999. Through their involvement with ABC Life Literacy Canada and other national literacy programs across the country, they are helping promote literacy and lifelong learning – key needs in helping many Canadians realize their potential at work, at home and in the community.
As an Imagine Canada Caring Company, they’ve supported the principles of corporate citizenship and benchmarks for community investment established by Imagine Canada for more than three decades. In this time, they’ve contributed over $200 million in support of Canadian non-profit, charitable and community organizations.