Innovating Adult Literacy: Stories from Across Canada
In our first season, we heard from experienced practitioners and learners who shared practical advice, effective strategies, and best practices to help inspire and guide those just starting out in the world of literacy instruction.
This season, we’re taking things a step further. Exploring Canada’s Literacy Landscape: Innovative Approaches is a 13-part series where we’ll travel across the country—province by province, territory by territory—to uncover creative and effective literacy programs that are making a real difference in people’s lives.
This season builds on our original Literacy Legacy initiative, expanding our focus from best practices to the innovative approaches shaping the future of literacy in Canada.
So join us as we explore Canada’s literacy landscape—one story, one program, and one inspiring community at a time.
Listen on:
Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
Today, we’re diving into United for Literacy's unique and powerful story—one that takes us inside correctional facilities in Canada’s Arctic regions. It shows how literacy and education can transform lives, even within a correctional institution. It’s a reminder that support, persistence, and creativity matter in ways that ripple far beyond the classroom.
Sunday Dec 28, 2025
Sunday Dec 28, 2025
Today’s episode takes us to Saint John, New Brunswick, where adult education looks very different from what many of us experienced in school. We’re exploring a wraparound, project-based approach that’s creating real pathways into the labour market—especially for learners who’ve often been left out of traditional systems.
We’re talking about education in the context of multi-generational poverty, housing and food insecurity, and what it means to design learning for people who need flexibility, dignity, and real-world relevance.
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Today's episode takes us to rural southern Alberta, in Pincher Creek, a community whose innovative approach to programming celebrates personal strengths and, at its heart, promotes connection with self. In this story, we highlight the incredible co-creation between indigenous and non-indigenous communities, whose partnership embodies this spirit of intentional, human-centered work. We’re exploring a powerful idea: that innovative programming isn’t just about designing courses or services. It’s an expression of personal calling.
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
The DUDES Club started as a simple idea: create a safe, welcoming space where men — especially Indigenous men — could connect, share, and support each other. What’s grown from that is a movement built on laughter, honesty, and something our podcast guests call therapy over dinner. A movement that helps men strengthen not just their bodies, but their voices and their sense of community.
Monday Nov 10, 2025
Monday Nov 10, 2025
Reading Together is a partnership between the NWT Literacy Council and the North Slave Correctional Complex. Fathers and male caregivers incarcerated at the complex can join the program where they choose books, stuffed animals, pyjamas and other bedtime comfort items for their children. They will read the chosen books as a video, and mail to their child who can read along with the book.