About

A leader in Quebec since 1989, the Literacy Foundation draws its expertise from the analysis of issues related to illiteracy and the solutions that must be implemented to eradicate it.

To that end, the Foundation believes it is imperative to raise awareness regarding the importance of lifelong literacy and to contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals who are illiterate or poor readers.

Our mission

To support adults and children to help them develop their reading and writing abilities so they may fully participate in society.

Our mandate

Prevent, refer, support, raise awareness, engage!

Allow children to grow up with a book in their hands

Support, innovate, relay

Raise awareness

Engage all stakeholders

Our history

1989

Quebec was not immune to illiteracy. Therefore, representatives of the Équipe interrégionale en alphabétisation du Québec (Interregional Literacy Team) mobilized for the International Literacy Year, instituted in 1990 by UNESCO. Their goal was to mark the occasion by launching a major awareness campaign that would lead to the creation of the Literacy Foundation on November 14, 1989.

1990

The Foundation implemented its referral component, the Info-Alpha telephone line, which offers help and referral for any issue relating to literacy and basic training.

1996

The Foundation innovated by creating numerous projects that have made it known in Quebec, in Canada and on the international scene. From 1996 onward, it implemented sound strategic planning. The credibility of the social action proposed by the Foundation lies in the strength of its convictions and its profound belief in the need to bring about change in society so as to improve the quality of life of illiterate individuals, and consequently of the community at large.

1998

The Gift of Reading was created during the infamous ice storm. Seeking to set up a unifying project that would counter illiteracy and allow the public to make an annual gesture to reach out to the target clientele of the Literacy Foundation, Sophie Labrecque, former president and CEO of the Foundation, in collaboration with fellow professors whom she hosted during the ordeal, had the original idea that would lead to the program.

2002

Keeping in mind the objective of better responding to the needs related to illiteracy, the Adult Learnline was created in 2002. The implementation of this initiative of the Government of Quebec was entrusted to the Literacy Foundation since its expertise has been helping thousands of adults in their training process throughout Quebec.

Our top priorities

A literate Quebec population

Literacy in Quebec builds on the acquisition of basic knowledge and skills that everyone needs in a rapidly changing world. It is a fundamental human right and is embodied in the learning of written code, basic mathematics and how to access and use computers.

In Quebec, almost half of adults aged 16 to 65 have poor reading and writing skills, and in the case of over a million people, these skills are very poor.

In Quebec, almost half of adults aged 16 to 65 have poor reading and writing skills, and in the case of over a million people, these skills are very poor.

Our relationship with reading and writing is deficient. The Foundation’s mandate is to correct this situation through both literacy and francization.

Introduction to reading from an early age

Studies show that the sooner a child learns about books and reading, the better they will do in school and the more rewarding their life will be. 

Reading and learning is a lifelong endeavour.