Article

World Literacy of Canada

Published Online February 20, 2012

Last Edited July 23, 2014

Founded in 1955, World Literacy of Canada is a nonprofit, voluntary, international development organization working overseas and in Canada in support of self-help adult LITERACY programs.

World Literacy of Canada

Founded in 1955, World Literacy of Canada is a nonprofit, voluntary, international development organization working overseas and in Canada in support of self-help adult literacy programs. It was the first nongovernmental organization in Canada, and one of the first anywhere to support literacy, nonformal education and development programs overseas, especially in India, Africa and the Caribbean.

For many years, its primary project was Literacy House in India. Since 1976, WLC has supported 3 training programs in India, and has participated in a number of events on literacy in Canada. This international experience led WLC to undertake the first extensive study of adult basic education in Canada, published in 1976 and released at the first national conference on adult basic education. Out of its 1977 annual conference held in Ottawa came the Movement for Canadian Literacy.

WLC's 3 honorary presidents have been Dr Frank Laubach, Dr (Mrs) Welthy Fisher and Dr Robert McClure. Through its contacts in other countries, WLC supports self-help and development programs for the poor and illiterate. It publishes a newsletter called Worldlit.