About

A leading force in Quebec since 1989, the Fondation pour l’alphabétisation draws its expertise from analyzing the issues related to illiteracy and identifying effective solutions to address them.

To this end, the Foundation believes it is essential to promote the importance of lifelong literacy and to contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals who are illiterate or have low literacy skills.

A midsection of man borrowing coursebook for studying.

Mission and Vision

To support children and adults in developing and maintaining their ability to read and learn, in order to promote their well-being and full participation in society.

To make Quebec a highly literate society.

Our Values

Lifelong Learning

Collaboration

Innovation

Empathy

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

1. Strengthen our support for the development and maintenance of literacy skills among Quebecers

2. Increase the Foundation’s influence in literacy among the general public, key stakeholders, and decision-makers

3. Enhance the Foundation’s capacity to take action