About the Nonprofit
Visit Our Website
Established in 1986, Parkdale Project Read (PPR) provides free learner-centred literacy programs focused on the goals, needs, preferences and interests of each learner. We celebrate the courage of every learner in coming to terms with their lack of literacy skills and wanting to improve their reading, writing, math and computer skills. Each year, PPR engages approximately 130 learners in our core Literacy and Basic Skills program provided in small learning groups and one-to-one tutoring, focusing on reading, writing, and math. We also provide groups on creative writing, personal health and well-being, and community engagement. Youth and adults also participate in our award-winning Academic Upgrading program for those who have not completed high school but looking to transition to post-secondary education.
Literacy is not as straightforward as whether a person can either read or not. A startling 48% of adult Canadians have literacy skills below high school equivalency (or level 3 – considered inadequate to function well in Canadian society) which has numerous negative daily impacts on each individual such as sending an email, reading a news article, or filling out a job application, but common to all is the link between low literacy and higher poverty rates, poorer health outcomes and lower community engagement.
