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Reading the Future

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Success stories: Turning the Page on Low Literacy

In Canada, men and women of all ages, cultural backgrounds and demographic groups face literacy challenges.

The following first-person accounts are of inspirational adults who have worked to overcome low literacy.

Reading the Future video series

Françoise Cadieux: Never exposed to a formal education, Françoise used diversions for decades to hide the fact—even from her own children—that she could not read or write. Now able to read and write, Françoise is enjoying a new, independent life. Watch video »
Keppel Disney: At age 27, Keppel lost a job opportunity because he could not fill out an application form. He later ran afoul of the law. His experience in jail was the catalyst for him to seek help to improve his reading and writing skills. Today, Keppel is a banquet server at an Ottawa hotel and an award-winning literacy success story. Watch video »
Sabrina Jaundoo: Sabrina arrived in Canada five years ago from Guyana, South America, with limited education and very low literacy skills. Today, Sabrina is an avid reader and student, working toward her Grade 12 with the hopes of one day becoming an accountant or flight attendant. Watch video »
Michel Gratton: After years of struggling in large classrooms, Michel Gratton quit high school to join the workforce. It was when he was required to take a safety test at work that he realized the importance of literacy skills to advancing his career objectives. At age 46, Michel returned to school to finish his Grade 12 and improve his computer literacy skills. Watch video »
Daisa Allurut: Daisa Allurut has one main goal: to graduate high school before her two young children. Originally from Nunavut, she now attends adult high school in the nation’s capital. Daisa regularly works to improve her literacy skills not only inside the classroom, but also in the community. Watch video »
Ryan Rolfe: Ryan received good grades as an elementary school student. However, his tumultuous teen years changed his educational route and saw him heading down a dangerous path. Now 23, this Moncton native is upgrading his literacy skills to become an electrical engineering technican. He hopes to one day fund his three children’s post-secondary education. Watch video »



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