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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About READ Saskatoon

What is literacy?

Literacy is a whole lot more than just being able to read and write! It encompasses a diverse set of inter-related skills that enable an individual to gain access to information, acquire knowledge, learn, understand and communicate in a variety of settings: at home, at work, and in the community.

UNESCO states: “'Literacy' is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society."

There is a growing recognition that literacy is an important enabler for living, learning and earning a living. Having good literacy skills makes it possible to learn all other skills, to better reach one’s potential and fully participate as a member of society.

UNESCO goes on to state: "Those who use literacy take it for granted - but those who cannot use it are excluded from much communication in today's world. Indeed, it is the excluded who can best appreciate the notion of 'literacy as freedom'." Therefore, literacy is a powerful agent of freedom and personal actualization. Those who are illiterate are thus excluded from society.

Literacy helps build a strong economy, a skilled workforce and a healthy province. People with good literacy skills enjoy a higher standard of living, have better opportunities for finding a job, and are able to continue to learn new skills that will help them in the workplace.

Strong literacy skills help to build strong families and communities. The home is the place where children begin to develop their attitudes towards learning and reading. The time parents and children spend reading together can be a very positive part of their relationship. Literacy also opens doors for people to take a more active role in their communities.

I would like to improve my reading and writing skills – how can READ Saskatoon help me?

READ Saskatoon provides free literacy services to adults and families in and around Saskatoon. Our services range from one-on-one support or small group instruction for adults. We also offer programs and services for parents and families to make literacy an experience to be shared.

How do I get a tutor?

Once you contact us for help, we will work with you to assess your current literacy level, your learning style, and your individual needs and goals. We will then match you with a volunteer tutor or group of individuals who have similar needs and interests.

I want to improve my language skills. Will READ Saskatoon help me?

READ Saskatoon volunteers are trained to support adult learners in a holistic manner. Reading, writing, speaking and listening are a part of every lesson. If you want to ONLY work on your pronunciation, we are not the right organization to help you. Call the office and we will connect you to groups or individuals that can help you.

Where do I go for tutoring?

One of the first things you will do is determine where you will meet. You and your tutor, or group, can meet at any public location.. Many groups meet at public libraries, coffee shops or SIAST Kelsey Campus. The most important things to remember are that the location is public and it is somewhere you feel safe to learn.

I feel my husband needs to develop his literacy, but he is afraid to ask for help. What should I do?

It is important to know you are not alone, and many wives and husbands are very concerned about the literacy levels of their partners. You can call the office at 652-5448 to discuss the challenges he is facing because of his low literacy. READ Saskatoon staff is trained to help provide the right direction for your husband and put some beginning steps in place. You do need to know that appointments will not be made on behalf of a spouse. Your husband must phone us to make his appointment himself.

I would like to help my children develop their literacy skills – can READ Saskatoon help me?

Absolutely – READ Saskatoon has a number of programs designed to help families work together to improve their skills. For example, we offer a week-long day camp, called Romp ‘n’ READ, where you spend mornings with your child doing fun literacy activities. A number of other programs are also available. Click here for more information.

I would like to volunteer with READ Saskatoon – what are my options?

We’d love to have you volunteer with our organization! READ Saskatoon volunteers work in our adult and family literacy programs, help out at special events, perform clerical tasks in our office, and sit on our volunteer board of directors. Click here for more information on how to become a READ Saskatoon volunteer.