Basic Literacy

If you need basic literacy support (less than Grade 6 or equivalent), there are a number of options open to you.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) Level I

  • Basic literacy and numeracy, including skills from the elementary and primary grades
  • A student must be 19 years of age or older and a resident of Canada (permanent resident, landed immigrant, or person with refugee status).
  • Individuals may be eligible for special admission if they are 18 years of age and have not attended school for at least 6 months. Students can obtain a copy of the special admission referral package here or contact an ABE service provider for a copy.
  • Students younger than 18 years of age are not eligible for consideration.

A number of non-profit community-based centres  have contracted with the Department of Education to offer the ABE Level I program. Level I is also offered through some private training institutions. A list of non-profit community centres can be found here.

To apply for the ABE Level I program, contact a service provider approved to deliver the ABE Level I program. A current list of ABE service providers can be found here.

One-to-One Tutoring

There are many groups that offer volunteer one-to-one literacy tutoring services in Newfoundland and Labrador. This program is delivered to adults (18 years of age or older).

The following services are offered free of charge:

  • In the St. John’s metro area, please contact Teachers on Wheels at (709) 738-3975 or visit their website here.
  • In all other areas of the province, please contact NL Laubach Literacy Council at (709) 634-5081 or visit their website here.
  • Please contact Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador at (709)753-1445 or visit their website here (www.ldanl.ca/adult-literacy-support/). This service is available province-wide (remotely). Access to this service is free and the diagnosis of a learning disability is not required to access free tutoring.

For more information on adult literacy in the province, including programs and services, please contact:

Lauren Michael Power
Program Development Specialist (Education)
Literacy and Institutional Services Division
Department of Education
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
PO Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
Email: laurenpower@gov.nl.ca
Telephone: 1-709-729-2374