Community Literacy Initiative
Overview
A community-based literacy program providing free reading, writing, and storytelling workshops for immigrant and refugee families in the Greater Toronto Area.
About the Initiative
The Community Literacy Initiative (CLI) is a partnership between York University and community organizations across the Greater Toronto Area. We provide free, multilingual literacy programming for newcomer families, with a focus on building confidence, community, and critical literacy skills.
Programs
- Family Storytelling Circles: Weekly workshops where families share stories in their home languages and in English, building bridges between linguistic worlds.
- Reading Together: A parent-child reading program that provides multilingual book kits and guided discussion activities.
- Writing for Change: A youth writing workshop where participants craft personal essays, poetry, and community journalism pieces.
- Literacy Mentorship: One-on-one and small-group academic literacy support for newcomer students transitioning into Canadian schools.
Reach
Since 2021, the CLI has served over 800 participants across six community sites in Toronto, Scarborough, and North York. Our volunteer corps includes more than 50 York University students who gain community-engaged learning credit through their participation.
Research Connection
The CLI is also a site of community-based participatory research. With informed consent, we study how multilingual literacy practices support identity formation, belonging, and civic participation among newcomer families. Findings feed back into program design and inform policy advocacy on language rights.
Partners
We are grateful for the support of our community partners, York University’s Office of Community Engagement, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Get Involved
We are always looking for volunteers, partner organizations, and funding support. Whether you can commit to a weekly workshop or a one-time event, your help makes a difference. Contact us to learn more.
Collaborators
- Toronto Public Library
- COSTI Immigrant Services
- York University Faculty of Education