Our Background

Mission

People, Words & Change provides free one-on-one tutoring to adults in the Ottawa region to improve essential skills in English reading and writing, everyday math and basic computer skills. Our program helps adult learners meet their individual goals such as working toward employment, educational upgrading and mastering practical life skills.

History

In 1975, an International Symposium for Literacy was held in Persepolis, Iran. As a result, the Declaration of Persepolis was adopted as a charter by literacy workers throughout the world. It states: "Literacy is not an end in itself. It is a fundamental human right."

Following this international conference, an increased awareness of the problem of functional illiteracy within Canada began to grow. The need for a one-on-one volunteer-based adult literacy program for the Ottawa region was recognized by an inter-divisional research team from Algonquin College, and in 1978 People, Words & Change (PWC) was formed.

Algonquin College offered extensive practical and financial support to PWC until 1986, when PWC became separately incorporated. From the beginning, PWC has also received support from several sources, including volunteers, individuals, corporations, school boards, private foundations, fundraising activities, bingo and municipal, provincial, and federal governments.

Over the years some of the faces have changed and our offices have moved several times, but the fundamental work of the organization has not wavered from its mission.

Memberships

People, Words & Change is a member of:

• Heartwood House
• Ottawa Community Coalition for Literacy
• Community Literacy of Ontario
• Ontario Literacy Coalition
• Movement for Canadian Literacy