National Adult Literacy Database

In the weeks that lead up to International Literacy Day on September 8, 2012, many literacy and essential skills organizations across Canada are planning activities to promote how important literacy is to the well-being of Canadians.

One organization that has been promoting literacy and learning among its members, for over a decade, is the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

CUPE released a new video earlier this year titled ‘Why is CUPE involved with literacy work?’

As the video’s introduction states, “Literacy is a right for all. It helps workers succeed at work and in life, and it can be a critical foundation for further training and education. Literacy is an important vehicle for inclusion and participation.”

The video, which runs 2:46 minutes, outlines in a lively animated presentation the case for including literacy programs in the workplace. Whether it’s a basic skills program, an English-as-a-Second Language initiative or a math refresher course, CUPE offers its members opportunities through education to achieve equality and access to a better life.

The nature of work is changing, the video points out, and CUPE provides its members with the tools to adapt to the new demands and excel with a broader skills base, in a safe, supportive learning community. 

“CUPE promotes learning as a social process   ̶  one that encompasses the full scope of workers’ lives,” says Sylvia Sioufi, literacy program co-ordinator in CUPE’s national office. “The CUPE vision for its programming involves what it means to be human and the empowerment that participants feel as they succeed in the workplace and their communities.”

‘Why is CUPE involved with literacy work?’ is located at http://cupe.ca/literacy/why-cupe-involved-literacy and also in the NALD library.