Further Education Society of Alberta

09/10/2026

We're thrilled to share that FESA has won the Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award for our Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles program! This $20,000 award recognizes the incredible work happening through IWLC, blending workplace readiness skills with meaningful cultural programming. Thank you to everyone who makes this program possible.

Congratulations to the top winner of the 2026 Canada Life Co Literacy Innovation Award, Further Education Society of Alberta, for their Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles program. They'll receive $20,000 for their innovative literacy program!

09/08/2026

Today is International Literacy Day, a global reminder that literacy is a human right and a foundation for participation, opportunity, and inclusion.

This year’s theme, “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity,” reminds us that literacy shapes far more than reading and writing. It gives people the tools to participate in society, understand and respond to a changing world, pursue economic opportunities, and contribute to stronger communities.

In Canada, more than 60 organizations are coming together through the National Literacy Alliance to advance literacy as a shared national priority and strengthen literacy from early learning through adulthood.

Together, we can build a more inclusive, informed, and resilient Canada.

Explore the National Literacy Alliance and discover how you can join organizations across Canada working to build a more literate Canada.

Learn More and Get Involved

The campaign is supported by a central National Literacy Alliance landing page, where the public can learn more about the Alliance, its members, why literacy matters in Canada and how they can support literacy.

Explore the National Literacy Alliance:

https://national-literacy-alliance.my.canva.site/

Thank you for helping us make literacy more visible and strengthen its place as a national priority in Canada.

09/08/2026

Today is International Literacy Day, a global reminder that literacy is a human right and a foundation for participation, opportunity, and inclusion.

This year’s theme, “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity,” reminds us that literacy shapes far more than reading and writing. It gives people the tools to participate in society, understand and respond to a changing world, pursue economic opportunities, and contribute to stronger communities.

In Canada, more than 60 organizations are coming together through the National Literacy Alliance to advance literacy as a shared national priority and strengthen literacy from early learning through adulthood.

Together, we can build a more inclusive, informed, and resilient Canada.

Explore the National Literacy Alliance and discover how you can join organizations across Canada working to build a more literate Canada.

Learn More and Get Involved

The campaign is supported by a central National Literacy Alliance landing page, where the public can learn more about the Alliance, its members, why literacy matters in Canada and how they can support literacy.

Explore the National Literacy Alliance:

https://national-literacy-alliance.my.canva.site/

Thank you for helping us make literacy more visible and strengthen its place as a national priority in Canada.

09/03/2026

With September officially here, the countdown to Bouchercon 2026 is truly on! Starting October 21st crime and mystery readers, authors and fans will gather right here in Calgary.

Best of all? The brilliant Abir Mukherjee is attending as this year’s International Guest of Honour!

08/20/2026

Canada needs a coordinated approach to literacy. Right now, close to five million adults don't have the literacy skills they need to fully participate in work, learning, and community life.

The National Literacy Alliance has released an updated Case for a National Literacy Strategy, calling on the federal government to establish dedicated coordination, investment, and public reporting on literacy across Canada. FESA has endorsed the case. Last year 66 organizations signed on. This year the goal is 150.

This call is open to any organization, not only literacy organizations. Read the case below and if your organization wants to be listed as a signatory, email [email protected] by August 21 with your organization's name and province.

Read the full document:https://www.furthered.ca/_files/ugd/780381_26294fc135a2481984ed562f4f84fc5c.pdf

08/19/2026

Some moments from this round of Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles (IWLC) . IWLC supports Indigenous youth in building workplace skills and confidence, from resume writing and interview prep to hands-on cultural and career learning. This round included making parfleche bags as a cultural activity, and time in Banff hearing directly from workers like chefs and managers about what their jobs look like day to day, plus a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka and a ride up the gondola.

Thank you to Stoney Nation Job Resource Center and Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection for making this program possible.

08/13/2026

Four years of free summer camp, and this one might have been the best yet.

19 kids joined us for Kids Club Summer Edition this July, a full week of games, science experiments, cookie-baking, Capture the Flag, and an Elder-led workshop on Indigenous healing and medicine bags. We watched shy campers open up and find their footing over the course of the week. Some met a bunny for the very first time.

We closed with an awards ceremony and literacy kits to keep the learning going all summer, and we're already counting down to next year.

Thank you to the City of Calgary – Your Local Government Community Social Work Program, and to all our facilitators and volunteers, for making the week possible.

Read the full story: https://www.furthered.ca/single-post/four-years-of-free-summer-camp

08/12/2026

Build your skills as a facilitator this fall.

Our Fall 2026 Training Series is open for registration:

Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles — Sept 15 to 17, in-person at our Calgary office
New Beginnings: Parenting After Violence — Oct 26 to 28, online

Participants become certified in delivering FESA program models and leave with a full manual, handouts, and tools to bring back to their communities.

Spots are limited. Email [email protected] to register.
More information at: www.furthered.ca/trainings-and-workshops

08/06/2026

Our ESL Reading and Writing Circles give adult learners a supportive space to practice English literacy skills, connect with others on the same journey, and grow their confidence.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of Calgary Learns Thank you for investing in literacy in our community💜

Want to learn more, read our blog!

07/29/2026

We're hiring an Apprentice LAPS Facilitator to join our team.

This part-time contract role supports our Literacy and Parenting Skills (LAPS) and Parent Child Mother Goose programs, working with families across Calgary. You'll train toward certification as a Certified LAPS Practitioner while delivering welcoming, inclusive, and effective educational programming that responds to the needs of low-literate learners.

Looking for someone with facilitation experience, a strengths-based approach, and comfort working in multicultural, community-based settings.

Apply by August 10. Full posting and details at: furthered.ca/join-our-team