On International Literacy Day, Collège Nordique highlights the importance of making learning accessible to everyone, at every stage of life.

Every year on September 8, International Literacy Day reminds us that learning to read and write goes far beyond the classroom. Literacy skills help us understand the information around us, communicate, make informed decisions and participate fully in our communities.

In 2026, International Literacy Day celebrates its 60th anniversary under the theme “Literacy for people, planet and prosperity.” UNESCO recognizes literacy as a fundamental human right and an essential foundation for lifelong learning.

Learning takes many forms

Today, developing literacy skills is about much more than learning to read and write.

It can mean learning how to use a computer and navigate the Internet with confidence, understand a budget or taxes, improve your French or English, fill out a form, look for a job or simply develop new skills to become more independent in everyday life.

With this in mind, Collège Nordique and the NWT Literacy Council opened a bilingual Community Literacy Centre in Yellowknife last June. Located at Collège Nordique, the Centre offers services in both French and English in an accessible and inclusive environment.

Community members can access literacy workshops, digital and financial literacy support, one-on-one tutoring, conversation cafés, language learning activities and opportunities that support community integration.

The Centre is open to everyone and can support a wide range of community members, including newcomers, Indigenous people, seniors, adults in vulnerable situations and families.

Learning at your own pace

There is no single age or path for learning.

For one person, becoming more independent might mean being able to send an email without assistance. For someone else, it might mean better understanding their finances, improving their language skills or feeling confident enough to complete certain everyday tasks on their own.

The Community Literacy Centre was designed as a space where people can learn based on their own needs and at their own pace, while building confidence, independence and greater participation in the community.

A shared commitment

Supporting literacy and lifelong learning is a collective effort. Collège Nordique is proud to work alongside partners who share our commitment to making knowledge, learning opportunities and resources more accessible to our communities.

Along with the NWT Literacy Council, our partner in the Community Literacy Centre, organizations such as the Réseau pour le développement de l’alphabétisme et des compétences (RESDAC) help advance this mission across Francophone communities in Canada and provide valuable resources to support learners and communities.

On International Literacy Day, we also want to celebrate this spirit of collaboration — among organizations, learners, staff and partners who each contribute in their own way to creating more opportunities to learn.

Would you like to develop your skills or support someone you know on their learning journey?

Discover the Community Literacy Centre at Collège Nordique and the services available in Yellowknife.

Published on September 8th 2026