Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy (MTML) is a Toronto-based non-profit organization aimed at improving the issue of adult literacy in the Toronto and York regions. We spoke with Managing Director, Ambreen Ahmad, to learn more about their mission, the problems they are trying to solve, the issues they are currently facing and how we can help them!
Describe your charity/non-profit in a few sentences.
Established in 1978, the Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy (MTML) is a membership-based non-profit organization working to advance the issue of adult literacy. MTML is one of 16 regional networks in Ontario that supports and promotes the work of adult literacy and skills upgrading programs. We collaborate with programs and people from four streams: Francophone, Anglophone, Indigenous and deaf/deaf-blind. We work to bring all of our partners together to create better opportunities for adult learners to increase their learning skills and literacy.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We provide a voice for adult literacy in Toronto and York Region. We collaborate with our members to share knowledge, build awareness, and promote literacy. We direct adults who want to take a literacy class to the appropriate organization.
When did you start/join it?
January 2021
What made you want to get involved?
Looking at the adult literacy rate across Canada, I was motivated to positively impact the processes to make adult literacy accessible to individuals who face barriers, so that they can cope with the changing demands of modern life and work environments.
How has it changed since?
Working collaboratively with the board and members, we have created need-based professional development opportunities, updated literacy resources and developed meaningful partnerships that have positively impacted our programs. This has led to better program delivery and strong relationships between workforce stakeholders and our organization.
What more needs to be done?
There is a need for more government initiatives, system-to-system integration and building awareness among policymakers so that literacy is seen as a fundamental right.
How can our readers help?
– Understand that literacy and access to literacy are important for everyone
– Understand that illiteracy is still a huge problem in Canada
– Support Literacy Basic skills programs by building awareness
– Donate to MTML so that we can develop initiatives to support our programs across Toronto and York Region. To donate, click here.
Do you have any events coming up?
MTML’s 20 th Learners’ Conference will be held on October 4, 2022.
Where can we follow you?
Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity/non-profit that you love?
Although I support a lot of non-profit organizations, study pages are very dear to me.
