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World Literacy Canada (WLc, Studio 281) has over

sixty years experience serving women and children by

offering literacy programs in India that reduce poverty

through education. They also advocate and speak to

issues surrounding gender equality and the importance

of building a global citizenship movement. here in

canada, programming focuses on building awareness

along with raising funds to sustain their initiatives both

near and far. This cross-cultural development is a vital

part of what WLc does and executive Director Mamta Mishra has been a valuable ambassador.

We unintentionally (but luckily) timed the writing of this

profile in mamta’s final year at WLc. mamta’s the only

eD we’ve ever known in the organization’s seventeen

years at 401 richmond. after guiding the organization

and its activities for twenty-six years, mamta will leave

behind a rich legacy in literacy programming, evident in

some of the projects and events we’re highlighting here.

In mamta’s words, “World Literacy canada has contributed

to shaping canada’s hard won reputation as a country

committed to understanding the interconnected and

interdependent world we live in.” Write for a Better World

perfectly exemplifies this vision. It’s a contest designed

for children in grades five to eight that asks them to imagine

waking up in another country and then to write about what

might happen next. Last year, over 1500 children from

every province in canada submitted stories in both

english and French. The deadline for entries is coming

up on april 4, 2014. If you know a budding writer, visit

www.worldlit.ca/write2014 to participate.

currently, WLc is gearing up for another season of the

KAMA Reading Series that launches in January with five

events, featuring some of the best literary talent in canada.

The series clusters authors under themes to tease out

connections between readings that spark discussion on

topics like Feminist Writing & Living. The February 26

installment is titled To Serve & Protect and includes a

reading from 401 richmond tenant and former city of

Toronto mayor John Sewell (Studio 213).

In a world that is increasingly digital and global, the

face of literacy is changing and mamta suggests that

“WLc plans to respond to that by remaining committed

to sustainable community development programming.

In creating generational education opportunities World

Literacy canada helps to break the cycle of poverty.”

Visit www.worldlit.ca to find out how you can make a

difference.

WORLD LItERACY CAnADA Studio 281Reading and Writing for a Better World

tenant profile

Communications Manager Britt Novakowski, Executive Director Mamta Mishra, Abra (the dog), and Write for a Better World Project Manager Gillian Aitken, all wearing Gandhi’s Glasses from the book with the same title on sale at WLC