Literacy
We recognize that literacy enriches the lives of individuals and families, facilitating opportunities for neighbours to fully participate in their community. At the same time, literacy opens doors for skill- and career-development and employment options, and empowers community members to connect to meaningful resources, making them more capable and resilient.
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House serves as a steward for community literacy outreach by strengthening resources and connections among local partners, helping community members contribute positively to society. Through inclusive programs and collaborative initiatives, we ensure that literacy is accessible, relevant, and responsive to the diverse needs of our neighbourhood. By fostering lifelong learning, we help build a stronger, more connected community for all.
Family Literacy
Our Family Literacy programs support parents and caregivers in building strong foundations for their children’s learning, while also strengthening their own skills and confidence.
Through interactive activities, storytelling, songs, and culturally inclusive resources, families learn together in a welcoming and supportive environment. We offer programs that encourage a love of reading, promote language development, and nurture positive parent-child relationships. By empowering families with the tools to support lifelong learning, we help create stronger connections within households and across the community.
Digital Literacy
Our Digital Literacy programs help bridge the digital divide for newcomers to Canada—including refugees, international students, permanent residents, and naturalized citizens—as well as for older adults aged 55+ and seniors. We provide a supportive, hands-on learning environment where participants can build essential skills for today’s connected world.
From using smartphones and email to accessing online services and virtual communication tools, our programs are designed to meet people where they’re at, fostering confidence, independence, and inclusion. By helping community members stay informed, connected, and safe online, we empower them to fully participate in daily life and community activities.
Our Literacy Programs
Family Literacy Outreach
Family Literacy Outreach (FLO) matches trained, compassionate volunteers to work one-to-one virtually with a newcomer family, so they can improve English literacy. Learning to speak and read English is essential for the main caregiver to: navigate social services, our school system, and build relationships with others in their new city.
Newcomer families get opportunities to enhance their English and other literacy skills by doing fun and interactive activities each week with their tutor. Tutors also help families explore other community resources that will strengthen the family’s connection to their neighbourhood. Tutors receive a four-hour training, and support from our literacy team, before being matched with a family.
Volunteer tutors are needed in Fall 2025 – get in touch now!
Contact: Morie at mford@mpnh.org
English Conversation Circle
In our Newcomers Programs, we provide English Conversation Circles tailored to different proficiency levels to meet learners where they are in their language journey. Please click each link to learn more about the levels we offer:
Beginners This friendly and supportive conversation circle is perfect for those who want to build confidence in speaking English.
Intermediate Level This program is for those who want to improve their speaking skills and build greater confidence in everyday communication.
We also offer Basic English for Beginners for Farsi-Dari and Vietnamese speakers who are new to Canada.
Immigrant Parents as Literacy Supporters (IPALS)
IPALS is a welcoming program where newcomer parents and their children (ages 3 to 5) learn together to build early literacy and learning skills. While children engage in fun, age-appropriate activities, such as story reading, early math, and learning to read and write, parents gain practical strategies to support their child’s learning at home. Complimentary learning materials are provided for both parents and children to encourage continued learning beyond the classroom.
This program is open to newcomer families, specifically Permanent Residents, Ukrainian Temporary Residents, and Granted Refugees (Protected Persons).
Date/s: Saturdays (2025 Date TBD)
Time: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)
Contact: Fatima at fmoradi@mpnh.org
Our Digital Literacy Programs
Tech Café
Have questions about your computer, tablet, smartphone, or the internet? Bring them to Tech Café! Our friendly and patient volunteers are here to help you troubleshoot problems, learn new skills, and stay safe online.
Whether you’re a beginner or just need a bit of guidance, drop in for personalized support in a welcoming environment. Call or email for specific language support requests.
This program is open to newcomers, older adults (55+), and seniors living in the community.
Date/s: Every Thursday
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)
Contact: Micah at mpryne@mpnh.org
