History
The Volunteer Reading Aides of Edmonton Society was formed in 1979 by people concerned about the level of literacy in the adult population and the lack of opportunities for adults to gain and improve literacy skills. They were aware of the systemic nature of low-level literacy skills; the lack of opportunities for individuals; and the socio-economic level of persons with low-level literacy skills. The program was started and coordinated by Magda Baglo and affiliated with Laubach Literacy of Canada.
1979 – Volunteer Reading Aides of Edmonton Society was formed
1983 – Received a Revenue Canada non-profit registration number
1985 – Sponsored by Edmonton Public Schools and received first small grant from Alberta Advanced Education
1986 – Received development funding from United Way
1989 – Incorporated under the Society’s Act of Alberta
1990 – Became a United Way member agency
1993 – English Literacy for Speakers of Other Languages (ELSOL) piloted with a grant from Wild Rose Foundation
2000 – Students for Students Program started
2002 – Volunteer coordinator full-time
2004 – LELL coordinator full-time
2007 – Math Literacy Program developed as a full time tutor program