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Our Work

The basis for our approach

We create stronger communities where children and their families can build foundational learning and literacy skills they need to create beneficial and lasting change in their lives.

Pillars of work

1. Free educational program delivery in Calgary

FESA collaborates with over 35 community agencies to offer learner-centred adult foundational learning, family literacy, and parenting programming designed specifically for those with the lowest levels of literacy skills.

 

2. Training and skill building for community workers

We provide Train the Facilitator workshops nationally, building community capacity to address gaps in essential skills, literacy, and parenting skills. FESA offers several models of facilitator training for individuals working in a wide range of community and/or workplace settings. Additionally, we are well versed in offering facilitator trainings in remote and isolated communities. Our training modules are based on specific adult foundational learning and literacy needs of community organizations who are working with low-literate learners, including new Canadians, Indigenous communities, vulnerable families, single parents, francophone communities, diverse workplaces, and families who have experienced domestic violence.

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3. Partnership building and community development

Nationally, provincially, and locally we work to facilitate strong, sustainable partnerships with agencies who serve low-literate populations through bringing our programs, trainings, and resources to them.

 

Common partnerships include:

  • Cultural groups

  • Family literacy organizations

  • Social service agencies

  • Emergency shelters

  • School boards

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We work collaboratively with a cross-sector of community to bring a voice to the concerns and needs of foundational learners and vulnerable families across Canada.

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4. Research and curriculum development

Our research has led us to develop foundational learning programs and curricula that target the specific needs of learners and communities. Extensive research into learning gaps and needs has led to the design of curricula specific to Indigenous learners, new Canadians, francophone learners, families who have experienced domestic violence, and in workplace settings. These curricula are used in both our Calgary programs and Train the Facilitator programs, and are available as resources to other community agencies. You can visit our e-store to purchase available curricula.

Support our work.

The Further Education Society of Alberta (FESA) is dedicated to strengthening communities, families, and individuals through literacy and learning by advocating, collaborating, and removing barriers.

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Charitable Registration #870445392RR0001

Land Acknowledgement

FESA acknowledges that the land upon which we work and call home is on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations (Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney), the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (Districts 4, 5, and 6), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

 

We are grateful to work on the territory that situates Calgary, which is known as Mohkinstsis by the Blackfoot, Guts’ists’i by Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Îyâxe Nakoda, as we endeavor to build a more literate and learning society allowing all to reach their potential.

© 2025 The Further Education Society of Alberta.

All Rights Reserved.

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