Honestly? I wasn't sure about poetry either. April is National Poetry Month, which makes it a good time to ask: when did you last read a poem? If you've ever felt like poetry was somehow not for you — too dense, too obscure, too much like homework — you're in very good company. Many of us leave school with the vague impression that poems are puzzles to be solved, and that we probably don't have the right tools. But here's something worth knowing: poetry is also song lyrics. I

When Duaa first joined a FESA program, she was new to Canada and looking for connection. She attended with her young daughter, hoping to meet other mothers and feel more settled in a place that was still unfamiliar. Like many newcomers, she was finding her way through a new system, a new language, and a different pace of life. The program became part of her routine. It was a place where she could take part, listen, and gradually feel more comfortable being there. Over time, t

30 Years of Family Literacy in Community Every learning journey starts somewhere. Sometimes it begins with a song, a story, or a quiet moment shared between a parent and child. Over time, these moments build confidence, language, and connection. This is where family literacy takes root. This year marks 30 years of learning, connection, and community at the Further Education Society of Alberta. Over that time, families, children, and communities have come together to build ski

Programs for women at Calgary Young Offenders Centre and Adult Female Annex Story by FESA Facilitators Del, Dustin and Russell Our work with the prison system began at the Men’s Remand Centre in Calgary, where we were part of a life skills program that helped participants prepare for release. Since then, we’ve expanded to the Women’s Remand Centre, where we’ve been facilitating programs since 2023. We work from a simple belief: everyone deserves a second chance. Each week, we

The winter holidays bring excitement, celebration, and a welcome shift in routine. They also offer a simple opportunity to keep learning going by reading together. Reading, singing, and sharing stories support language development, build confidence, and strengthen connection, all while helping prevent the holiday learning slide. There is no need for a lesson plan. Curl up with a favourite book, reread familiar stories, explore the pictures, or invite your child to imagine wha

The Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles (IWLC) program is all about helping Indigenous youth build confidence, develop practical...

A new school year is full of learning, not just ABCs and 123s but also lessons in belonging, confidence, and creativity. Books can help...

Every August, Summer Kids Club fills the Manchester Community Space with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the buzz of kids...

The simplest stories, songs, and rhymes can have a powerful impact on a child’s learning journey. Two of the most important ingredients...

Learning comes to life when students have the chance to step into real-world settings and make a difference in their communities. This...