Learn English at KL&S. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), our LINC program is free to Newcomers to Canada. We provide instruction in English language from Foundation to Pre-Intermediate (CLB 4) levels. Classes are small and lead by highly-skilled and certified teachers. We focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing to help build a successful foundation for life in Canada. Our vibrant LINC program includes learners and teachers from around the world. KL&S provides support for transportation, technology, and childcare needs. Build your language skills and find your new community at KL&S.

Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) at KL&S is a free program for LINC families. Our adult learners may enroll their children ages 18 months to 5 years in care while they study onsite in our LINC program. The CNC is located at our Kingston facility and is staffed by certified Early Childhood educators. Children enjoy indoor and outdoor programming that supports English language speaking and listening as well as social, emotional, and motor skills development. Space is limited and registration is required. CNC is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Develop stronger reading and writing skills needed to succeed in the workplace and everyday life.

• Reading Comprehension

• Basic Writing to Essay Writing

• Grammar and Vocabulary

• Workplace Communication

Help create a stronger community by volunteering with KL&S. Our volunteers come from all backgrounds and provide tutoring for our LINC and LBS learners who need additional help beyond class time. Volunteers receive training and work with our Volunteer Coordinator to be matched with a learner. Volunteer tutoring takes place at our Kingston facility or online. Schedules are flexible and can be built around your availability. Volunteers also support KL&S fundraising activities.  Contact us today to be connected with our Volunteer Coordinator.

KL&S is an inspiring and dynamic workplace. Our work changes lives. Our staff includes an executive team, program supervisors, childcare professionals, certified instructors, and office support. Job postings are advertised regionally and linked here. Working at KL&S requires commitment to equity, excellence in education, demonstrated respect for diverse needs and backgrounds, and genuine passion for serving our clients. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to build a career.

KL&S thrives through of the ongoing support of our Board of Directors, our Community Partners, and our donors. Our Board supports KL&S through strategic planning, fundraising, and governance. With our Community Partners, KL&S is part of coordinated wrap-around services that support the needs of our learners. Generous donations help us elevate our service.  Get involved with KL&S by contacting us today.

• Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC)

• Immigrant Services of Kingston and Area (ISKA)

• Kingston Immigration Partnership (KIP)

• Kingston Employment and Youth Services (KEYS)

• Queen’s University

• St. Lawrence College

• City of Kingston--Ontario Works

• ACFOMI

• United Way

• Tipi Moza

• Career Edge

• Literacy Link of Eastern Ontario (LLEO)

• Workforce Innovation Board

• Community Literacy of Ontario (CLO)

• Limestone Community Education

• ReStart

• Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS)

• Loyola Community Learning Centre

• Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL)

In 1977, the Kingston Literacy Council and Adult Reading Program were established in response to research showing that as many as 27% of Kingston adults had less than a Grade 9 education. Over the following 10 years, the Adult Reading Program grew with the help of St. Lawrence College, the Frontenac County Board of Education and the Kingston Public Library. We found a home on King Street, incorporated as Kingston Literacy, and sought funding.

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Kingston Literacy became a registered charity in 1984 and was granted pilot program funding from Employment and Immigration Canada in 1985. We rebranded as the Read-Write Centre and expanded to multiple locations across Kingston. By 1989, Family Literacy programming launched and our Adult Reading Program earned a National Literacy Award. Throughout the 1990s, we continued to develop programming in response to the needs of community. Our LINC program began welcoming learners in 2006. To better reflect our expanded mission, we rebranded again as Kingston Literacy & Skills in 2008.

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By 2020, KL&S employed 27 people, served more than 500 clients annually, and received $1.5 million in annual funding. Our team of more than 70 volunteers contributed an average of 7000 hours annually. Presently, we are approaching 45 years of service to the KFLA community. We remain committed to a belief that literacy and education changes lives.

Brian Evoy, President and Chair
Carynne Arnold, Treasurer
Kristen Lemay, Director

Robert Hubbard, Director

Badriyya Yusuf, Director
Leonore Foster, Vice Chair
Hope Knox, Director
Christianne Wojcik, Executive Director and Ex-Officio