Adult Literacy Programs

You are welcome here!

We offer support for adults who do not have the reading, writing or math skills they need to move forward in their lives. 

Contact Us 

778-919-7323

adultlit@readsurreywhiterock.com

Learner and tutor in session

PARTNERS: Adult Tutor Program

Many people are made to feel embarrassed if they have low literacy skills as an adult. We understand how that can be difficult.

The Partners Program is a one-to-one tutoring program for adults who struggle with reading, writing or math.

Partners is a safe, welcoming program where you can improve your literacy skills and gain confidence.

Partners Program image showing a volunteer and a learner

Who Can Join the Partners Program?

You must be:

  • an adult
  • living or working in Surrey or White Rock
  • reading/writing/math skills at grade 8 or less
  • fluent in English (this is not an English language learning program)

Some of the learners in our program did not finish high school. Some of our learners did. We are a great option if you cannot or do not want to go to formal classes.

Who Are the Tutors? 

Our tutors are volunteers who have been screened and trained. Some have a teaching background, and some do not.

All of our tutors are patient and friendly, and want to help! 

Interested in being a Volunteer Tutor?

Visit our Volunteer Tutoring page to learn more about what we’re looking for and how to apply.  

learner with his tutor

How Does It Work?

We will talk to you about whether this program is right for you. If it is not a good fit, we will refer you to other programs.

Call us at 778.919.7323

or email us at adultlit@readsurreywhiterock.com

When you join our program, we will do an intake with you. We will ask you questions about your learning. We will do an assessment.

We match people who we think will get along. You and the tutor create a learning plan based on your needs and interests.

We do not have a curriculum. We work on what you want to work on. Some of the things we can help with:

  • spelling
  • grammar
  • sentence & paragraph
  • structure
  • writing process
  • how to read
  • reading comprehension
  • adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing
  • fractions, decimals
  • word problems
  • study skills
  • organization skills

We also have extra workshops and celebrations so you can meet other learners and tutors. They’re casual and fun!

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Our program can help you:

  • increase your confidence
  • be a better reader
  • improve your writing
  • learn math
  • gain literacy skills so you can find a job, get ready for training, or go back to school
  • manage your daily reading/writing/math tasks
  • get certifications or licenses (eg., driver’s knowledge test, FoodSafe)

Matched pairs meet once a week for 1 to 2 hours. We work around your schedule. Learners are expected to practice on their own between meetings.

Tutors and learners meet in a public space, such as a library. During COVID-19, tutoring is done remotely.

You can stay with a tutor until you meet your goal. Some learners stay with us for a few months. Some stay with us for a few years – with breaks of course!

We have continuous intakes. You can start working with a tutor as soon as we find a good match for you.

Nothing. The Partners program is free.

Start your journey by calling us at

“We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia”

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