Author – ABC Life Literacy Canada, a national charitable organization that champions literacy by empowering adult learners, raising awareness, and supporting the adult learning sector.
First posted on the ABC website on May 2, 2025.
In Canada, thousands of adults return to school each year to improve their literacy skills. These adult learners come from all walks of life – whether they be newcomers adjusting to a new country, older workers changing careers, or parents hoping to help their children with schoolwork. While we know that improving literacy skills can help people get better jobs and participate more fully in society, there is another benefit: improved mental health.
Understanding adult literacy in Canada
Literacy is more than just reading and writing. It includes understanding and using information in everyday life – at work, at home and in the community. According to recent data from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), 49 per cent of adult Canadians have literacy skills that fall below a high school level, which negatively affects their ability to function at work and in their personal lives. These adults may struggle with tasks like reading medication labels, filling out forms, or understanding written instructions at work.
Many adult learners in Canada face barriers that can make it difficult to return to school. Some may have had negative experiences in the education system as children, while others may have learning disabilities or mental health challenges that were never identified or addressed in their youth.
Despite these challenges, adult learners show incredible courage and determination. They attend literacy programs in community centres, schools and online. They juggle family responsibilities, jobs and school. And as they build their literacy skills, many report not just academic improvements, but also better self-esteem and confidence, reduced stress and improved mental health.
The connection between learning and mental health
Lifelong learning has been shown to have significant mental health benefits. When adults return to learning, they often report feeling a sense of purpose, increased self-esteem and a renewed sense of hope. Continued education helps people feel motivated and engaged, which contributes to improved mood and mental resilience. For many adult learners, the ability to set and achieve learning goals brings a renewed sense of accomplishment and direction.
Community-based literacy programs often provide more than just academic instruction; they offer a welcoming environment where learners can meet others, share experiences and build relationships. This sense of community and connection is vital for mental well-being.
Improving literacy skills can also help reduce everyday stress. For example, a parent who is better equipped to help their child with homework may feel less anxious and more connected to their child’s education.
Improved self-confidence is another important benefit of adult learning. As adults improve their literacy and foundational skills, they report feeling more capable in their daily lives, whether it’s understanding a work-related manual, managing household finances, or communicating with others. This confidence can reduce feelings of anxiety and vulnerability, creating a more stable foundation for mental health.
Finally, adult learning provides a practical way to cope with life’s stressors. When people gain the ability to manage everyday tasks like reading medication labels, understanding legal documents or navigating the digital world, they feel more in control of their lives.
Mental health challenges facing adult learners
Despite the benefits, it’s important to recognize that adult learners sometimes face mental health challenges. Many have experienced trauma, poverty, discrimination or long-term unemployment. These experiences can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.
Unfortunately, stigma still surrounds both low literacy and mental illness. This can prevent adult learners from seeking help or talking about their struggles. Literacy programs that are trauma-informed can make a big difference. Instructors who are trained to recognize signs of distress and who create safe, respectful learning spaces help learners feel supported and empowered.
Conclusion
Adult learning is about more than acquiring academic skills: it’s about rebuilding confidence, creating opportunities and improving quality of life. In Canada, the relationship between adult literacy and mental health is profound. When adults engage in learning, they gain more than knowledge—they gain hope, resilience, and the tools they need to thrive. Supporting adult learners is an investment not only in education, but in the health and well-being of our society as a whole.
