A mobile children’s literacy program operated by United for Literacy and funded in part by the Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF) is proving that learning can happen anywhere – from online tutoring to pop up reading zones at parks, among other locations.
A pilot program started in 2023 was expanded in 2025 to include online and in person tutoring, and through funding from the BACF, additional materials were purchased to run mobile summer programs so that programming could continue while children were not in school.
“We co-designed the program and are continuing to work closely with our community partner, Westman Immigrant Services (WIS), to ensure that the program is effective and reaching the learners most in need of support,” said Venantie Nutmende, United for Literacy’s
Community Coordinator. “Additional support through the City of Brandon and the Rotary Club of Brandon has really helped to boost the program’s profile and effectiveness.”
During the school year, students were consistently using the program each week – both in person and online tutoring – but given that number would fall off over the summer, Venantie said they needed to do more to keep the children engaged. That challenge was solved by the Reading Tent program, which is presently serving more than 450 students per year at several locations in the city, including regular WIS activities at WIS Multicultural Centre (403 13th Street), Stanley Park, and the Riverbank Discovery Centre, among other locations.
“We prepare the materials and facilitate the program while Westman Immigrant Services assists with learner outreach, program delivery, and transportation. We provide educational books, learning supplies, and healthy snacks at each session, ensuring that learners feel nourished and ready to learn.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Brandon Area Community Foundation for its generous funding, which continues to strengthen and expand our literacy support efforts. Your commitment to community development is instrumental in helping us reach individuals and families with the tools they need to succeed,” Venantie said.
Since 1965, the Brandon and Area Community Foundation (BACF) has invested more than $12.5 million dollars in numerous community organizations in southwestern Manitoba. Starting with a modest $25,000 gift, the organization celebrates its 60th year of operations in 2025 with more than $25 million invested in nearly 80 endowed funds.
This legacy commitment from donors now allows the Foundation to grant approximately $1.2 million each year to registered charities and community groups that demonstrate a defined need. We also work with donors to create special purpose funds, donor-directed funds or scholarship funds based on areas of interest.
