Vision
All Ontarian adults have access to quality education and training.
Mission
LNO will work collaboratively to
- support adult education and training across Ontario
- build capacity through research and the development of resources
- facilitate service coordination and planning
- support knowledge mobilization
Who We Are
The Learning Networks of Ontario (LNO) is made up of 16 learning networks from across Ontario. Each network provides
- support to Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs through core services which are funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) as part of Employment Ontario (EO)
- other services which vary across the province and are funded through fundraising, funders, donations and projects (i.e., centralized assessment, family literacy, Clear Writing, events, etc.)
To learn more, Contact Your Local Network.
To learn more about Literacy and Basic Skills see the Frequently Asked Questions.
Why Does the “Learning Networks of Ontario” exist?
The Learning Networks are playing an increasingly important role in system planning, coordination and integration. This role is extended beyond the literacy field to include our other partners in Employment Ontario (employment agencies, apprenticeship).
As a group, the Learning Networks of Ontario
- share resources to provide quality training to the Literacy and Basic Skills field
- collaborate in areas that relate to service coordination
- identify provincial needs and plan a response to identified needs
- have a strong collective voice to advocate on behalf of learners, literacy programs and the literacy field
- share expertise and experiences to learn from each other
- create and collaborate on projects through various sources of funding
- enhance knowledge mobilization
History of the Learning Networks of Ontario
We have been working collectively since networks were established and have formally called ourselves the Learning Networks of Ontario since 2010. Some Learning Networks have been around for almost 30 years. Many were developed at the grassroots level and run by volunteers. The purpose was to provide support to the small but determined group of people who were trying to help individuals upgrade their skills. Over the years the Learning Networks have built their capacity and now offer a range of supports to their communities.
Our Ministry Core Funded Services
As MLITSD-funded support organizations we help to
- build capacity of Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) agencies by bringing them together for training
- provide resources and support
- bring awareness to LBS
- provide information and referral services
- link adults to training
- improve service coordination
- coordinate literacy services planning
- link with other community agencies and employers
These Employment Ontario programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
In response to their local needs, networks often develop services that are not funded by MLITSD such as
- Clear Writing Services
- Special Events (awareness, fundraising)
- Assessment