North Algoma Literacy Coalition (NALC) was incorporated on April 3, 1989. At its inception, the corporation had four main objectives.

• To provide for the co-ordination, development and implementation of adult basic literacy programs in the North Algoma District.
• To promote self help in those disadvantaged by their illiteracy.
• To promote community understanding of the problems experienced by the illiterate.
• To facilitate discussion of common concerns among literacy programs in North Algoma.

In June of 1989, NALC was officially registered as a business operating as Focus On Learning. By 1995, NALC was registered as a Charitable organization and funded by the Ministry of Training Collages and Universities (MTCU). We now, as of March 2021, operate as Wawa Adult Learning Centre and are funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD). The purpose of the rebranding was to allow the community members to easily understand who we are and what we do.  The purpose of the Wawa Adult Learning Center is to further literacy and life-long learning in North Algoma by:

• coordinating, developing and implementing adult education and essential skills training programs in North Algoma,
• connecting with educational institutions, training programs and networks across North Algoma and with LNN,
• engaging in fundraising for the purpose of developing public awareness of adult education and training programs,
• assisting in development to support systems with area networks to continuously collaborate community resources,
• acting as a resource of information and expertise regarding adult education and essential skills trading programs,
• developing public awareness that literacy and life-long learning are a right,
• pursuing related activities to further the advancement of literacy and life-long learning in North Algoma.

In the past 32 years we have adapted to the changing needs of our clientele and the constant evolution of literacy programs. We have created many partnerships with local, provincial and international literacy organizations to build the capacity to offer quality programs in Wawa. Since 2004 the organization has expanded in scope to include programs for learners following the 5 Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) goal paths; Secondary School, Post-Secondary, Employment, Apprenticeship and Independence.

More recently, our approach included a focus on digital literacy as a response to the growing need for education in technology. The Wawa Adult Learning Centre secured the certification of a Digital Assessment Center which allows us to certify learners through NorthStar Digital Literacy programs. We have also developed a training program for seniors suffering from isolation due to lack of knowledge about digital communication tools.

This year, we have introduced a pre-employment skills package to help individuals get ready for work. This program includes general and job specific training that will help learners build their resume. This program will become one of the core programs the Wawa Adult Learner Centre will offer continuously throughout the year.

While these new programs are exciting and continue to grow, we have not forgotten about the needs of our learners who register for our core programs like the OSSD, to obtain their High School Diploma or for basic literacy skills.  These programs have been the building blocks of our corporation for over 30 years.

As our community continues to grow the Wawa Adult Learning Centre (North Algoma Literacy Coalition Inc.) will also continue to grow in order to support the needs of our community and surrounding area.