World Literacy Foundation
Media Release
TORONTO, ONTARIO, 8 October 2026
Three Toronto literacy figures have been selected to speak at the World Literacy Summit at Oxford University in March 2027. They will address topics related to adult learners, school libraries, and classroom education.
Rose Lipton of the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation, Ambreen Ahmad of the Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy, and Sean Henderson of the Toronto District School Board will all speak at the four-day event.
They are among 450 speakers selected from more than 85 countries, and only three are based in Toronto.
The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation was established in 2004 with the mission of providing books to high-needs elementary schools across Canada. Since its inception, the foundation has committed over $31 million to more than 3,000 schools through its annual Literacy Fund Grant and Adopt a School programs. Rose Lipton has served as the executive director since 2019.
The Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy has represented adult literacy in Toronto and York Region since 1978. As one of sixteen regional networks in Ontario, it supports 33 literacy and basic skills agencies operating at over a hundred locations. The organization hosts an annual Learners’ Conference and commemorates International Literacy Day alongside local learners and instructors.
Ahmad has been the managing director since 2021 and brings twenty years of experience in education, having served as a vice principal, an English language instructor, and a literacy specialist with YMCA Canada. Under her leadership, MTML has developed smartphone learning modules tailored for adult learners. Additionally, in collaboration with the Toronto Workforce Innovation Group, she has created a tool designed to assist literacy programs and their learners in utilizing labour market information for employment planning.
Henderson is assistant curriculum leader for English at Central Technical School. Alongside his colleague Rachel Cooke, he co-founded the JETS program, which has emerged as the primary method for teaching Grade 9 English across the Toronto District School Board. He has been a prominent advocate for destreaming English classrooms, developed literacy support programs, and provided professional development to hundreds of teachers. Furthermore, he has presented at various conferences, including Celebrating Linguistic Diversity, the Adolescent Literacy Conference, and Reading for the Love of It.
“Literacy initiatives occur in diverse local settings, including classrooms, libraries, and community halls,” noted Andrew Kay, CEO and Founder of the World Literacy Foundation. “The Summit aims to foster learning and promote collaboration among all individuals engaged in this essential work, transcending national boundaries.”
The World Literacy Summit brings together educators, researchers, publishers, and policymakers. It is anticipated to draw 1,600 delegates attending in person and over 27,000 participants online, complemented by ten networking events. This prestigious event has been hosted at Oxford University since 2012, with the upcoming Summit scheduled for 31 March to 3 April 2027.
Registration is now open at worldliteracysummit.org.
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