Our Story

For over 65 years, CODE has been dedicated to creating a more literate world.

The groundwork was laid in 1959, when a small group of educators, librarians and publishing professionals launched the “Books for the developing world” project, packaging unused books in tea chests for shipping overseas.

Today, CODE is Canada’s leading international development agency focused uniquely on literacy and education.

The social, political and economic environment in which we work has evolved significantly since our founding in 1959. More than two decades ago, CODE embraced a model centred on collaboration with local partners—an approach that has since become widely recognized as best practice across the international development sector.

Our new Strategic Plan (2025-2030) affirms our commitment to project implementation through local partners. With their networks, knowledge and deep cultural understanding, they are best positioned to take greater leadership and decision-making across all aspects of our shared interventions. CODE is committed to evaluating, listening, and doing better when it comes to equitable relationships that share power, decision-making and opportunity.

Our work is inspired by our vision, achieved through our mission, and guided by our values.

Vision

A world where every child can read and write.

Mission

CODE collaborates with local partners to create supportive learning environments that foster effective literacy practices and promote engagement between families, communities, and schools to advance children’s reading and writing abilities.

Values

Human Rights

We believe every person has the right to education. Learning not only empowers individuals but also helps people understand and claim their other rights, opening the door to healthier and more equitable communities.

Equity

We work alongside our partners in ways that value fairness, respect, and shared leadership. By listening and making decisions together, we help create opportunities that strengthen the organizations and communities we work with.

Transparency

We are open and honest about our work, our decisions, and how we operate. Clear communication and integrity guide how we engage with our partners, supporters, and the communities we serve.

Accountability

We take our responsibilities seriously. We strive to deliver high-quality programs and use the resources entrusted to us carefully and responsibly for the greatest possible impact.

Sustainability

We focus on long-term impact. By supporting locally led solutions and strengthening education systems, we aim to ensure that improvements in literacy and learning continue well into the future.

We hope the images, videos, and stories shared throughout our website deepen your understanding of both the needs in the regions where we work with our partners and the collaborative approach that guides this work.

Whenever possible, CODE works with local photographers and videographers who can connect more naturally with students, teachers, and community members in their own language and cultural context. For the same reasons, we strive to document stories of need and progress through the voices and perspectives of staff from our local partner organizations.

We believe these small but meaningful shifts toward supporting local artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations, strengthen our storytelling, offer a more authentic view of CODE’s work, and contribute to sustainable, locally led change.