Télé-Québec will be launching a French Canadian adaptation of the factual entertainment format The Write Offs.

Sphere Media is producing the 4 x 30-minute series, titled L’Épreuve des Mots, which will debut later this month. It marks the fifth time the format has been adapted, according to Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Paris-based mediaco Banijay, which announced the deal on Tuesday (Feb. 13).

Originally created by Shine TV for Channel 4 in the U.K., The Write Offs (pictured) helps a diverse group of adults who can’t read or write to master basic literacy skills.

The French Canadian version will be hosted by Patricia Paquin, whose own 13 year-old suffers from learning disorders; and features a cast of five contributors who all have primary school literacy and must complete a 16-week course.

Beyond the U.K., The Write Offs has been adapted in Australia (with two seasons on SBS), as well as on DR in Denmark and ZDF in Germany.

The format deal was negotiated by Jane Rimer, SVP, Canada, Banijay Rights.

“The Write Offs shines a light on a very serious global issue and demonstrates how television can be used as a force for good to literally change lives,” said Rimer in a statement.

Image courtesy of Banijay Rights