Literacy: Spanning the U.S. - Hampton Roads VA :: Wayne Co PA :: San Diego Co CA

Literacy:  Spanning the U.S.

Literary Joy In Peninsula Pages

Peninsula literacy agency helps adults discover joy of reading

Daily Press: 10.14.2014 by Leah Price

Newport News Mayor McKinley L. Price helps mark 46 years of service by Peninsula READS to Hampton Roads by presenting Paula L. Bazemore, executive director, with a proclamation that celebrates the agency's achievements.

The love of books and reading — my guess is that's what brought you to this page. I also guess you enjoy a story, real or fiction, that will entertain, enlighten or enrich your life in some way. I do too. Books are important to me. Reading is important.

But what if the words on this page appeared to you as nothing more than lines and squiggles? What if you couldn't read?

That might seem an improbability in our country, in an age of public education. But according to statisticbrain.com — citing data from the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute of Literacy — 32 million adult Americans cannot read at all. If you look deeper into the numbers, you'll see that 21 percent of adults read below fifth-grade level, and 19 percent of high school graduates cannot read. That's a whole lot of people barricaded from the joy of reading, and learning.

If you're like me, you wonder how those numbers can be that high.

Paula L. Bazemore, executive director of Newport News-based literacy group Peninsula READS, explained via email that the causes of illiteracy — throughout the country and in Hampton Roads — are multi-faceted.

They stem from poverty, unemployment and other socio-economic conditions, she said.  READ MORE !

Enriching people's lives with the gift of literacy for 28 years

News Eagle: 10.13.2014

HAWLEY - Newly hired Executive Director, David Sutton of the Wayne Pike Adult Literacy Program (WPALP) welcomed volunteer tutors and guests at the 28th Annual Tutor Recognition Luncheon. The affair, where volunteers are recognized and the Student of the Year is announced, was held September 18 at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Hawley.

Board President Annette Petry expressed heartfelt gratitude for the volunteer tutors who worked so hard throughout the year.

WPALP volunteer tutors continue to help students improve skills and attain educational goals.  With one on one instruction geared for students’ needs along with a combination of encouragement and mentoring, real life changes are made possible for many adults who come to the Wayne Pike Adult Literacy Program seeking help.  READ MORE !

San Diego Council on Literacy

WS Radio: 10.10.2014 by Drew Schlosberg

UT San Diego Community Spotlight

Jose Cruz, President and CEO of the San Diego Council on Literacy (SDCOL), and Michael Leake, SDCOL Board Chair, chat about the extent of illiteracy in San Diego County and community-based approaches to literacy solutions.