Literacy: Spanning the U.S.
Library’s
literacy program seen as lifeline
Chadds Ford Live: 3.28.2016 by Kathleen Brady Shea
Most
area residents can only imagine the disadvantages of being unable to speak,
read, and write in English; however, for many, that inability threatens their
chance to live a productive, independent life.
Nearly
half of the Kennett Square Borough population is Hispanic or Latino with the
vast majority having emigrated from Mexico, according the 2010 U.S. census. And
many have struggled with the language barrier.
Since
1979, the Adult Literacy Program (ALP), located
downstairs in the Kennett Public Library, has been offering English as a Second
Language (ESL) classes and tutoring to the community. To date, it has served
more than 6,500 adult learners from more than 50 countries. Yet, despite
countless success stories, the program faces its own challenges. READ MORE @
Opportunities
Industrialization Center of Oklahoma County needs literacy volunteers
News
OK: 3.30.2106 by Steve Gust
Not
knowing how to read, or being able to read proficiently, is condemning
thousands of Oklahomans to lives of poverty and limited opportunities,
according to leaders at the Opportunities
Industrialization Center.
The
center's literacy services division wants to change the statistics and is
seeking volunteer mentors to help adults master the written word and improve
their lives.
The National
Assessment of Adult Literacy estimates 30 million Americans,
or 14 percent of the adult population, have below basic literacy due to poor
reading, writing, comprehension and math skills. For Oklahoma, it's estimated
that number is 343,045.
There
is a second level of literacy problems, said Blair Lanning, hosting a recent
seminar for potential tutors. Lanning said those problems involve the people
reading at first- or second-grade levels. They may be able to glean television
listings but are challenged by more difficult situations.
"When
you go to the doctor and try to fill out one of the forms when you're a new
patient, these people can't do it," Lanning said.
The
number of people in Oklahoma estimated to be on that second level of literacy
is 883,618.
"So
we're looking at one in five people in the state with a literacy problem,"
Lanning said. READ MORE @
Letters
for literacy
Middlesboro Daily News: 3.31.2016 by Kelsey Gerhardt
Reading
is such an integral part to everyday life and it is often taken for granted.
Street signs and restaurant menus are effortless to understand for many, but
without reading skills even simple tasks can be confusing, off-putting or even
prevent some from getting the basic necessities of life.
The National
Assessment of Adult Literacy reports that among the 23,583
residents of Bell County, 18 percent are unable to read or comprehend basic
sentences at an eighth-grade level. This striking number means that nearly one
fifth of citizens will have a tough time performing basic tasks in a fast-food
workplace or understanding ingredient lists on food items in the grocery store.
The Bell County Council on Literacy aims to
prepare citizens with educational materials and skills needed to better their
future including basic reading, improving study habits or receiving a GED.
“The
majority of people here want to learn how to read so they can read the Bible
and read books to their grandchildren. This region is very proud, there’s a lot
of pride, but when they can’t read a story book to their grandchild, that’s
when they show up for help from us,” said Ann Maciula, co-chair of BCCL. READ MORE @
Who
doesn’t love a good super hero story?
DC Register: 3.30.2016 by Laura Priebe
Ever
wonder what life would be like if you couldn’t read well? Maybe you don’t have to wonder. Maybe that’s
a struggle you’ve experienced. Illiteracy is more common than you think.
And
literacy means many things to many people. We talk about cultural literacy,
digital literacy, financial literacy, even emotional literacy. The definition
is ever changing.
In
1986, a small group of Dearborn County men and women noticed the need for
improved basic literacy among adults in their community. They took action and
formed the Hoosier
Hills Literacy League.
They
didn’t have super powers; it wasn’t that kind of a league.
Today,
30 years later, we still don’t have super powers, but we do have the ability to
take action. We have the ability to live generously.
Heroes
abound
There
are many “heroes” around us, and we love to tell the stories. The well-known
ones (such as No. 22), and the quiet ones, people serving as mentors through
Big Brothers, Big Sisters, teachers and coaches going the extra mile, law
enforcement and government officials who allow their hearts to be touched.
I
could never list them all, but the thing they have in common is they take
action prompted by a supernatural love that comes from a power greater than
themselves.
They
gather in churches, homes, businesses, libraries and community centers, get
their act together, and then they act. READ MORE @
Blue
Ridge Literacy To Adopt Roanoke Valley Reads
Roanokes Star: 3.31.2016 by stuart
Blue Ridge
Literacy (BRL) will adopt Roanoke Valley Reads (RVR). BRL, whose mission is to support achievement
of life goals by providing opportunities to strengthen literacy skills to area
adults, will take over the operation of the project immediately.
“The
project has outgrown its ‘kitchen table’ roots and needs a larger umbrella
under which to grow and thrive. This is
a clear mission match, and will allow Roanoke Valley Reads to continue as a
community building project which highlights the value of reading.” says long
time RVR volunteer Meg Carter. Roanoke
Valley Reads is a community-wide reading project, bringing citizens of the Roanoke
Valley together through the reading of a common book. This year will mark the
sixth project offered to area residents.
═════════►
Blue
Ridge Literacy is the largest provider of adult literacy services in the
region. BRL was founded 31 years ago, and serves over 400 adults a year through
1:1 tutoring and classes. “We’re very excited,” said Russ Merritt, BRL
Executive Director. “The Roanoke Valley Reads program has given thousands of
persons throughout the region the wonderful opportunity to come together in
conversation, in learning from one another and in building bridges of
appreciation and understanding through shared literature. READ MORE @
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