Building A Stronger Community Through Literacy

[Patrick O'Brien]

Let’s face it; the job market today is tough. In order to be in the running for the job that you want, you have to be the best. Unfortunately some of our neighbors are starting the quest for a new job at a disadvantage because they struggle with literacy.
There are many reasons that adults can fall behind in their ability to read, including learning disabilities and having English as a second language. Whatever the reason may be, our friends and neighbors face an uphill battle in accomplishing their goals and dreams.
In researching difficulties that jobseekers are currently facing in today’s job market I met Lisa Warren with the Adult Literacy League. Since 1968, The Adult Literacy League’s mission has been to develop readers and build a strong and literate community. Illiteracy affects far more than just a person’s career prospects; it affects their self-esteem, self awareness and even safety.
For people with low literacy skills, simple tasks present real problems. Reading product and prescription labels, following street signs, or filling out a job application can be difficult and frustrating. Families suffer too. Parents with low literacy skills have trouble reading to their children and many don’t event try. Sadly the literacy levels of children are strongly linked to the educational levels of their parents.
Last year the Adult Literacy League served over 1200 Central Florida residents. 43% of students are learning Adult Basic Language, 50% speak other languages and are enrolled in English classes and 7% of students are enrolled in Workplace Literacy Programs.
No matter what area people may need assistance with The Adult Literacy League has programs and resources for them. They offer free tutoring and instruction classes for adult learners which include basic reading, writing, math, computer skills and more. They also provide their clients with access to technology which will aid in their progress. The Adult Literacy League has created a Family Literacy Program which recognizes that being able to read to your children is not only a goal of many adult learners but also helps to strengthen the family bond.
For those of you who are strong readers and are looking to give back to our community this is an excellent opportunity for you to change lives one person at a time (volunteer information). Since most of the programs are on a one-on-one basis, the Adult Literacy League is in need of more volunteers. Last year my wife began a reading program in her school for kindergartners and first graders who were falling behind due to reading difficulties. Several weeks ago she was talking to me about how she loved this part of her day because it is so rewarding and amazing to watch these children learn and build self-esteem. Imagine what that could be like when you help an adult through this process. You wouldn’t only be helping an individual you will be strengthening a family.
If you are unable to volunteer or if you are just looking for a fun way to donate to a great cause, the Adult Literacy League will be holding two fundraisers next year. In April, Reading Between the Wines features a celebrity author and silent auction. They will also host the Great Grown Up Spelling Bee on International Literacy Day (9/8/09) in which corporate teams of spellers will compete during a business luncheon. Information for these events and everything else can be found on their website www.adultliteracyleague.org.
So once again Central Florida, it is time to stand up and make a difference in our community! Volunteer today and change a life tomorrow.

Patrick O'Brien