Spread literacy: Help adults learn to read

The Charles County Literacy Council Inc., a not-for-profit organization, has been providing free one-on-one adult (18 and older) literacy tutoring in Charles County for the past 52 years. We provide tutoring in reading, spelling, basic math, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Assistance is also provided to prepare for the Armed Ser vices Vocational Aptitude exam (ASVAB) and in obtaining one’s GED or citizenship.

Illiteracy carries a stigma for adult learners, most of whom develop coping mechanisms to make their everyday challenges and fears that their inability to read will be discovered. Adult learners have varied personal, professional and educational goals. When adults take advantage of the services offered by the CCLC, they are taking the first step toward becoming self-sufficient, productive citizens in the county. Through the great efforts of our new outreach program, we have begun to make even further strides in getting the word out about CCLC.

Our tutors are trained and dedicated in helping their adult learner achieve his or her goals. Currently, we have an active tutoring base of 57 tutors. As a result of our outreach program, the demand for tutors has increased.

We will be sponsoring a one-day tutor workshop on Oct. 8, from 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at the United Way Building in La Plata. There is a fee of $30 to help defray costs of materials. If you can read, you can teach someone else to read. Visit our website, www.charlescountyliteracy.org, or call us at 301-934-6488 for further information.

Our motto “Each One Teach One” can be met by volunteers who participate in this community ser vice of eliminating illiteracy around us.

Carrie Dotson, La Plata The writer is the president of the Charles County Literacy Council.