Literacy Volunteers holds celebration

NEW BRITAIN — The Literacy Volunteers of Central CT recently hosted the annual Celebration of Learning and its 40th year as a community organization. Nearly 75 guests, including students from countries around the world and their volunteer tutors, came together to celebrate the work of the LVCC and those who have helped make it successful.

The event included testimonies from students, describing the trials of coming to a foreign country and learning to speak a new language. LVCC honored Operations Manager Sue Kus for her 15 years with the organization. Long-time donors were also recognized for their continued support. Additionally, new board members were elected during the organization’s Annual Meeting.

“The annual Celebration of Learning is our chance to recognize and applaud the many hours of hard work that students and their tutors put in each year to meet their life, work, and education goals,” stated LVCC Executive Director, Maria Simao, in a written statement. “It is a joy to listen to the students tell their stories and to show our appreciation to all our special volunteers.”

Founded in 1978, LVCC provides small group and one-on-one literacy tutoring to over 400 adults in the communities of New Britain, Middletown, Bristol, Berlin, Burlington, Cromwell, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Kensington, Marlborough, Middlefield, Plainville, Portland, and Southington. Tutors are all volunteers and receive high-quality training, free of charge, before becoming a Literacy Volunteer.

In addition to the adult literacy program, LVCC founded the Central CT Family Literacy Center, which provides educational programs to low-literate mothers with children under the age of 8 who need to learn English to support their children’s success in school or to help them earn their GED. The center provides childcare for approximately 20 children while mothers are in class.

LVCC students receive certificates of achievement in recognition of their dedication to learning

For more information on how to support Literacy Volunteers of Central CT, call 860-229-7323 or visit www.literacycentral.org.