Inspiring words from a student
and his tutor
A long-time student of the Literacy Council's Adult Literacy program began his journey with us unable to read and write. After nearly 13 years of dedication to his goal, here's what he wrote about his experience (unedited):
"The Literacy Council and [my tutor] have really changed my life to the good- teaching me to read, has made such an impact on my life, I can now enjoy a book or the newspaper. Thank all of you so much for all you have done and continue to do. Know that your work does matter and it does change lifes."
When a student comes to the Adult Literacy program unable to read and write, devotes himself to the task for over a decade, and achieves this level of literacy, it is a rare and amazing accomplishment.
Of course none of our students' success with us is possible without the dedication and compassion of our tutors. Here's what the above student's tutor said about his time tutoring:
"I taught for 36 years. When I retired I taught a few classes at AB Tech. I am an avid reader and believe everyone would be happier if they could read well. I met [my student] through the Literacy Council in 2007. At that time he had tried three other teachers, but he was not comfortable. He was comfortable with me! He initially wanted to read to his granddaughter. He did indeed get the joy of reading to her. He was a solid student who rarely missed our meetings. Now he reads with understanding, retention, and strong word attack skills. He reads daily. Sometimes it is only the newspaper, but he always has a book he is reading. He enjoys fictional history a great deal. My children say [my student] and I will be together until one of us is no longer on earth! I think they may be correct."
Thank you so much to all our volunteers. We simply could not do what we do without you.
