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The Value of Literacy

By SHANNON HAINES
Literacy Volunteers Board Member & Co-Chair, REM Communications Committee
(July 28, 2000)

What value do you place on your ability to read this article? How often do you stop to think about literacy and the part that it plays in your daily life? Imagine, for example, not being able to read to your child, distinguish between products in the grocery store, or fill out a job application. If you think that illiteracy is a problem that affects only a few, think again.

According to the latest National Adult Literacy Survey, 18% of the adult population in the Waterville area possess the lowest possible level of reading ability. This translates into over 7000 adults who lack the reading skills needed to function in everyday life.

Furthermore, illiteracy is not just a misfortune for the non-reading individual, but a problem that affects the economic and civic well being of our community as a whole. Illiteracy in our area alone inherently removes over 7000 people from full participation in our community. Many of these people do not have the ability to read newspaper articles, election ballots, or job listings.

Fortunately, there is an organization working to combat illiteracy right in our community. Literacy Volunteers of America - Waterville (LVA-WTVL) addresses the problem of adult low-literacy through free confidential sessions where trained volunteer tutors work with adult non-readers to improve their reading skills. LVA-WTVL volunteer efforts improve the lives of many adults in the Waterville area who have found new freedoms and opportunities for themselves and their families.

LVA-WTVL has embarked on a public awareness campaign to bring attention to illiteracy, to highlight its available services, and to recruit students, tutors and other volunteers. This campaign has included working with local social service agencies and other adult literacy programs in an effort to provide information regarding services businesses, and will be expanded to include outreach to school systems and area businesses. LVA-WTVL's Annual Fundraising Campaign will also be getting under way later this summer. Funds raised from the campaign will assist LVA-WTVL in expanding the delivery of program support to its volunteers. LVA is a United Way Agency.

If you know someone who would like to improve their reading skills, encourage them to take the first step toward a brighter future by calling Literacy Volunteers at 873-7786. If you would like to get involved in the fight against illiteracy in our community, whether by becoming a volunteer tutor, raising awareness of the problem of illiteracy, or otherwise offering your support, please contact LVA-WTVL.