The Daily Southerner, Tarboro, NC

Local News

July 20, 2012

Literacy program builds esteem

Staff Writer MIRANDA BAINES

TARBORO — Never again will Beverly Moore of Rocky Mount take for granted her ability to read a road sign, or the label on a can in the grocery store, or the forms she signs when she visits a doctor’s office. Moore’s perspective changed when she became an adult literacy tutor for the Twin Counties Literacy Council.

“We take so much for granted and we assume that everybody can read in this country,” she said. “I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for them [illiterate adults].”

Moore saw first hand how difficult life could be for adult who doesn’t know how to read. The adult she is tutoring had never used a dictionary until recently.

“It is very rewarding to see an adult to come to know something such as a dictionary and become so fascinated with something we take for granted,” said Moore.

Teaching an adult how to read is difficult because “everyday life gets in the way,” said Moore. She tutors her student for two hours a week and has seen slow but steady progress. Her student shows dedication by walking to the library for each tutoring session.

“There have been some small victories, but there is still a long road ahead,” said Moore.  

Moore is one of 14 volunteer tutors for the Twin Counties Literacy Council. The tutors come from all walks of life (Moore is an accountant), but are required to attend a basic literacy workshop prior to tutoring. Because of its great need for additional tutors, the literacy council is holding a two-day literacy tutor workshop at the Edgecombe County Memorial Library in Tarboro from 9”30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and again on Saturday, July 28. Those interested in tutoring must attend both workshops.

Sue Randolph, assistant library director, said the literacy council targets “early literacy needs” to supplement the educational efforts of Edgecombe Community College and prepare adults to pursue further education, such as a GED. She said she is excited to attend the workshops to become an adult literacy tutor.

Bertha Haynes, executive director of the council, believes that teaching adults how to read will boost their self-esteem and make them more competitive in the job market.

“Their education and skills are upgraded and it makes them so much more confident to go out and look for employment,” she said.

Another advantage to increased adult literacy rates that Haynes emphasizes in her literacy workshops is the fact that children of literate, well-educated adults are more likely to be successful in school. As Moore pointed out, illiterate adults “can’t even help their kids with their homework.”

Haynes envisioned the Twin Counties Literacy Council in 2010 because of the staggering need for an adult literacy program that she saw in Nash and Edgecombe counties. According to the 2009 National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 35 percent of the population of Edgecombe County lacked basic prose literacy skills. That number was 26 percent in Nash County.

“There’s a lot of people out there that need this help,” said Moore.

Those in need of literacy tutoring should contact the literacy council at (877) 398-5576. The council accepts adult learners 16 years of age and older who are not enrolled in school and have a desire to improve their literacy. Individual students are matched with tutors, who work with them in a “quiet, comfortable environment,” said Haynes. She said the tutoring sessions are kept confidential between the student and their tutor.

 

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