LEARN (Let Every Adult Read Now) - Adult Literacy .
By: Pat Jenkins

      "When our children were in elementary school, I mentored children that were having difficulties with their work. I remember helping a third grade girl with her reading. After reading a couple of words, she might look into the distance and say something such as, ‘he came home last night and ran over my bike and Mommy's flowers.' I would just listen.
We spent several sessions together, but the girl eventually left the school. This experience confirmed my feelings: Sometimes mentoring is just a gentle presence in a troubled life.
      Then in 1986, I took training from Let Every Adult Read Now (LEARN); the organization is now referred to as the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati. Its primary audience is adults who wish to hone their reading skills.
      My first pupil was a fascinating man from Mt. Orab that worked at the Norwood GM plant as a supervisor. He was extremely intelligent, but had been kept out of school by his mother in order to baby sit his siblings. On the days he was able to attend school, he was ridiculed by a teacher for his inability to read.
      He'd earned the promotion to supervisor by memorizing a check list necessary to inspect cars and mark any trouble areas. But the Norwood plant closed: He was unable to find work because prospective employers would not allow him to take applications home so that his wife could complete it for him. Two years later, he was able to read; GM rehired him for another location.
      The LEARN program, sponsored by the YMCA, matches community volunteers with adults who have expressed a desire to improve basic literacy skills. Some of the students are immigrants who desire to improve their verbal and written English. Volunteers and students meet once or twice weekly at a library, church, or community center. Volunteer training and resource materials are provided.
      During the past few years, I have worked with several Asian students, living temporarily in Cincinnati while they complete their studies. It is truly rewarding and enriching.
Statistics show that the US ranks 49th among 156 United Nations member countries in literacy rates -a drop of 18 places since 1950! Further, youngsters whose parents are functionally illiterate are twice as likely as their peers to be functionally illiterate. It is estimated that the cost of illiteracy to business and the taxpayer is $20 billion per year.
      More volunteers are needed to serve countless adults who have contacted the YWCA seeking a tutor. This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to invest a few hours per week in a rewarding volunteer activity. Contact Marsha Graff at (513)361-2117 or mgraff@ywcacin.org