Reading is a skill many of us take for granted.

Saturday, July 01, 2000

Reading is a skill many of us take for granted. We don’t understand what it is like not to be able to understand a job application or to figure out the price of milk at the grocery store.

There is shame; there is helplessness; and there is a feeling that you are somehow deficient, less than intelligent.

For some county residents, their problems with reading began in elementary school, when they just couldn’t understand their lessons and became tougher as they progressed through the school system.

As each year passed, they became farther behind – unable to catch on to the old instruction and unable to learn the new. By the time they were ready to graduate from high school – if they did – it was too late.

This summer, Americorps/VISTA is sponsoring a program to make sure that Lawrence County children who might be headed down the path to illiteracy get the help they need. The program encourages children to work on their reading skills – and teaches them that books and learning are fun.

Those are the best weapons against illiteracy – confidence and interest.

And for all those adults out there who missed their chance, there is hope, too. There are plenty of programs for adults who need help with their reading. It is never too late.

Reading is a skill no one should be without. Americorps VISTA’s program is helping to make sure that it is a joy all Lawrence County residents can share.