162 adults on waiting list with The Literacy Connection
The Literacy Connection needs more tutors. Sadly, 162 adults remain on the waiting list to share their goals with someone who can tutor them.
Can you give just 1-2 hours per week to help someone achieve their goals in 2015? You will impact your life and someone else's life in a profoundly positive way. Imagine if you or a loved one struggled with literacy or communicating in English. What would life be like? Wouldn't it be wonderful to know that there are tutors out there who can and want to help?
Introduction to The Literacy Connection and tutor training will be offered on Saturdays, Jan. 10 and 17, at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St., from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour break for lunch.
A second session takes place on Saturdays, Feb. 21 and 28, at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour break for lunch.
A third session will be offered on Tuesdays, March 17 and 24, and Thursdays, March 19 and 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Presence St. Joseph Hospital, 77 N. Airlite St., Elgin.
Please note on Jan. 10, Feb. 21 and March 17, the first hour will be an introduction to The Literacy Connection and the remaining time is the training. It is just $25 for the book and materials.
Registration is recommended for those interested in attending. Call The Literacy Connection at (847) 742-6565 or email info@elginliteracy.org for information and visit the website at www.elginliteracy.org to learn more about the organization.
The Literacy Connection serves 16 northwest suburban Chicago communities including Algonquin, Bartlett, Carpentersville, Cary, Elgin, South Elgin, East Dundee, West Dundee, Gilberts, Hanover Park, Hampshire, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Streamwood, and Schaumburg. The agency provides customized one-on-one adult tutoring, English conversation groups, and family literacy programs.
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Helping learners achieve their goals
In this free program, they train volunteer literacy tutors to work one-on-one with Basic Literacy learners or English as a Second Language learners. The learners are adult men and women of all ages, nationalities, economic and social backgrounds, living in the western suburbs. They're neighbors all around us, trying to fit in, communicate better, get jobs, or improve their work and family lives.
These adult learners perform at the lowest levels of English proficiency, often below a sixth grade reading level. Many cannot attend traditional English classes due to their schedule or other personal reasons. There are two main types of learners, Basic Literacy learners and English as a Second Language learners.
• Basic Literacy Learners: Tutors assist adult learners who are proficient in English, but may have difficulty identifying letters or words, reading a menu or sign, filling out a job application or doing simple math. Tutors focus their lessons on improving the learner's reading, writing, spelling and basic math skills, if desired, in order to help the adult learner function more self-sufficiently.
• English as a Second Language Learners: Tutors help adult learners with limited English skills learn to read, write, speak and understand English, so that they can take a more active role in the society. Learners may or may not be proficient in their native language, but are living in a community in which improving their understanding and usage of English is crucial to their success at home and at work.