Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Imperial County Library - International Literacy Day promotes computer, language tutoring for residents

International Literacy Day promotes computer, language tutoring for residents
Imperial Valley Press: 9.09.2014 by Krista Daly

Holtville resident Guadalupe Charles had never turned on a computer before Monday.

After an hour-long one-on-one tutoring session at the Holtville Meyer Memorial Branch of the Imperial County Free Library, he knew the basics such as how to use the mouse and navigate through the computer to get online and use different websites. Charles was just one resident learning computer literacy on International Literacy Day.

“Literacy is not just Spanish or English,” library volunteer Thomas Rose said. “It ties in with adult literacy if you’re computer-illiterate.”

Rose said he has been teaching people in their 50s or 60s computer skills because they want to learn how to use it for their everyday lives. This includes ordering things online and sending e-mails to family or friends.

“We are now in the computer age, and I need to learn,” said Troy Spore, who has been in tutoring lessons for about four months. “I’ve picked up quite a bit, but there’s still a lot to learn.”

County Librarian Connie Barrington said literacy is a crucial issue in the Valley.

“We’ve got hundreds … of people who want to improve their reading, writing and conversations in English,” she said.

As a volunteer tutor herself, she said it’s “literally the most rewarding thing” she has done. Volunteers are desperately needed for the literacy program, she said, which can make such a difference in people’s lives.  READ MORE !

No comments: