International Literacy Day Celebratedat Newport Beach Public Library
Literally Speaking: Autumn 2009
More than 140 people from the literacy program, library staff, and the Newport Beach community attended the International Literacy Day (ILD) celebration on September 10th. As in previous years, attendees were treated to wonderful, ethnic foods prepared by literacy program learners. To complete the buffet, the Corona del Mar Starbucks provided coffee, and Bristol Farms generously donated a gorgeous and tasty fruit and cheese display.
Carolyn Scheer, Literacy Board President, emceed the event. Cynthia Cowell, Library Director, graciously commended all involved in the literacy program. Newport Beach Mayor, Ed Selich, before reading the proclamation declaring Literacy Day for the city, commended tutors for their commitment and learners for their courage – which was then demonstrated by Jerry Kahn and Afsaneh Taheri Pak as they both spoke movingly about their experiences with the literacy program.
Jerry highlighted the variety of books that he and his tutor, Joe Brown, have read together, and explained what a typical tutoring session for them looks like. Afsaneh eloquently shared of her shame, after arriving in the United States just a year ago from Iran, at not being able to speak English well. She shared how it felt to leave her safe zone of home, family, and tradition and commit to a new life. Afsaneh affirmed that being new is always hard and that she has a goal to learn and keep on learning.
Parvin Tabrizi, the 2009 winner of the Rochelle Hoffman Memorial Award presented at the celebration, also received certificates of recognition from both Congressman John Campbell and Senator Tom Harmon.
It was a touching and inspirational morning.
No comments:
Post a Comment