Reading &
literacy: A shared journey
Redlands Daily Facts: 10.05.2017 by Don Sprould
Much
like the adult learners celebrated recently on Redlands’ Adult Literacy Day at
the A.K. Smiley Public Library and Lincoln Shrine, Dr. Francisco Jiménez had
come a long way to share in the moment.
When
the author and Santa Clara University professor emeritus recently took the
podium to discuss his life and book, “The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a
Migrant Child,” he had much in common with many of the more than 250 in
attendance.
“The
Circuit” has been a book club selection in the library’s adult
literacy program. As an educator, Jiménez worked to develop
inclusive and multi-cultural programs and, as an author, he embraced an
audience that shared his passion for learning. “I’m a little bit emotional [at
the reception] to tell you the truth,” he confessed.
Quotes
posted on the wall of Contemporary Club auditorium spoke of program values and
successes of participants. Beneath a sign that read, “Literacy changes lives.
Thanks to the Adult Literacy Program,” placards with photos of program
participants proclaimed:
“Now
I am a United States citizen.
“Now I am able to help my son with his homework.
“We are advocates for our special needs child.
“I have made a new friend.
“I was able to pass my English class and now I am heading to a 4-year college.
“I can read.”
Through
the library’s adult literacy program, volunteers help lifelong learners build
skills necessary to join the community of readers — a journey that also opens
the way to opportunities for more education and the better jobs and lives that
come with it. READ MORE @
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