Centro Latino for
Literacy Helping Generations of Latinos Become Bi-Literate
Adelante:
1.2015 p12
For the past four and a half
years Riddle has served as the president and Chief Executive Officer of Centro Latino for Literacy
(Centro Latino), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit. She has a take-no-prisoners
attitude when it comes to the programs and services offered through the
organization.
“Literacy matters for those
in our community looking to move ahead,” said Riddle. “Being able to read,
write, and function in our text and technology driven world allows individuals
to build upon some of the most basic, yet critical, skills employers require.”
Since its opening in 1991,
Centro Latino for Literacy has taught nearly 6,000 non-literate working age
adults basic grammar, math, and personal finances.
Researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that a mother’s reading
skill is the greatest determinant of her child’s future academic success (Oct
2010).
According to SpanishTranslation.US,
reading skills among children of Latino decent [sic] are at an all-time low and that
U.S. Hispanic children would significantly benefit from programs that promote
literacy readiness prior to entering the school system.
Newly literate parents at
Centro Latino now help their children with homework, are no longer embarrassed
to speak to their children’s teacher or get involved in their schools.
Core components of Centro’s
preliteracy courses are Leamos™ (Let’s Read) Basic, Leamos Grammar, and Listos™
(Ready) Math and Financial Education. These courses meet the CA adult content
standards for PreESL and have been used successfully by individuals, adult
education programs, libraries, and employee training programs.
LALCC’s Inaugural Non Profit
Organization Awards: Nov. 14, 2014 (p4)
Winners Are: Rising Star:
Centro Latino for Literacy Centro Latino
teaches Latino immigrants to
read and write in Spanish (L1), giving them the essential skills and confidence
to participate more fully and independently in society, and uplift themselves
and their families into more promising lives for generations to come. As of
Oct. 31, 2014 Centro Latino has taught Pre-ESL literacy skills, including basic
math, grammar, and financial literacy to 5,614 non-literate youth and adults.
In addition, ESL, computer skills and job readiness skills have been taught to
9,682 low-income adults at our 8th Street classrooms through education
partners. READ
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