Redlands Adult Literacy Program helps people gain skills
coordinator of the Redlands Adult
Literacy Program
For the past four years, Diane Shimota
has been volunteering at the A.K. Smiley Public Library for the Redlands Adult
Literacy Program. She dedicates some of her time each week to help those in
the community who struggle with basic reading, writing and technology skills.
Someone has called Shimota the
“renaissance woman” of adult literacy. And once you get to know her, it becomes
clear that there is truth in that description.
Shimota’s motivation comes from the
desire to give back to others and to build relationships with learners in the
program. She appreciates seeing that spark in their eyes when they learn
something new and describes the experience as priceless.
“Living life without being able to
read or use a computer is incredibly stressful,” Shimota said.
“By teaching reading and computer skills
to someone, they can approach those things without fear or stress. That is when
you see a person bloom with confidence,” she said.
It is this confidence that has
allowed Shimota’s learners to achieve their personal goals. One of her learners
was able to restart his career and return to school in Los Angeles.
Shimota is now working with two more
learners who want to improve their reading and writing skills to realize their
dream of passing the test to become United States citizens.
Not only do individual learners
benefit from Shimota’s contributions, but also the Redlands Adult Literacy
Program as a whole.
“In any multi-faceted program, we
rely on key volunteers so that things like technology can take root and grow.
Diane Shimota is one of those key volunteers,” said Katherine Gifford,
volunteer Adult Literacy coordinator. READ
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