Orlando, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/15/2009 -- According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 30 million adults (14%) have below basic literacy skills. These individuals are unable to do even simple tasks such as filling out job application, using a telephone directory or reading to a child. In Florida the data is even more troubling, with an estimated 20% of adults having below basic skills.
To draw attention to this national crisis, the U.S. House of Representatives has designated October 18-23, 2009 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week! This proclamation is intended to raise public awareness of adult education and family literacy, assist adult learners in need of literacy services, and support increased access to adult education and family literacy programs.
“People who lack functional literacy skills have been especially effected by the recession and are generally experiencing much higher rates of unemployment and poverty.” said Greg Smith, Executive Director of the Florida Literacy Coalition, “Hopefully this act of Congress will elevate adult education and family literacy nationwide with policymakers, the media, and the community.”
The National Coalition for Literacy has created a resource collection in the NCL Advocacy Clearinghouse and Toolkit (http://www.ncladvocacy.org), to support your efforts to raise awareness and celebrate the week. Resources include the latest fact sheets, sample press releases, and commemoration ideas for raising awareness for program directors, instructors, and partners.
Please join the U.S. House of Representatives, National Coalition for Literacy, and the Florida Literacy Coalition in honoring adult learners nationwide. Show your support for increasing adult education, ESL, and family literacy programs.
Adult education programs, along with family literacy programs, have, for many years, provided millions of Americans with the skills they need to lead productive lives, help their children succeed in school, and contribute to the civic life of our communities.
The Florida Literacy Coalition and local literacy programs have current and former students serving as literacy ambassadors available to share their stores of how their lives have been changed through adult education. Please contact the Florida Literacy Coalition for more information.
About the Florida Literacy Coalition
Established in 1985, The Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) promotes, supports and advocates for the effective delivery of quality adult and family literacy services in the state of Florida. As a statewide umbrella literacy organization and the host of Florida’s State Literacy Resource Center, FLC provides a range of services to support more than 300 adult education, literacy and family literacy providers throughout Florida. Special emphasis is placed on assisting community based literacy organizations with their training and program development needs.