40 years of state’s adult literacy program has shaped Redlands library programs
40 years of state’s adult literacy program has shaped Redlands library programs Redlands Daily Facts
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California Library Literacy Services: Shaping Successful Redlands Programs
By Diane Shimota | Contributing Columnist
In 1983, the California State Library funded the first statewide adult literacy program with $2.5 million. Forty years later, the values that were established still ring true at California Library Literacy Services, the statewide agency that provides funding for the Redlands Adult Literacy and Family Literacy programs. This article highlights some of the core CLLS objectives, which have shaped the successful Redlands programs.
A library welcomes everyone
Many of us cannot recall not having free and easy access to library services, but some long-term residents of Redlands never came to Smiley Library because they couldn’t read. In contrast, other adults, who are new to Redlands, eagerly come to Smiley Library because they know they will be welcomed and receive free services to improve their reading and writing. The Redlands Adult Literacy Program provides vital services so everyone can fully access library and community services.
Adult literacy programs rely on partnerships
CLLS funding for local literacy programs is contingent on local financial support. The Redlands Adult Literacy Program is grateful for the support provided by the city of Redlands, Smiley Library Trustees, the Friends of the Library, and local donors. These partnerships are based on local and statewide recognition of the importance of adult literacy, which enables adults to get better jobs, advance their own and their children’s education, and leads to the promotion of better health and civic participation.
Adult learners are leaders in their own education and the Redlands Adult Literacy Program
Every year an adult learner speaks to the City Council to express their appreciation for the council’s support of the Redlands program. The learner shares that year’s anthology entitled “Our Stories: A Collection of Writing.” Through the anthologies, the Redlands community learns about the lives and aspirations of community members who often feel invisible. It takes courage, commitment, and drive to work to improve one’s reading and writing as an adult. Adult learners are the true ambassadors to anyone in Redlands who wants to improve their life.
The impact of the Redlands Adult Literacy Program
The Redlands Adult Literacy Program was reinitiated in 2010 by the Friends of A. K. Smiley Public Library. In 2015, with funding provided by the city, the adult literacy program became a key component of library services. Through the dedicated service of its volunteers and the leadership of literacy staff, over 450 lives have been changed. Adults have been able to keep or advance in their jobs because of their literacy skills. Adults have opened businesses in the Redlands community. Adults have worked to gain skills so they can read to their children and help them with their homework. A welcoming library, strong partnerships, and respect for adults seeking to improve their lives profoundly changes the city of Redlands.
If you would like to learn more, we invite you to attend the next adult literacy volunteer tutor orientation scheduled for Saturday, June 22. Reserve your space by contacting Diane Shimota, Smiley library adult literacy coordinator, at 909-798-7565, ext. 4110 or email literacy@akspl.org. If you know someone who needs help with their literacy, please help them to contact Diane. All inquiries are confidential and services are free.
Diane Shimota, adult literacy coordinator at A.K. Smiley Public Library, 125 W. Vine St., Redlands.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
- Indicator 4.6.1: Proportion of the population in a given age group achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills, by sex.
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
- Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
- Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
- Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator 4.6.1: Proportion of the population in a given age group achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills, by sex.
- Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy. | Indicator 4.6.1: Proportion of the population in a given age group achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills, by sex. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training. | Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities. |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: redlandsdailyfacts.com
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