Adult learners share their stories in Redlands literacy anthology
Adult learners share their stories in Redlands literacy anthology Redlands Daily Facts
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Redlands Adult Literacy Program to Publish Sixth Volume of “Our Stories, A Collection of Writings”
By Diane Shimota | Contributing writer
The Redlands Adult Literacy Program is preparing to publish its sixth volume of “Our Stories, A Collection of Writings,” composed of writings from adult learners and tutors who participate in the program.
The anthology includes writings that express empathy and gratitude for those who have impacted the author’s lives, reflections about home or books that the authors have read, significant memories of family and friends, recollections of unexpected happenings, and stories about being close to nature.
Through their writing, participants of the literacy program describe the challenges they face due to their low reading and writing skills and the joy they experience when they learn to read and write proficiently. “It is very hard to live on our world if you cannot read,” wrote one learner who is working diligently with his tutor to improve his reading skills. His dreams are to be able to comfortably read in public and share stories with his grandchild.
Importance of Literacy in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Another learner shared that her mother is a housewife who is the hardest worker in her entire village. Her mom had big dreams for her children. The adult learner wrote, “My mom does not know how to read and write. She sent us all to school.” Education is an important part of her family because her mother knows the struggles of those who cannot read and write and the opportunities that arise when people are educated.
Stories in this collection reflect the wide range of writing levels of adults in the literacy program. Each author worked diligently through the writing process with the assistance of a volunteer tutor. By working with their tutors, learners develop vital literacy skills that help them overcome obstacles in their lives.
Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
On Sept. 19, the Redlands City Council will consider the approval of a proclamation declaring Sunday, Sept. 24, Adult Literacy Day in Redlands. In prior years, the City Council declared Adult Literacy Day to emphasize the importance of literacy in employment, family education, and civic engagement. To further celebrate the life-changing impact of literacy, the Redlands community is invited to join the Adult Literacy Program in its Celebration of Authors at 2 p.m. Sept. 24 at The Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St., Redlands. Adult learners will read from their works which are published in the anthology. Light refreshments will be served.
“Our Stories, A Collection of Writings,” Volumes 1 through 6, are available for checkout at the library. Additionally, many of the authors who submitted writings for the anthology accepted an invitation to read their stories on videotape and share them with the Redlands community. Some of these stories are available on the literacy webpage, www.akspl.org/literacy.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Those interested in volunteering with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program are invited to call 909-798-7565 ext. 4138 or email literacy@akspl.org. The next volunteer tutor orientation is scheduled for Oct. 4, 2023.
Those who know someone who needs help in reading and writing may encourage them to take the first step in changing their life by contacting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. Tutoring is free and confidential.
About the Author
Diane Shimota is the adult literacy coordinator at A.K. Smiley Public Library, 125 W. Vine St., Redlands.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
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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: The article highlights the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, which aims to improve the reading and writing skills of adult learners. The program helps participants overcome challenges related to low literacy skills and emphasizes the importance of education.
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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: The article mentions that the Redlands Adult Literacy Program provides free and confidential tutoring to individuals who need help in reading and writing. By offering this support, the program aims to reduce inequalities by empowering individuals with literacy skills.
Table: 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. | The Redlands Adult Literacy Program aims to improve the reading and writing skills of adult learners through free tutoring. |
| 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. | The Redlands Adult Literacy Program provides free and confidential tutoring to individuals who need help in reading and writing, aiming to reduce inequalities. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: redlandsdailyfacts.com
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