September 8th has been designated International Literacy Day since 1967, highlighting the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. Quoting UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) General Director Koichiro Matsuura, “It is a day for recognizing the achievement of large numbers of men and women around the globe who have newly gained access to communication through the written word. We congratulate them and applaud all those - literacy tutors, extension workers, teachers, community groups, friends, neighbors and family members - whose supportive efforts have been indispensable. International Literacy Day, however, is not an occasion for complacency. When there are approximately 800 million illiterate adults, when two-thirds of the world´s illiterate adults are women, and when over 100 million school-age children never attend school, we can be in no doubt that much remains to be done.” (Matsuura’s comments in full can be found at the UNESCO website http://portal.unesco.org/).

Indeed, a lot does remain to be done, even here in Hunt County where, according to the 2000 census, 23.1% of the population age 25 and older do not have high school diplomas or the equivalent. That percentage increases to 25.4% when averaged with educational attainment in surrounding counties (Delta, Fannin, Hopkins). One-third of those adults have less than a ninth grade education. In addition, approximately 6.8% of the population primarily speaks a language other than English and nearly half of them speak English less than very well.

So what does this mean? It means about one of every four adults is undereducated and one in 15 is not adequately proficient in English. It means that a significant number of people are unable to get the jobs they need to support themselves and their families. It means their children are more likely to have difficulties with schoolwork. It means communities do not or will not have the workforce necessary to progress and thrive. It does not mean that this is the way it will always be.

The Commerce Library Literacy Program, an accredited affiliate of ProLiteracy America, has been providing literacy services since 1991, assisting nearly 2500 men and women from Hunt, Fannin, Delta, and Hopkins counties, as well as 24 foreign nations, to learn to read and improve basic literacy skills, learn English as a second language, and prepare for the GED (General Education Development – high school equivalency) exam. Volunteer tutors provide instruction in one-to-one and small group settings and tutor training is provided. GED classes are held twice weekly at the Commerce Public Library and ESL classes are held at TAMU-Commerce. Call the Literacy Program at 903-886-6858 for class times or more information

There are several ways individuals can and do make the real difference: Volunteer. There is an urgent need for volunteer tutors. If you are reading this and can commit as little as two hours a week you can change someone’s life. Make a donation. According to ProLiteracy Worldwide, Americans spent $64.38 per taxpayer on video games in 2002. The federal government spent $3.56 per taxpayer on adult basic education and literacy instruction in the same period. In 2003 Congress appropriated $575 million for state grants for adult basic education and literacy programs while in that same year Americans spent $263 million more on premium label ice cream. The Commerce Library Literacy Program receives no funds from the federal government, is funded solely by contributions from local individuals and organizations, and has an annual budget of less than $15,000. Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide services to as many as 200 adults annually. Help get the word out. Let your Texas and US representatives and senators know that improving literacy for all our citizens is essential to the well-being of our country; urge them to support positive literacy and educational measures. Read to your children and grandchildren. Children who are read to become better readers. Better readers perform better in all areas of school.

As Hurricane Katrina refugees make their way into Texas, adequate literacy skills will be more important than ever to people who may be needing to start their lives over, find jobs, enroll children in school, apply for assistance so desperately needed. It is vital that we realize we must all take action to leave no adult behind. Find a way you can support literacy. Make a difference.

For more information on literacy and the Commerce Library Literacy Program, visit the Commerce Public Library at 1210 Park Street or call 903-886-6858.