What’s the Big Deal. About Literacy?

Problems with literacy start when children are young. If nothing is done about it, the problems remain and create even greater dilemmas, including unemployment, poverty, crime and homelessness. Sadly, many individuals who struggle with reading and writing remain in the shadows and are hard to identify.
on the flip side, there is much to be said about literacy and reading as the foundation of education.

Glen Mills-Thornbury Rotarians fill backpacks for children.

• According to the U.S. government initiative, United We Serve, reading even five books during school break prevents children from summertime learning loss.
• On average, a college graduate earns nearly two and a half times what a high-school dropout does, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
• According to the Read Foundation,“Improved literacy can contribute to economic growth; reduce poverty; reduce crime; promote democracy; increase civic engagement; prevent HIV/AIDS and other diseases through information provision. … literacy can be instrumental in people’s achievement of a range of capabilities such as maintaining good health and living longer, learning throughout life, … raising healthy children and educating them. “
• A literacy brings a greater sense of personal dignity, additional skills in problem solving, and the respect of other people.

That’s a big deal!

Many rotary clubs in the Chester County vicinity sponsor reading events and projects. To learn more, visit www.rotary7450.org.
To find a good book, access a computer or learn a new skill, visit your local public library. To find your local library, visit www.ccls.org.