The National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS) defines adult literacy as “an
individual’s ability to read, write, speak English and compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve one’s goals, and develop one’s knowledge and potential.”
Gertie Charles, the Phillips County Literacy Council coordinator, believes that literacy impacts the whole community and through the PCLC seeks to change the literacy rates in the county.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, an American student drops out of school every 26 seconds. The U.S. Department of Education says that because of the literacy gap, a shortage of 12 million workers will result in the next decade.
Overall, three out of four welfare recipients are illiterate, 68 percent of the prison population is unable to read and over 40 percent of the population of Phillips County score at the lowest literacy rate. Charles says that the council is seeking help from the community and is looking for volunteers.
“We are partnering with everybody that we can,” said Charles.
Tutors are desperately needed and the training can be done online or at Phillips College.
“It’s so critical that we hurry up. We have about 10 students who are ready,” said Charles.
The tutors help students age 18 and up with their literacy skills.
After obtaining a satisfactory skill level, the student is then ready for GED testing.
The literacy council is looking for interested individuals that want to make a difference in their community.
“Our aim is to get one person out of the local businesses to help tutor,” said Charles.
Charles explained that there are many ways to help such as referring students to the literacy council, making phone calls or donating learning materials. Charles is partnering with several local entities such as community centers, Counseling Services of Eastern Arkansas, Boys, Girls, and Adults Development Center in Marvell, churches and the local housing authorities.
“Illiteracy impacts the whole community. It contributes to welfare, crime, illegal drugs, bulging jails and prisons, higher insurance premiums, a lack of highly skilled workers and lower productivity,” explains Charles.
To volunteer for the Phillips County Literacy Council, call 870-572-7801. Free online training sessions are available on Tuesdays at PCCUA from 4-6 p.m.
