Our Literacy for Social Change model continues with our partner program in Colombia, Fundación Bien Humano, which focuses on family literacy. Recently, the program introduced a digital literacy initiative for adults with the goal of empowering them not just with literacy, but by giving them the skills to access important information related to laws and rights.  

At the Northwest Ohio Literacy Council, a ProLiteracy member program in Lima, Ohio, instructor Norma Penn strives to meet the needs of her students. Whether that means learning how to teach English pronunciation, arranging class times to fit student schedules, teaching over Facebook, or helping a scared student leave an abusive relationship, Norma finds a way to make it work. 

Four years ago, after years of providing childhood literacy services, the Mandel Public Library started an ESOL program for the adult English language learners in its community—a great example of how libraries are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the communities they serve.  

Doug Cook is driven by passion. It’s something he’s learned about himself since becoming a math and science tutor at ProLiteracy member program, Center of Hope, in Parker County, Texas, four years ago. Volunteering his time twice a week, Doug finds ways to engage his students, so they gain the skills they need to pass the GED Math and Science tests.

Last year, Grace Woodard started sending ProLiteracy a monthly letter with a donation enclosed. It turns out, boredom had led Grace to find a new hobby, which unexpectedly set her on a path to learning about adult literacy and inspired her to support the work of ProLiteracy.