Dear Friends of Literacy,

I have often used this quote from former UN Secretary Koffi Annan, “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” But just recently, I read the entirety of it which goes like this:

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development, an essential complement to investments in roads, dams, clinics, and factories. Literacy is a platform for democratization, and a vehicle for the promotion of cultural and national identity. Especially for girls and women, it is an agent of family health and nutrition. For everyone, everywhere, literacy is, along with education in general, a basic human right.... Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential.” - Koffi Annan

I felt my throat tighten as I was yet again reminded of this “Call to Action”. These 111 words so eloquently describe our mission at Literacy Delaware. As supporters of our organization, I hope you feel a sense of pride when you read this quote. Pride in that you are making a real difference in the lives of many who struggle with low literacy.

In 2019 we were at a crossroads in the organization. We developed a strategic plan that charted the course to our north star. Now in 2024, we have a new strategic plan to move us even closer to that star – that every adult in Delaware can read proficiently.

I am humbled by your constant support and generosity in donating each year. As we set our new course to serve our learners better and increase participation in our program, I look forward to keeping you apprised of all the amazing work and accomplishments of our volunteers and learners.

Very Sincerely Yours,

Cindy

Registration is OPEN!

After a hiatus of several years, Literacy Delaware’s annual team SCRABBLE ™ fundraising event, SCRABBLE ™ Along the Brandywine, is BACK! We can’t wait for YOU and your team to join us for an evening of fun at our major fundraising event!

Teams consisting of up to 6 players receive the same set of SCRABBLE™ tiles. Teammates work collaboratively to build the highest scoring board for each of 3 rounds. You can purchase tiles to complete those high scoring words and/or peek in the dictionary to verify word spelling. The top three highest scoring teams (cumulatively) will be recognized. There will also be beautifully themed raffle baskets to win. Bring cash or checks; credit cards will also be accepted as payment. All proceeds will be used to support reducing our learner waiting list.

LVSA Founder Ruth Colvin Turns 107!

Ruth Colvin founded the non-profit organization Literacy Volunteers of America, now called ProLiteracy Worldwide, in Syracuse, New York, in 1962. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in December 2006. Amazing Ruth turned 107 in December!

Cindy thought it would be fun to pose some questions to Ruth about adult literacy in honor of her birthday and Women’s History Month.

1. Why has adult literacy been so important to you?

I couldn’t believe there were people in Syracuse who couldn’t read or write, for I believed it was taught in all our Syracuse schools.

2. What is something you have experienced in your work that particularly surprised you or that you will never forget?

I found just a few people who couldn’t read or write. I knew I could help them. The surprise was that there were hundreds more.

3. What would you like to see in the future?

I would like to see basic literacy taught in every country and in every language.

Future Radiation Technologist and New Citizen Mariana

Learner Mariana is currently a student in an advanced class at the Bear Library. Here is her story, in her own words.

My name is Mariana and I have been living in the US for five years. I came here with my husband Olex and my son Makar. I never had plans to leave my native country Ukraine, but my husband insured me that our son will have a better future abroad and so I decided to immigrate to the US. Also, my husband’s family lives here. It was a big challenge for me: being a new person in a country is always not easy! The first place I moved to was New Castle, Delaware. Then our family moved to Newark. Delaware is a wonderful place to live - nice climate (4 seasons, close to ocean, no taxes, nice University). The first and the main problem is the language barrier, second- no work experience; third- no connections (friends). In the beginning I had a feeling that I did not understand English at all. Later I realized that there is a huge difference between American and British English (I was studying British English at school and then at University).

I started to volunteer at my son’s school. I found many American friends. I started to work at Amazon. I became an American citizen. During that time I felt that my English had become better, but not enough to enroll in college or getting a better job!

I have a Master’s degree in material science in Ukraine, but it’s not wanted I want to do in my life. Like Americans say: it’s not my cup of tea. I always wanted to help people. My first plan was to become a state trooper in Delaware, but because of my back injury that I got working at Amazon, that goal began hardly reachable. The experience of my Greek friend Joanna (who became a dental hygienist specialist) inspired me to get a second education in the USA.

In the beginning of 2024, I will start my studies at Del-Tech. I want to become a radiology technologist. Wish me good luck in my studies and future career!

Silvana Starts Bilingual Storytime!

Several years ago, Literacy Delaware learner Silvana came to the United States from Argentina as an au pair. She is from a large family and has always loved spending time with children and visiting the library. Silvana enjoyed taking the child she watched to the Frankford Library as well as teaching him Spanish.

Gregarious by nature, Silvana got to talking with Kim, the Children’s Program Coordinator at the Frankford Library, about the benefits of teaching American children Spanish as well as the importance of reaching the sizable Spanish speaking community in the Frankford area. “Silvana let me know she’s from Argentina. When I studied Spanish in college I read a newspaper from Argentina, so that gave us common ground.”

Developing a bilingual story time at Frankford Library became a natural and easy decision for both. “I’ve been working with kids for a long time and reading books and I’m very creative,” describes Silvana. “This area really needs this program” explains Kim, “it will be very beneficial to this community!” Reflecting her love of children, Silvana observes, “It’s amazing because we can learn a lot from children. They have a lot to teach us.”

Though she studied English in Argentina, Silvana says she has mostly learned English since she’s been here. “I’m so thankful for the Literacy Delaware program so I can learn to communicate in another language.”

A pediatric nurse working in the NICU in her home country, Silvana hopes to pursue a medical career in the United States. “It’s amazing how many opportunities are available here versus in Argentina” notes Silvana.

With her tutor Bridget, Silvana is working to pass an English proficiency test which will allow her prior accomplishments, credits, and experience to be validated so she can request a nursing license transfer. Bridget beams when describing Silvana: “it’s clear (she) has a great deal of initiative and personality. Her informal writing reflects this as well. Her high-level academic reading and writing practice exercises reveal how seriously she takes the challenge to push herself to full capability. She is a positive and joyful young woman who is lovely to work with. What an incredible person she is! Silvana has a very bright future.”

Martin Luther King Day 2024



Volunteer tutor Dawn’s conversation group worked on an “I Have a Dream” sentence completion exercise.

Literacy Delaware AmeriCorps members and staff volunteered on MLK day.

Interested in tutoring or know someone who might be interested?

We are always looking for new volunteer tutors to help our adult learners achieve their goals! For more information visit www.literacydelaware.org/tutors and to apply to be a tutor.

Upcoming orientation and training dates; all orientation and training is conducted online.

Tutor Orientation - Thursday April 1, 1:30 - 3:00 pm OR 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Training – Thursdays April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 1:30 - 3:30 pm OR 6:30 – 8:30 pm

We need YOU!