Illiteracy in America

The Children’s Literacy Project’s documentary, “Sentenced,” is a powerful, moving, and frightening film that reveals the epidemic of illiteracy in America among children and adults. It presents the well-known fact that 43 million adults in America struggle to read, and that illiteracy fuels the cycles of poverty.

The voices in the film were from those people who never learned how to read. One such person who spoke over disturbing pictures of families dealing with poverty and illiteracy said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

Another asked, “How can I make a difference in my community; how can I keep them out of prison; how can I break this generation of poverty?”

The people who saw the documentary in August at the Davidson College Presbyterian Church asked the same questions. The Reverend Robert Alexander, Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Mission, moderated the evening and said, “I hope that you will continue to reflect on the stories and statistics that are in the film and consider how you might be a part of the solution to help reduce illiteracy.”

Reverend Alexander provided the attendees with a list of Tutoring/Literacy Opportunites in the Lake Norman Area:

Tutoring for Children - Specific to DCPC

Amigos Tutoring – An after-school tutoring program for multi-language learners primarily focused on reading comprehension and language proficiency. Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Huntersville Elementary School beginning in October. Contact Rosemary Klein at rosemaryklein924@gmail.com.

Blythe Elementary School Partnership - Heart Math Tutoring and Classroom Helpers are needed throughout the school year to support student achievement. Contact partnership coordinator Holly Ridgeway at hridgeway@msn.com.

Community Tutoring Opportunities

Ada Jenkins Center | LEARN Works Afterschool Academic & Enrichment Program
A free afterschool academic and enrichment program that helps elementary students who are 1-2 grade levels behind in reading strengthen literacy skills, build confidence, and discover the joy of learning through engaging enrichment activities.

       Volunteer with LEARN Works

       My Group Believes Education Matters!

       LEARN Works Snack Drive

Angels and Sparrows – Angels & Sparrows Pathway program provides a 2Gen framework for families, addressing the educational needs of both parents and children with the understanding that a child’s success is interconnected to the success of the adults in their life. The Pathway fall semester kicked off on Wednesday, September 9 and current volunteer opportunities include: 

• Reading Buddy: Work with small groups of students, grades Pre-K - 2nd, to build and enhance literacy skills. 
• Literacy Lead: Work with small groups of students, grades 3-5, on literacy enrichment projects to encourage a love of reading. 
• Academic Tutor: Work with small groups of students, grades Pre-K - 2nd, to meet academic needs and build skills around reading and math.
• Volunteers serve one night per week (Monday - Thursday) for one hour between 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. depending on the role.
• For more information, contact Waverly Smith at waverly@angelsandsparrows.org or visit here.

The Augustine Literacy Project (ALP) is a Charlotte-based nonprofit that serves Title I CMS schools at no cost to the schools or the parents. Last school year, 879 k-2 students received tutoring from trained volunteers. Tutors work with students either in-person at school or remotely, using a best-practice phonics-based curriculum. Visit their website here.

You can also contact Sharon D’Onofrio, the Recruitment Coordinator, at her email, sdonofrio@alpcharlotte.org or visit here to learn more about becoming a tutor.

If you would like to talk with a Davidson resident to get her take on what it's like to be an ALP tutor, you may contact Libby Cable at libbycable13@gmail.com. Libby is beginning her 7th year as a tutor.

Caterpillar Ministries – Tutoring opportunities are at Torrence Creek Elementary on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. beginning September 29. You must be a registered volunteer with Caterpillar Ministries to participate. Contact Lisa to learn more at lisa@caterpillarministries.org.

Local Elementary Schools – Some schools allow tutors to help out both during the school day and in after-school programs. Contact the schools directly to learn more.

Adult Literacy Programs

Fill My Cup

South Piedmont Community College

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library 

Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s foundation, Eat. Learn. Play. partnered with The Children’s Literacy Project to produce the film. The mission of Eat. Learn. Play. states, “We believe every kid deserves more and should be given the opportunity and support to reach their full potential. We support children’s wellbeing through access to nutritious meals, quality reading resources, and opportunities to play and be active.”

To learn more about Eat. Learn. Play. click here.

To see a trailer of the film, click here.

To learn more about the Children’s Literacy Project, click here.

These organizations provide many ways in which we can help end illiteracy in America. Take a look and consider how you might become a part of the solution.