Unfortunately, many adults are facing literacy-related challenges like learning English as a Second Language (ESL) or getting help with the skills they need to succeed in life. The Office of Community and Disability Services, in an effort to help alleviate these challenges, has recently created the Literacy Volunteers of Kean University, a program that involves teaching reading and writing, as well as learning about people and their families.On September 8, International Literacy Day, Laura Pointon, a Psychology major and a member of the Established Leaders Program, walked by a Literacy Campaign display table in the University Center thinking it was a program geared towards education majors. Interested in the possibility of being able to teach people to read, Laura stopped to inquire what the program was about and how she could participate. She was surprised to learn that it was so simple to become involved and that the Literacy Volunteers of Union County offer training right here at Kean. Having always expressed an interest in reading, and astonished to learn that after only a few training sessions she would become certified to teach people to read, Laura instantly signed up to help.

However, before Laura could become an official literacy trainer, she had to attend training sessions to learn how to help adult learners achieve their goals. "The program is easier than I thought," said Laura. "I never thought I would be able to teach someone to read and write." Having learned that many adults have fears and insecurities about their inabilities, Laura asserted "I am amazed at how much courage these individuals display when they come and seek our assistance. It's truly a satisfying and rewarding experience for me to be able to help them work toward the goals that are relevant to their lives."

In addition to Laura's participation, the Literacy Campaign has 8 Kean students and 3 individuals from off-campus. And, because there is a long waiting list of adults who need help, the Office of Community and Disability Services is looking for students who are ready to come out and help. In addition to this small step to promote literacy, the office is also looking to expand this program to include children and additional literacy programs.

The Literacy Volunteer Campaign meet every Monday in the University Center, room 226B from 5:00pm-7:30pm. This is a great way to really help out your community and to better someone's life. If you are interested, please call Joel Thomas at (908) 737-5150, email him at thomasj@kean.edu or see your local library.