Page 7 - Hawaii Island MidWeek - Oct 27, 2021

“I By Jill Takasaki Canfield, executive director of Hawai‘i Literacy
t’s hard when you can’t read. We operate four programs across three I was afraid and felt guilty to islands: Adult Literacy offers one-on-one ask people for help and would tutoring; Bookmobile delivers books
ties; the English Learner Program helps adults strengthen their English language skills; and our Family Literacy Libraries provide books and homework assistance to ‘ohana at public housing sites.
OCTOBER 27, 2021
HAWAI‘I ISLAND MIDWEEK 7
PROOF POSITIVE
5 Decades Of Reading Empowerment
end up catching any bus hoping I would and activities to underserved communi-
gettowhereIhadtogo.ButnowIhave another chance at life because I can read and write.”
Notes like these, filled with hope and courage, remind me how essential read- ing and writing skills are something many of us take for granted. This reminder drives Hawai‘i Literacy to fulfill its mis- sion of empowering adults and children with reading, writing, and lifelong learn- ing skills to strengthen themselves, fam- ilies and communities.
We are launching our Digital Literacy Program in recognition of our 50th anni- versary and new realities that access to the internet and navigating online tools are as vital as basic literacy skills. We are partnering with the Workforce Resil- iency Initiative, whose aim is to connect 100,000 individuals with foundational digital literacy skills, a need magnified by the pandemic. Our program will en- sure that everyone, including adults who struggle with basic reading and writing, will also have this opportunity. The lack
Hawai‘i Literacy helps people of all ages learn to read. PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAI‘I LITERACY
Hawai‘i Literacy started in 1971 in Kalihi. Today, we serve the 1 in 6 adults in Hawai‘i who struggle with reading and writing, and children from underserved communities who may not have the re- sources and support necessary to succeed.
Over the past five decades, we are proud to have helped 40,000 adults and youth in Hawai‘i build their reading and writing skills. Literacy is the gateway to other opportunities, and we won’t stop until every adult and child in Hawai‘i can read. To learn more, visit hawaiiliteracy. org or call 808-537-6706.
of literacy, online access and digital skills will no longer be barriers to finding better jobs, succeeding in school or enjoying a book together as a family.
W H Y
?
There is no shame in turning down invitations to parties and gatherings.
DO NOT GATHER ∙ GET VACCINATED
Your friends and ‘ohana understand. Save hugs and honi for when it’s safe to be together again.
HawaiiCOVID19.com/vaccine