Reading.
Without the ability to read, adults cannot read instructions on a medicine bottle.
They cannot read business signs.
They cannot read the works of Shakespeare, the best-sellers of John Grisham. They cannot read the Bible.
They cannot read operational instructions.
They cannot read employee manuals.
They cannot read the Internet or e-mails.
They cannot read to their children.
They cannot read this editorial.
Reading is a fundamental part of daily life. Reading is not a luxury. Reading is a necessity for an individual’s success in the world. Reading is a necessity for a society and a nation’s continued prosperity in this world.
Through its adult-literacy program, Valdosta Technical College has battled to maintain the educational and employment viability of South Georgia and its residents. More than 500 adults are enrolled in the local literacy program. Hundreds of others have benefited from these programs.
Those benefits range from better employment opportunities for individuals and a stronger work force for the region to the simple parental pleasures of reading to one’s children.
Through no fault of Val-Tech, the adult-literacy program is in danger.
A recent amendment in the state’s 2007 budget left a shortfall of funds for the adult-literacy programs in Georgia’s technical college system. One proposal suggests that technical colleges suspend their adult-literacy programs and their teachers’ salaries for the month of June, but closing the programs could mean losing many students forever and the teachers cannot afford to go without pay for a month or possibly longer.
Valdosta Technical College proposes a different solution. It proposes continuing its adult-literacy programs despite the budget shortfall.
To do this, Val-Tech needs the financial help of the community.
Val-Tech President Dr. Robert Abene has created Project BOLD (Boosting Our Literacy Drive).
“Beginning with financial donations from 100 percent of the college’s executive team and leadership council, Valdosta Tech is inviting individuals, organizations, and businesses from the six-county service area (Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes) to send contributions to the Project BOLD initiative,” Abene said. “The community’s generosity will help defray the $39,685 needed to support Valdosta Tech’s Adult Literacy Program.”
Abene has stressed that this is an urgent need. For the program to continue, these funds must be raised by May 31.
Literacy is an investment in the region’s future. The ability to read is a promise not just for the one learning but for the entire community.
Those who cannot read may not be able to read the writing on the wall, but they will feel the repercussions. The questions now is, Will those who can read the writing on the wall do all they can to change a bad situation into a BOLD initiative of promise?
What We Think
Our Opinon: Literacy is an investment
- What We Think
-
-
Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
-
Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
-
Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
-
Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
-
School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
-
Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
-
Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
-
Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
-
Elections: Creating a two-party region?
