Jeff Watson

jwatson@thecherawchronicle.com

CHERAW---September is National Literacy month and the Chesterfield County School District's Adult Education/Family Literacy has been taking the fight to literacy. Literacy month focuses on reaching out to non-readers and teaching them to read. Individuals who read below the fourth grade reading level are the targets for the outreach programs.

The motto for literacy month is "Each one, teach one" and Adult Education/Family Literacy director Freida Ellerbe is pleased with the volunteers that have helped reach out and tutor non-readers this year.

"We applaud the community mindedness of those who have volunteered to teach someone to read," Ellerbe said. "Reading is so important and it's good to have people out there who are willing to help fight against illiteracy."

During the month, workshops and tutoring were offered to adults who have the desire to read. Ellerbe said that one story in particular comes to mind from literacy month in the past.

"We had a person who really had the desire to read and become literate," Ellerbe said. "Through tenacity, determination and faith, that person was able to get to a higher literacy level."

Cynthia Davis, who is the contact person for those who desire to volunteer, says that she hopes more volunteers will come out next year to support such a worthy cause. Davis is a VISTA volunteer at Robert Smalls Learning Center.

"We need more people out here to help those who want to be helped," Davis said. "We've done a good job this year, but we can do much better. This is a very important issue and the more help we have, the better."

Though literacy month is in September, Davis says that those who have a desire to read can contact her anytime during the year.

"Fighting illiteracy is not just a one month thing, "Davis said. "We are willing and able to help anytime during the year."

For more information on volunteering or for tutoring, contact Davis at the Robert Smalls Learning Center at (843)921-1040.