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Literacy Day
(Posted October, 1999)

Literacy Day was Wednesday, September 8, 1999. This day means a lot to people who have struggled with the written and spoken language. It is a day to celebrate our victories and successes. Adult learners have been given a second chance in life and have been able to find freedom within ourselves. Many lives have become happier and more productive. Adult learners are fitting into society and are giving back. We have formed an adult learner organization called "Voice for Adult Literacy United for Education" (VALUE).

It is wonderful to see that there are so many in this country who care about the people who are struggling to keep up with the pace of life. The literacy field has moved forward, but we need to be looking ahead to see where we want to be at this time next year. It will be hard to keep up and to measure the progress that has been made.

I would like to thank everyone for all their help and efforts. To all the tutors who meet with adult learners on a one-on-one base, the teachers who teach adult classes for little or no pay, the program directors who work hard to maintain quality programs: You are the ones who have made successes happen in the field of literacy. There are many other individuals in this field who have made contributions to literacy, working in the various literacy organizations, doing research, speaking out about literacy. We need you and all your help. The coordination of the National Institute for Literacy and the U.S. Department of Education helps keep the literacy field together. THANK YOU ALL from the members of the VALUE Organization.

We will succeed and we can make a difference not just for adult learners, but for children who are having difficulties in school.

Archie Willard (Chairman)

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