What we do
The San Diego Council on Literacy enhances countywide literacy efforts through education, outreach and partnerships, and empowers people to improve their quality of life by bettering their literacy skills. The council’s network literacy programs served 105,527 adults and youth throughout the entire county of San Diego during the past year.
Our partner literacy programs provide one-on-one, small group, and classroom literacy services for English speakers and non-English speakers, all at no cost to the public. These programs include a variety of types of programs such as English as a Second Language (ESL), General Education Development (GED), and adult basic education.
Education
The council works on a local, regional and national level to educate communities, business, governments and individuals about literacy and the impacts of low literacy to our communities. The statistics are staggering – over 450,000 adults in San Diego County have a below-standard level of literacy. Educating the community, leaders, and local and regional business about the significant impact of literacy to our community is job one of the council. In communities that suffer with low literacy abilities of their habitants, we find a direct correlation of an increase in crime, poverty, homelessness and poor health. By providing free literacy services that allow adults to develop their foundation for success, we truly enable them to elevate themselves and their families to an improved quality of life. By bettering their literacy skills, adults have opportunities such as getting and retaining a good paying job, furthering their education, and becoming financially responsible participants in society.
Awareness
The council assists in the formation and growth of new and existing literacy programs. Currently, the council ’s network includes 22 free literacy programs located throughout San Diego County. These literacy partners served over 105,527 individuals in the 2005 service year. There are still many other adults in need of literacy services in our communities. Through educating individuals, businesses, and community service organizations about the good work of the literacy programs, more of those in need of literacy services will be directed to the help that is available in their area.
Outreach
Throughout the year, the council takes the lead to keep the significance of literacy in the forefront of the community’s mind. Through participation in a number of festivals, special events, educational workshops, and community presentations, the council informs individuals and businesses about the many free literacy services available throughout San Diego County, the need to expand these services, and the impact of literacy in the community. The council hosts the annual countywide Learner Conference, which provides adult students from literacy programs throughout the county the opportunity to participate in educational workshops and to connect and celebrate their success. The annual San Diego Union~Tribune Race for Literacy brings an enormous amount of visibility to the issue of literacy. Over 6,000 individuals participate in this fun and inspiring race event. Funds raised through the Race for Literacy support the council and local literacy programs.
For more information, contact us at 1-888-850-READ(7323) or visit www.literacysandiego.org