by Rick Lowe
We all confront the scourge of illiteracy in our country more often than we would like to admit but one organisation helping is Project Read Bahamas, a non-profit, volunteer organisation, founded in 1991 by the Rotary Club of East Nassau to confidentially teach adults how to read using the Laubach Method of Each One, Teach One.
Franck C. Laubach started this technique in 1930 while teaching people in the Philippines to read and write, and it is now being used successfully throughout the world.
Having had the privilege to meet both tutors and (adult) students, the experience is both exciting and rewarding for each of them. The tutor has the satisfaction of knowing they have helped an adult become functionally literate and the student gains the skills and confidence needed for a more rewarding life.
I can still recall how proud adults were to stand in front of an audience and read after the first year of the programnme and a lifetime of being unable to read. A WOW moment if there ever was one.
Won't you consider a donation? Cheques can be made payable to Project Read Bahamas and mailed to P.O. Box SS-19502, Nassau N.P. Bahamas.
The continued success of this programme is only possible through the volunteer efforts of private tutors as many adults do not want other people to know they can't read. If you have a couple hours to spare a week please volunteer by calling (242) 394-2426 from 10 am to 6pm. Ask for Ms. Minnis. The rewards are incredible.
