Orlando, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/03/2009 -- Governor Crist has issued a proclamation recognizing September 2009 as Florida Adult and Family Literacy Month.
More than 20 percent of Florida’s adults experience literacy issues that severely impact their lives and families as well as their ability to work productively and fully participate as citizens and residents of our state.
The proclamation stresses the need for highly literate citizens and the importance of lifelong learning. It also recognizes the contributions of the broad range of adult education, literacy and family literacy providers serving more than 400,000 adults annually throughout the Sunshine State.
“We certainly appreciate Governor Crist’s recognition of this important issue and the good work that is being done throughout the state to help adults and families develop functional reading, writing and English language skills” said Greg Smith, Executive Director of the Florida Literacy Coalition, “There is still much work to be done to assist thousands of Floridians to acquire the basic skills that so many of us take for granted; skills that are usually critical in securing sustainable employment and, as a parent, serving as your child’s first and most important teacher.”
Read Proclamation - http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/2009/08/files/literacy_proclamation.pdf
International Literacy Day
September 8 was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17, 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. This day highlights the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and nations. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally. Celebrations take place around the world.
Literacy Ambassadors
September provides a great opportunity to focus on community literacy efforts. Adult learners serving as community literacy ambassadors are available to discuss how the acquisition of English literacy and language skills has changed their lives. Contact Kari Doro at 407-246-7110 or dorok@floridaliteracy.org for information about literacy programs and ambassadors in your area.
Upcoming Events
For a list of literacy events taking place in Florida, including celebrations at many of Florida’s State Parks, please go to the FLC Calendar (http://www.cls.utk.edu/scripts/webevent27/root/scripts/webevent.plx?cmd=calmonth&calID=282).
Visit the Florida Literacy Statistics Reference Guide for more data on this important issue.
http://www.floridaliteracy.org/about_literacy__facts_and_statistics__data.html
About the Florida Literacy Coalition
Established in 1985, The Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) promotes, supports and advocates for the effective delivery of quality adult and family literacy services in the state of Florida. As a statewide umbrella literacy organization and the host of Florida’s State Literacy Resource Center, FLC provides a range of services to support more than 300 adult education, literacy and family literacy providers throughout Florida. Special emphasis is placed on assisting community based literacy organizations with their training and program development needs.