Rowan County Literacy Council
The lyrics, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going,” from Kurt Kaiser’s 1969 song “Pass it on,” reminds us what a difference one person can make in many others’ lives.
Oscar (not his real name) was a high school junior and was not going to graduate. He couldn’t read well enough to pass tests, much less his final exams. One of his teachers, however, wasn’t willing to give up on Oscar. He knew that specially trained tutors at the Rowan County Literacy Council helped people with reading difficulties. He contacted them and asked, “Would they be willing to help?”
“Yes!”
A volunteer tutor began meeting with Oscar during that school year and continued during the summer and throughout his senior year. Oscar graduated – not with the highest grades – and because he earned his diploma, he was able to enlist in the Marine Corps. But that’s not the end of Oscar’s story.
The new recruit devoured (translate read) the Service Manual and put what he learned into his new life. As he rose in rank to sergeant, he insisted every marine for whom he was responsible learn to read. During the 20 years he served in 57 countries and four U.S. territories, countless young men and women learned to read, including those he encouraged during his stint as a recruiting officer.
Oscar now is retired from the service. He tells us that when his three children were young, he or his wife read to them every night. “Reading is so important,” Oscar says.
Of the tutor who fanned the spark, he notes, “I am what I am today because of a lady who took her time to teach me to read. She gave me my life.”
That’s what the Literacy Council does every day, one word at a time. Tutors also help students learn other life skills, including basic money management and how to complete job applications. Not everyone can touch the number of lives Oscar did, but read what other learners have to say about their changed lives:
“I’m learning to speak English so now I can talk to my doctor directly.”
– Clarita
“We meet in the library so no one except my tutor know I have reading problems.”
– George
“I’ve learned how to manage money so my family has food at the end of the month.”
– Maureen
“Because I now know English, I could fill out a job application – and I got the job!”
– Manuel
As inspiring as this story is, as an almost totally volunteer organization, the Rowan County Literacy Council counts on the financial support of the United Way to help. This caring community’s ongoing contributions to United Way allow the organization to provide this agency with books and materials for its students.
“It only takes a spark to get a fire going.” Pass it on.