Project Read erases illiteracy

Editor's note: This story is part of an ongoing series intended to promote volunteerism in our community. There are more than 100 programs in need of volunteers. For more information, see the Volunteer link at daily-times.com.

SAN JUAN COUNTY — Genevieve Hoyt believes being a Project Read tutor is a "win-win situation."

Project Read is a volunteer-based adult literacy program funded by San Juan College. The organization uses an intimate one-on-one classroom setting to teach adults how to read. Hoyt became a Project Read volunteer tutor in December 2005, and she's still devoting her time to the program three years later.

"When you teach somebody how to read, you change their life," she said. "It's as beneficial for the volunteer as it is for the student, because there's so much satisfaction in doing it."

More than 93 million adults in the United States have basic or below basic literacy levels, a "national problem" according to Project Read Director Michelle Meeks. Project Read is trying to tackle the issue in San Juan County.

Hoyt was a public school teacher for more than 20 years before signing up for Project Read, but teaching experience isn't a requirement to volunteer. Potential tutors have to be 18 or older and willing to help an adult improve their literacy skills. Project Read provides all the necessary training and materials.

"We have a saying: The only degree you need is a degree of caring,'" Meeks said.

Students range from young

adults trying to pass their General Educational Development test to senior citizens trying to learn to read after a lifetime of not being able. The experience varies from student to student; some have to be taught the alphabet while others are close to obtaining their GED. The volunteer typically decides what type of student they want to work with, Meeks said.

Because San Juan College finances Project Read, the organization doesn't have to do fundraisers and the staff can focus on accomplishing its adult literacy goals.

"It's really a wonderful way of addressing the needs of the community literacy problem," Meeks said.

Volunteer tutors are asked to agree to a one-year commitment and usually spend two to three hours a week with their student. The job entails about another two hours a week preparing lesson plans. The length of time it takes for students to learn to read varies. Hoyt said her shortest partnership was four months, while her longest was almost two years.

Students and volunteers meet at the Project Read office, San Juan College, the Farmington Public Library or other harbors of education. There are no home tutoring sessions.

"We try to find a place that's close for both the tutor and student," Meeks said.

Prospective volunteers are invited to attend an information session in January. The exact date for the orientation has yet to be decided, but Project Direction Michelle Meeks said it should be set soon.

After the orientation, people interested in volunteering will attend a one-day training session before being partnered with a student.

Contact Project Read at (505) 326-3503.

There are about 30 tutors enrolled and Project Read is always looking for more. The organization annually helps an average of 260 adult students.

G. Jeff Golden: jgolden@daily-times.com