This content was published: April 21, 2005. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Volunteers wanted to help change lives through literacy
Photos and story by James Hill
PORTLAND, Ore. – According to Portland Community College’s Volunteer Literacy Tutor program, 22 percent of adult Oregonians do not have high enough literacy skills to meet the demands of today’s changing workforce. In response, the program is searching for tutors to help non-native English speakers improve their literacy skills. The program, in conjunction with other local literacy organizations, needs volunteers to help adult immigrants and refugees learn English and assist them in improving their basic skills. Also, volunteers may prepare students for the GED or high school equivalency exam. "Literacy changes lives," said Kathleen Holloway, volunteer literacy coordinator at PCC. "Once people begin to improve their skills, they get better jobs and help their children with schoolwork. Many tutors will tell you that there is nothing more rewarding than being a part of this wonderful transformation." Training for tutoring will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, April 30 and May 7 at PCC’s Central Portland Workforce Training Center, 1626 S.E. Water Ave. Also, there will be a second set of training scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, June 11 and June 18 at the Southeast Center, 2305 S.E. 82nd Ave. To register for the training or learn more about this volunteer opportunity, call 503-244-6111, extension 3700, or email pdxliteracy@hotmail.com. There is a $10 fee for the workshop. For more information, call the literacy line 1-800-322-8715.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »