By Star Jameson, Hamilton
Recently I learned some alarming facts about literacy in our country, and our valley approximates some of these figures. Although our school districts work earnestly to address the needs of all the students, there are some who slip through the cracks. The big picture is 32 million American adults cannot read, a shocking 14% of U.S. population.
Locally I’ve heard how capable, level-entry employees are not showing up in our workforce. I found a 10-page list in small print with jobs available in the valley. Did you know that 50% of unemployed adults, and a shocking 70% of state and federal prison populations, are functionally illiterate? (Brandongaille.com) I’ve always imagined the United States is among at least the top three literate countries in the world. But I was wrong! We rate 7th, and in math skills we rank 25th, in the top 30 countries of the industrialized world (UNESCO data).
Let’s face it. Widespread illiteracy leads to lower wages and employment rates, and increased crime and incarceration—a very high social and economic cost.
This year we citizens have the opportunity to say “YES” to fund Literacy Bitterroot on a permanent basis. Founded in 1997, “Lit Bit” is a local organization with a history of financial efficacy and custom care. They offer free services to people 16 years and older not enrolled in public school, individualized educational planning, preparation for the High School Equivalency Exam, and English as a Second Language classes. They have helped more than 3,427 adults gain basic literacy skills since they began.
Vote YES, so our neighbors can easily add up items on a menu, can determine a household budget, can read the newspaper, can calculate their weekly salary when told their hourly pay rate, can fill out applications, so we all may benefit by their contributions!