The Alternative Press

Literacy Volunteers of Sussex County (LVSC) will be training new tutors, to help adults with English and related skills, starting on Wednesday, March 6, at 6:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Newton. 

We all are acquainted with adults for whom the English language presents some difficulties,  whether it be communication, reading, or writing it. This happens with newcomers from abroad as well as with U.S.-born adults.   It has serious consequences for the individual---who perhaps cannot get a good job---and for the surrounding community.  In that community, teachers have difficulty describing a child's progress to his parent, an employer finds an otherwise-excellent employee cannot read instructions,  the doctor cannot explain  the proper procedures to his patient.

There are over 10,000 adults in Sussex County who do not have the English skills to read a manual or communicate effectively with customers. The mission of LVSC is to alleviate this:  to improve the literacy of individuals in the area.  Volunteer tutors work one-on-one with students, at no charge, on a confidential basis.  The success of many of those students is truly gratifying.

These tutors are carefully trained.  LVSC's next training begins with the March 6 session, which is an orientation to tutoring.  This makes it easier to decide whether to become a tutor.  It is followed by six subsequent sessions, on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM at the church, through April 17.

Anyone who is interested in learning more, or in signing up for the training, can visit the LVSC web site, literacyforyou.org, or call 973-300-9444.  You will find it rewarding.