NORFOLK, Neb. – Literacy is easy to take for granted.
For some people, remembering the days before being able to read and write and communicate clearly was long ago, making it hard to recall. But for those who never learned or had the opportunity to do so, it is a major obstacle.
In recognition of Adult Education and Family Literacy Week from Sept. 16-20, Northeast offered opportunities for students and the public to learn about tools available to serve students. There was an open house on Thursday, Sept. 19, when students and others could answer trivia questions that highlighted the services Northeast provides.
Emily Duncan is the director of Adult Education at Northeast. She said there are several purposes for Adult Education. They include:
• Assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency;
• Assist adults who are parents or family members to obtain education and skills that are necessary to becoming full partners in educational development of their children and lead to sustainable improvements in economic opportunities for the family;
• Assist adult in attaining a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and in the transition to postsecondary education and training, through career pathways;
• Assist immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners in improving their reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills in English and mathematic skills and acquiring an understanding of American system of government, individual freedoms, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Northeast services include developing adult basic skills, preparation for the GED, achieving competence in English as a Second Language, integrated English literacy and civics education, Integrated Education and Training (IET) and family literacy.
Since 2021, Northeast has averaged 710 students per program throughout the 20-county service area. The average age of students has varied over the past four years from 33 to 38.
More than 24 languages have been spoken in the classrooms, with class locations in Norfolk, O’Neill, South Sioux City, West Point, the Norfolk Regional Center, Empirical Foods, Madison Elementary, Lewis and Clark Elementary and Wakefield.
Past students have said they have benefitted from the classes with such things as getting better jobs, starting college courses, qualifying for higher paying jobs, starting a tattoo business and improved self-esteem, including in front of their children.
National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week raises awareness of adult education and family literacy, assists adult learners in need of literacy services, leverages local resources, and supports increased access to adult education and family literacy programs. Advocates across the country use this opportunity to elevate adult education and family literacy nationwide with policymakers, the media, and the community.
Literacy Week
Faye Kilday (front), Northeast dean of the Center for Teaching and Learning, and Becky Wrage, instructional designer, prepare computers for visitors to an open house on Thursday, Sept. 19, to take a literacy quiz as part of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. (Northeast Community College)
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