Literacy fair presents opportunity

Opinion

Discussion

January 15, 2013

Literacy fair presents opportunity

Anonymous The Union-Recorder The Union-Recorder Tue Jan 15, 2013, 07:38 AM EST

MILLEDGEVILLE — Later this month the local community will play host to its first-ever literacy fair, highlighting literacy initiatives and family development opportunities in a consolidated event. This free event is open to the public and aims to provide information and materials all under one roof with one objective — to help increase the focus on the value of literacy, family literacy in particular, in the community.

Slated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Milledgeville Mall, the Literacy Fair will feature local schools, nonprofit organizations and businesses.

The event is hosted by the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce’s Partners for Progress Workforce Development Committee.

The workforce development committee’s focus on literacy through this event highlights the ever-present link between literacy, job preparedness and economic development. Neither of these areas can be fruitful without the success of the others.

How important are the success of all three elements to the overall success of Baldwin County? Look no further than the data. National estimates indicated that low literacy levels result in $225 billion or more each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime and loss of tax revenue. Today’s high school dropouts earn an average of almost $9,000 less annually than a person with a GED or high school diploma, and the wage gap only widens as education levels increase.

While the local high school dropout rate has been on a downward trajectory in recent years, still hovering in the mid-70 percent range, it should be evident to everyone that the strain of illiteracy is not just a problem for the individual but it also hinders the growth and progress of the community at-large. The upcoming literacy fair is an opportunity for families — parents and other adults with a desire to go back to school or further their education and local students — to learn more about valuable resources that can help change the course of their futures.

By taking advantage of this valuable opportunity, all of Baldwin County success.

Text Only

Opinion

EDITORIAL: Seizure of AP phone records insult to independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.

May 18, 2013
EDITORIAL: Community forum a chance to weigh in on litter issue
Ever passed by unsightly litter along the roadways and thought, someone should do something about it?

May 15, 2013
Joint meeting should not be isolated event
City and county government officials will break bread later today during a joint meeting held downtown in the Allen's Market building.

April 10, 2013
William Clayton obit, March 22, 2013
Mr. William "Buck" Clayton, 74, of Sparta, Ga., passed away March 20, 2013, at The Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon.

March 22, 2013
Informed, engaged public vital to process
The Baldwin County Commission conducted its second work session Thursday evening, a move the board made in an effort to stay abreast of operations and meeting agenda items and to further the level of transparency in county government.

March 4, 2013
EDITORIAL: Residents should brush up on new ad valorem tax changes
A new law takes effect in Georgia next week that may impact how some locals and residents statewide pay ad valorem taxes.

February 25, 2013
County work sessions would be a nod toward dialogue, transparency
Baldwin County Commissioners are exploring the idea of holding work sessions regularly, in similar fashion as the local school board and city council.

January 23, 2013
Literacy fair presents opportunity
Later this month the local community will play host to its first-ever literacy fair, highlighting literacy initiatives and family development opportunities in a consolidated event.

January 15, 2013
Marker dedication keeps Boddie High legacy alive
Carrying with them found memories of their high school days, alumni of J.F. Boddie High recently gathered with community leaders to pay homage to their alma mater.

January 6, 2013
Community must support domestic violence resources
Milledgeville was rocked on Christmas Eve morning of reports of a shooting that claimed two lives.

December 30, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Literacy fair presents opportunity

Site Map

Contact Us