[NEWS] The Land features adult ed efforts at Seeds of Literacy
This story originally published by The Land, July 18, 2024, by Michael Smith
Empowering Cleveland: The Seeds of Literacy Story
The City of Cleveland faces a significant economic challenge: adult illiteracy. Some 66 percent of adults living inside the city are functionally illiterate. In some neighborhoods in Cleveland that number can be as high as 95 percent.
Seeds of Literacy is a non-profit organization set on overcoming this problem. With two locations in Cleveland and over two hundred volunteers, Seeds of Literacy offers free tutoring services. They also offer a valuable community space, and free GED test access.
The Sisters of St. Joseph founded Seeds of Literacy in 1997 before it evolved into a secular nonprofit in 2003. Through this change, they remained committed to offering free adult literacy programs. Seeds of Literacy also has a Student Ambassador program. This program allows students to engage with the public. It also lets students lend their voices to help shape and improve the curriculum.
There are many reasons that a young student disengages with the education system. These include family stress, unstable living situations, and run-ins with the justice system. Solutions for adult learners to reclaim their educational journey are few. Seeds of Literacy fills that gap. They also strive to optimize the learning environment to help adult learners.
The organization’s approach is unique and tailored to each individual. John Martin works as the outreach coordinator for Seeds of Literacy. He shared that Seeds of Literacy does not require a minimum reading level for entry. They welcome everyone. They welcome students beginning to learn letter sounds and phonetics. One east side student joined the program with the simple goal of reading his Bible. For him, math and other subjects weren’t a priority. The program respected his personal goals, focusing on what mattered most to him.
Flexible, Self-Directed Learning
Seeds of Literacy offers classes four days a week at two locations: W. 25th and Clark, and 13815 Kinsman. The classes are self-directed, allowing students to learn at their own pace. This approach helps adult learners who often juggle work, family and other responsibilities. Seeds’ flexibility means that students move forward only when they are ready. This ensures true comprehension of the material.
If a student masters fractions, they move on to the next skill. This approach comes from one-on-one tutoring. This allows tutors to meet students at their level and guide them through their unique learning journey.
Addressing Barriers to Education
Seeds of Literacy’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond tutoring. The program covers the costs of practice tests and GED test fees. This reduces financial barriers that prevent students from pursuing their educational goals. The cost of taking the GED, including practice tests, can be prohibitive for some. Vouchers from the state of Ohio help to make the process more manageable.
Enrollment is flexible, with weekly orientations held both online and in person. This flexibility allows students to begin their educational journey on their schedule. There is no pressure of a rigid schedule. Open attendance policies recognize that challenges can sometimes interfere with regular participation. Some students can only attend during the school year due to childcare. Other students take breaks for personal reasons. Seeds of Literacy accommodates these needs as part of their core mission statement.
Transformative Impact
The impact of Seeds of Literacy extends beyond academic achievement. Many students find a sense of community beyond the classroom. This sense of camaraderie is most on display in the Student Ambassador program, which allows students to interact with the public on Seed of Literacy’s behalf.
Sheila, a Seeds Ambassador, shared that the program helped her regain stability and self-worth. Sheila came to the organization through a community service requirement. She decided to stay to pursue her GED. The supportive environment and the ability to learn at her own pace were key factors in her decision.
For Sheila, the impact of Seeds of Literacy goes beyond educational needs. As a student ambassador she had the opportunity to sit in on one of the organization’s board meetings. Sheila was able to offer meaningful insights to the board. This allows Seeds to better serve their students, the organization said.
Through this process an Ambassador starts to see themselves in a different light. This also allows the board to have greater insight on how to design and implement its programs – a powerful win-win for both students and educators. Sheila has begun to reshape the vision of her future as a leader in the non-profit space.
For Lenora, the comradery of her fellow students has been uplifting. The ambassador program has given her a different viewpoint on mental health. She sees her journey in a different light. In the past Lenora understood mental health as a label. Now she sees it as a journey. Lanora feels better equipped to navigate challenges in professional and interpersonal settings.
Seeds of Literacy is more than a literacy program; it’s an empowerment program. By breaking down barriers to learning, the organization overcomes adult illiteracy. Seeds of Literacy addresses both the educational and practical needs of its students. This paves the way for a brighter future for individuals and the community as a whole.
As Cleveland grapples with adult illiteracy, Seeds of Literacy stands front and center, always ready to engage with one of Cleveland’s most urgent challenges. The program, including staff, students and volunteers, are constructing a new set of tools that can be more effective in the arena of adult illiteracy.