(Rock Island, IL) With the recent influx of immigrants, many children and families are struggling to understand the new culture and language. But thanks to a new federal and state-funded program, help is available.
The Lights ON for Learning Family Literacy Program is the result of a partnership among the Rock Island Regional Office of Education, Black Hawk College, the Church of Peace, the Rock Island Public Library and the Rock Island Public School District #41. The program is being highlighted with a news conference Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 10:30 am at the Church of Peace (1114 12th Street in Rock Island) in the Fellowship Hall. Details of the federal grant will be announced and then local celebrities will read to the families.
Attending the news conference will be Rock Island Mayor, Dennis Pauley; Rock Island Schools Superintendent, Rick Loy; the Superintendent of the Regional Office of Education, Jim Widdop, as well as representatives from Black Hawk College, the Rock Island Public Library and Church of Peace. The teachers and the families involved in the program will also be available for interviews. After the news conference Mayor Pauley and Superintendents Widdop and Loy will read to the families.
The program is from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays at the Church of Peace. A typical day at the Lights ON for Learning Family Literacy program consists of GED lessons, English as a Second Language tutoring, lunch and activities with their children, parenting and life skills, and computer and library skills training.
