Nearly one fifth of adults in the City of Milwaukee are considered "functionally illiterate." That’s according to Milwaukee Achiever Adult Literacy services.
??Tracy Loken-Weber is the executive director at Milwaukee Achiever, and she says it’s a staggering figure.
??“That’s 157,000 people just in the City of Milwaukee who cannot read,” she said. “That means they cannot read a bus map. They cannot balance a checkbook. They're unable to read prescription medication labels.”
To combat the issue, Adult Literacy offers classes teaching basic reading skills. Since 1983, the center has helped 20,000 people learn to read, Loken-Weber says.
Beyond reading, the center also teaches adult learners everyday skills to become functionally literate. This includes math, citizenship training, English as a second language, GED education, and financial literacy.
Loken-Weber says Milwaukee Achiever helps learners from various backgrounds and needs. She says the center teaches a nationally accredited curriculum, helping adults turn their lives around.??
Because its educator staff is mostly volunteer-based, Milwaukee Achiever is able to keep costs at a nearly non-existent level. Educators receive formal education in the curriculum then work with adult learners one-on-one to help them improve basic skills.??
“We have individuals who have graduated high school, but come to us at a first-grade reading level who need the basics. It’s not just the gift of being able to read. It’s a little bit of everything to function in today’s society,” Loken-Weber said.??
To become a volunteer, or for more information on adult literacy, visit Milwaukee Achiever's website or call (414) 463-7389.??
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