CVABE in the News

Persuasive Essay

by Tanner Coffin
5th Grade,
Crossroads Academy, Lyme, NH

Would you be embarrassed in our society if you could not read and were illiterate? Could you imagine not being able to read the latest novel, a simple public sign, or the Sunday newspaper? This is how one forty year old man, Keith Arson, felt about everyday life. Keith was unable to read because he was never given a chance at proper schooling. Keith like many others who are functionally illiterate, could not read to get a driver's license, or apply for a job, and could not read public signs. He could not read instructions on his own drug prescription bottles to help cure him when he was sick, which made him more likely to succumb to disease. He was not able to read, even the simplest bedtime story to his young children. This is the life of illiterate adults.

However, Keith is not alone in today's society. There are at least 45 million other Americans who are illiterate and 21 million Americans who can't read at all. It could be your own Grandfather, your neighbor or the stranger walking down the sidewalk next to you. Their problem is often unaddressed and causes them great shame. For those adults who are slightly literate they read at or below a fifth grade level. This problem occurs here in the Upper Valley and across America, and is also a problem in other countries for many different reasons. Some people were never able to go to school, in some countries everyday life is a struggle, and some families were so poor their children only learned to speak from their parents or listening to other people talk.

Basic literacy education is a problem that needs to be addressed. With ongoing financial support and volunteerism the problem of illiteracy could help fix the problem that was Keith's and one that still affects so many other people. The charity I have chosen to support is the CVABE (Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Inc.). I am asking for you to help support this noble cause.

Imagine the benefits that would result from someone in this situation. Having the ability and knowledge to read is priceless. Keith, and any other person who was in that situation, could apply for a job, hold down a job, and become independent and self-supporting. They could read public signs, and their own drug prescription instructions. Imagine how rewarding it would feel to be able to read a simple bedtime story each evening. Imagine the sense of pride that would be felt as small children sit enthralled and excited to be read a new story each night before bed. As people learn to read, like Keith, they gain a sense of self-worth, confidence, and a renewed interest in everyday life. Their self image becomes a positive one, and the burden and embarrassment of not knowing how to read is lifted from their shoulders, and replaced with a sense of accomplishment.

There are a number of ways you can become involved and make a difference. You could make a monetary donation to the CVABE to help buy books and supplies. You could join the staff of volunteers. You could simply commit an hour or two of your time a week and work one on one with helping an adult learn to read. With all the resources available to us in today's society, we should easily be able to support the CVABE and lower the staggering number of adults who simply cannot read. Remember the many car rides you have read a book, remember the many nights you have curled up with your favorite book, and remember the last trip you made to the bookstore or your local library to pick out a new book. It's time we make a difference. Please support the Central Vermont Adult Basic Education.