HONOLULU (KHON2) — An organization that’s not about making money but rather making lives better through reading.
It’s a skill that opens up a world of hope and opportunity. The numbers are striking. One in six adults in Hawaii have very low levels of literacy.
“That means they cannot read a third grade level and it prevents them from being able to access work or educational opportunities,” said Jill Takasaki Canfield executive director of Hawaii Literacy.
Enter Hawaii Literacy, an organization that works directly with communities that are disproportionately impacted by high rates of poverty by connecting them with tutoring, technology and books.
And the need is critical because when parents struggle to read, their children often follow suit.
“Definitely there’s a generational impact the greatest determining factor of a child’s academic success is the literacy level of their parents. Barrier that impacts the child they can’t get the support they need. We want them to be able to read together as a family,” she continued.
Hawaii Literacy consists of five programs – adult literacy, English language learner, family literacy libraries, digital literacy, and the most visible program … The Hawaii bookmobile.
“We always try to make it a place where people feel comfortable welcomed, you know, especially when we’re dealing with the older kids, you know we can always find exactly what gets their attention at that moment, but we always try to make it to that day they know that they can come back. Please come back and maybe today I cannot hook you, but I will try again tomorrow,” said Hawaii Literacy pecial projects manager Pua’ena Burgess.
Burgess added while libraries provide invaluable services, they can be intimidating for people struggling, but wanting to learn how to read.
The bookmobile on the other hand is anything but intimidating
“I do have memories of ‘Sshh’, talking too loud you know, or fees that need to be paid in those kind of things so we try to roll up right to their doorstep and make that connection with you know learning doesn’t just happen somewhere outside of your home. It happens right here on your doorstep in your community,” Pua’ena continued.
There are currently three bookmobiles rolling into communities statewide, but keeping the program alive and well isn’t easy.
The need for community support , whether it be in the form of funding, or time as volunteers, is always there.
“It’s definitely a challenge. We are so grateful though because we have foundations government support individuals lots of companies that support us as well as volunteers who show up week after week,” said Jill Takasaki Canfield.
And while electronic devices such as phones and tablets can be a distraction if used improperly, the team at Hawaii Literacy uses those tools to their advantage.
“Oh, yeah, I mean I think there’s really appropriate ways to use technology, and I try to implement it in a number of our programs, but there’s nothing like reading having a book in your hand, especially when children are younger,” Takasaki Canfield continued.
And she added there’s nothing better than to see an adult or child who once struggled to read, now embrace an open book.
“There isn’t. That there’s nothing like seeing someone do something that opens their world to possibilities. It’s also about you know that you weren’t sure if you were able to do and then you do it and then suddenly so many other things are possible so yah. That’s the good stuff,” she said. “The biggest thing is just knowing what it means for a child to know how to read, and for an adult to be able to read. Not only for themselves, but for their children and future generations.”
“Just to see their joy and and their own agency for what they’re able to see an accomplish. Priceless,” continued Pua’ena.
And if you or someone you know needs help learning to read, don’t be ashamed, instead open yourself up to a whole new world of opportunity.
