The-Need-for-a-Children's-Literacy-Program

Veterans and First Responders Combating Illiteracy: The Need for a Children’s Literacy Program

Written/Narrated by:  Ed Bejarana | Published on: October 11, 2024

In America today, the ability to read is more than just a basic skill—it’s a critical tool for success, empowerment, and informed decision-making. However, reading proficiency levels in America are alarmingly low. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) found that only 33% of American fourth graders and 31% of eighth graders were reading at or above a proficient level as of 2022. Unfortunately, this trend continues into high school, where just 37% of 12th graders are proficient in reading. This means nearly two-thirds of high school graduates lack the necessary reading skills considered proficient for their grade level, and some studies suggest up to 20% of high school graduates read at an elementary school level.

Why Reading Matters

Reading is fundamental to many aspects of life, and its importance cannot be overstated. It impacts everything from civic engagement to personal well-being. Here are just a few critical areas where literacy plays a vital role:

  • Voting: An informed electorate is essential to a healthy democracy. Voters need to be able to read and understand issues, policies, and laws to make educated decisions at the ballot box.
  • Technological Advancement: As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, literacy is crucial for understanding user manuals, navigating software, and keeping up with innovations.
  • Health and Wellness: From reading prescription labels to understanding medical advice, literacy directly impacts personal health decisions.

As veterans and first responders, we know the value of service, and we can continue to serve by addressing the issue of children’s illiteracy. The best thing we can do is lead by example. Start by talking about your love of reading—whether it’s books, articles, or audiobooks. If you don’t already love to read, now is the time to develop that passion and share it with others. By setting an example, we can inspire future generations to see the value in reading.

A Program with Purpose: Audiobooks for the Visually Impaired

To address this critical issue, The Veterans Club has launched a Children’s Literacy Program aimed at creating audiobooks for the visually impaired. The need is significant—according to the American Foundation for the Blind, approximately 22 million people in the United States have some form of visual impairment. Audiobooks offer these individuals a way to engage with literature and educational materials in a meaningful way.  The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) reports 50.18 million America Adults 18 and older reported experiencing some degree of vision loss.

At the same time, the U.S. Census Bureau reports there are over 40 million teenagers in the United States. Many of these young people are eager to engage in meaningful, community-driven projects. Our literacy program connects these two groups—training teenagers to become audiobook narrators while fostering a love of reading in children. The program also emphasizes the value of reading as a lifelong skill and a way to contribute to society.

A pilot program is already underway, with a full rollout scheduled for this winter. Through this initiative, veterans and first responders can help combat illiteracy while supporting the visually impaired, creating a lasting impact in the lives of both the narrators and the listeners.

How You Can Help

There are several ways to get involved in this important cause:

  1. Encourage a child to read. Share a book with the young people in your life and inspire them to explore new worlds through reading.
  2. Read to a child. Reading aloud to children is a powerful way to spark their interest in books and storytelling.
  3. Show your love of reading. Set an example by reading regularly and talking about the books, articles, or audiobooks that interest you.
  4. Donate to The Veterans Club Children’s Literacy Program. If you’re unable to participate directly, your support can help fund this initiative and provide resources to children in need.
  5. Become a reading mentor. Volunteer with The Veterans Club Children’s Literacy Program to guide young readers and narrators, helping them improve their literacy skills and develop a love for books. As a mentor, you’ll have the chance to directly impact a child’s reading journey by sharing your own experiences, providing encouragement, and offering guidance.

By banding together as veterans and first responders, we can combat illiteracy and empower the next generation to embrace the love of reading. Together, we can make a lasting difference—one book, one child, one audiobook at a time.

For more information or to donate, please visit The Veterans Club Children’s Literacy Program. Let’s work together to inspire a brighter future through the power of reading.  If you would like to get involved, please contact Ed by email info@theveteransclub.org.

Ed Bejarana is the founder of The Veterans Club and a proud U.S. Army veteran. He served in the 3rd Armored Division Band in Frankfurt, Germany, from 1987 to 1989. Now residing in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with his wife of over 33 years, Ed runs a small digital marketing and website development business and is also an accomplished audiobook narrator. He is dedicated to supporting veterans and fostering community connections through his work and passion projects.

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