Joses DeMoranville Telling His Story
During his speech, Joses showed everyone his first completion certificate which he earned in the early years of the Palm Beach County Public Library volunteer literacy program. He then went on to describe how he earned his high school diploma through the Leon County Adult and Community Education program in Tallahassee 12 years later. He said that walking down the aisle to pick up that piece of paper brought tears to his eyes and described how he went on to earn a technical degree in kitchen design. He now tells everyone, "I didn't just get a job. I got a career!"
A tutor asked him whether he ever thought about giving up. He looked at the group, thought for a moment, and said, "No, I didn't. It wasn't easy and took a long time, but I was determined to stick to my goal. That's what all of you need to do."
He also told everyone that he went back to his first tutor--to tell her about his success. Because of this, she is now teaching again! Volunteer tutors often don't hear about the long term impact of their work. See a Youtube post by Joses.
The library in Gainesville started a library literacy program about 4 years ago with a federal grant funded by a Library Services and Technology Act grant through the State Library and Archives of Florida. Terry Hutchinson, the program coordinator and public library employee, supports and nurtures her 25 teams of tutors and a waiting list of students and tutors
The literacy program was started by Sol Hirsch, the Alachua Library Director who retired in June. Hirsch was recognized at the luncheon for starting the program. He told hist story about being a child who always had to translate for immigrant parents. He said that was why he knew literacy programs were vital.
The Alachua County Public Library District is one of many organizational and individual VALF members. Please renew your membership today.
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