FeedsWoman tries to raise literacy rate in city
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Members of the Josie Odum Morris Literacy Project wait for the arrival of several young people at LeMoyne Gardens. Volunteers include (left to right) Shaun James, Robin Morris, Cheryl McKinney and Felicia Barnett.Every so often, a group of volunteers can be seen in bright yellow T-shirts, carting a red wagon stacked with books through LeMoyne Gardens in Inkster.
The volunteers – each a member of the Josie Odum Morris Literacy Project – spend a great deal of their personal time on a mission: to improve the rate of literacy within the city.
“I live in Inkster, and I’ve known for some time that there are several children – and adults – who are functionally illiterate,” said Robin Morris, 24.
“This is something that is going to affect the way they learn everything else, and affect the ability of these individuals to retain work,” she added. “I created the foundation because I thought I could help.”
The project, which is named after Morris’ grandmother, was started about one year ago. In that time, Morris and a small but dedicated group of volunteers has held one literacy forum and collected enough books to supply children living at LeMoyne with a free book, said Morris.
“Our hope is that the parents will sit down with the children and read with them,” she said. “We want the children to grow up reading, so they can learn, but also so they enjoy it.”
Literacy an issue
Literacy is more than being able to read, or not being able to read. Levels of illiteracy can mean that a person can sound out words, but not understand what they. Also, a person considered illiterate may not be able to construct sentences and thoughts in a cohesive way.
What all stages have in common is that they can shortchange the sufferer’s ability to thrive. Morris said she believes the problem is a bigger one in urban communities, but not one that can’t be overcome.
“My research indicated that as much as 38 percent of Inkster residents may be illiterate,” she said. “There is still a stigma (regarding illiteracy). If we work on this now – especially among young people – we can turn it around.”
As the foundation grows and changes, Morris said she would like to see armies of volunteers conducting help sessions for those who need to improve their reading and writing skills.
“We’re not there yet,” she said. “Right now, we’d like to take our books to other communities, and we’re working on that.”
Volunteers understand needs
Felicia Barnett is a substitute teacher at the Inkster Public School District, where she observes some of the issues young people are having reading. She said what’s taught at school needs additional reinforcements at home, which is why she got involved in the literacy effort.
“At the schools we do so much to encourage reading, but sometimes parents are overwhelmed,” Barnett said. “When we talk to people, we always tell them reading is an activity that can be done together.”
Barnett, joined by other volunteers, hit the streets at the LeMoyne Complex in blazing hot weather two weeks ago with the wagon.
“When we knock on people’s doors, they always know why we’re here,” she said. “I do think the kids like getting a book, but the parents are grateful.”
Lutia Journey, who was watching some young relatives at LeMoyne, said she was happy that someone cared enough to offer a book.
“I’m glad they’re here, and that someone cares about the children being able to read,” he said.
Morris typically hosts a party at the clubhouse at the complex for parents and their children, where information about literacy is
provided.
“If we can engage the parents and the children, we can make a big difference,” she said.
Morris is a full-time student at Wayne State University, and oversees the foundation on a part-time basis. Though the group has received on $500 grant, they always need more children’s books.
“We are looking for donations,” she said. “We want to continue to encourage reading in this community.”
Books can be sent to Morris at P.O. Box 74, Inkster, Mich. 48141. Morris will also agree to pick books up, and can be contacted at jomlp@yahoo.com.
