Literacy In Hawaii

I've posted lots of information about literacy in general, so now I want to focus more on my community.

Website for Hawaii Literacy: http://www.hawaiiliteracy.org/
Their slogan is "If you can read this, you can help"--I like it!

Interestingly enough, back in the 1800s, Hawaii had the highest literacy rate of any country in the world. Currently, 1 in 6 Hawaii adults are illiterate. This means they aren't able to read and/or write above an elementary level. These adults aren't able to help their children with their homework, fill out basic forms (meaning, they can't read bank statements, job applications, emails, or medication prescriptions), and read road signs or menus. That's 20% of people who can't do things that we (yes, including myself) take for granted every day!

There are various "literacy libraries" around the island which help children, teens, and adults. They offer access to books (that could, of course, be borrowed), homework help, the use of computers, and activities that generally encourage a healthy lifestyle. This is very effective for getting people involved and interested in not only literacy but also their overall well-being.

The Book Mobile!

In addition, there are book mobiles (as I mentioned in a previous post) or "Classrooms on Wheels" that travel to six places each week providing books and promoting reading/learning. Laptops are also inside the mobile and are free for children and/or adults to use. Not only books, but there are interactive activities to get children excited about reading!


I think this an awesome idea because some people don't have the convenient library in their neighborhood. Also, some libraries may be intimidating to some people, and the Book Mobile has a friendly atmosphere that "invites" and interests children (adults/teens as well). Last year,
this has provided over 1,000 kids and parents, lending over an estimated 15,000 books!


What can you do to help?
Volunteer or spread awareness!! (Hopefully both.) Ever since Hawaii Literacy started to help people out, approximately over 4,000 people have been able to read and write. (That's like the amount of students at Punahou!) More information about the Book Mobile: http://www.hawaiiliteracy.org/cow/index.html