The sun shone brightly Saturday on Oakland Literacy Council’s 35^th Anniversary celebration.  At the Picnic in the Park held at Waterford Oaks Park, about 100 students, tutors, community members, and families gathered for food, games, conversation, and entertainment.

Just like the magic of learning that students and tutors create together, Baffling Bill amazed the audience with his magic tricks.  The upbeat music of the banjo duo, Brian Newsom and Morgan Humecky, brought even more joy to the event.  Tutor Susan Lipson exclaimed, “Today was absolutely glorious! … The entertainment was just plain fun, and we really had fun getting to know more students and tutors.”

Stories of challenges and accomplishments were shared throughout the afternoon.  Student Lilian Faranso recalled how her tutor went through extra training just to learn how to better help her.  With her new language skills, Lilian can now use the GPS and drive on her own to Chicago. “We are all learning a lot. Our life changed. I hope it will continue forever!”

Oakland Literacy Council Board President Judy Lindstrom reflected on the day and its meaning. “I was so proud and touched to see so many students and tutors at the event.  This organization has touched so many hearts and changed so many lives over 35 years.  Today we celebrated our past, present, and future and our dedication to spreading literacy in our community.”

Bloomfield Hills, MI – Students, tutors, friends, and family members will gather for a Picnic in the Park on Saturday, September 14, 2019, to celebrate the 35^th Anniversary of the Oakland Literacy Council.  The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Paradise Pavilion at Waterford Oaks Park.  The 100+ guests expected at the picnic come from cities and townships across Oakland County and over 20 countries of origin, reflecting the diversity of Southeast Michigan.

More than 105,000 adults in Oakland County are functionally illiterate.  For 35 years, the Oakland Literacy Council has been pairing trained tutors with adults seeking to improve their English language literacy to advance on pathways toward employment, citizenship, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.   In 2018, the Oakland Literacy Council delivered 12,500 hours of instruction to adult learners.

In 2019, Oakland Literacy Council has been celebrating 35 years of service in Oakland County with its online series, 35 Faces of Oakland Literacy, highlighting the compelling stories of adult students whose lives have been transformed by learning to read and write English and the volunteer tutors and community members who have made such a personal difference in their lives.

Executive Director Lisa Machesky explains, “Through our 35^th anniversary and 35 Faces of Literacy, we have been able to shine a light on the everyday stories of our students, their struggles and accomplishments, and the passionate volunteers that have joined them on this literacy journey.”

Last night Paula Tutman interviewed one of our oldest students and his tutor.  See the interview here:

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/its-never-too-late-metro-detroit-man-learns-to-read-at-the-age-of-84

 

Smiling faces and tears of joy were on display last week at the Oakland Literacy Council’s annual graduation ceremony at its offices in Bloomfield Hills. Thirty-two students graduated the reading and/or listening program.  With their proud families and tutors in attendance, the literacy grads gratefully accepted their certificates from the Council’s Board President, Judy Lindstrom.

During the ceremony, students spoke of the impact the tutors had made in their lives, both as

teachers, mentors, and friends.  A Russian student, Elena Babin, who came with her infant son, explained how her tutor, Irene Sinclair, gave her confidence during her labor and delivery.  Prior to the birth they practiced conversations with nurses and doctors to assertively communicate her needs.  Elena said, “I didn’t have to worry about English while giving birth.”

Woo Jin Yoon, a student from South Korea, talked about how her tutor, Hannah Hilbert, became her first American friend.  The friendship, according to Yoon, blossomed when they went to a brewery and beer festival.  Yoon plans to start a party planning business soon.  Another graduate, Hpwe Lwin, from Burma already owns two businesses and was grateful her tutor helped her improve her English skills.  Each graduate expressed appreciation for the time and patience given to them by their tutors.

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