In January 2020, the Literacy Council was set to have a record number of students during the 2019-2020 Academic Year. As we approach the end of 2020, a year that has been different for each of us, I wanted to share some updates on how the Literacy Council has continued to serve Fort Bend County.
At the beginning of the shut down in March due to COVID, the Literacy Council, along with more than 40 volunteer tutors, began virtual classes for students. Virtual classes continued throughout the Summer and into the Fall/Winter months. During this time of virtual learning, the Literacy Council has served 392 students and volunteer tutors have provided more than 6,800 tutoring hours. Also during this time, 5 GED students completed parts or their full GED all while working with their GED instructors virtually, by phone and Facetime. These successes would not be possible without the dedication of the Fort Bend community, our tutors and students.
During the Summer, we discovered a sewer leak that was impacting the building foundation and infrastructure. Construction for those repairs began in September and have entered the final stages of completion. Many community supporters came together to help the agency cover the cost of the construction.
In January we are offering virtual tours to see the renovated Learning Center. We invite you to visit virtually during one of the below scheduled virtual tours or we would love to show you around in person. (Of course, with respect to social distance.)
Friday, January 22, 2021 – 9:00AM – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4966190985?pwd=VHZIZVgrN3NHRks1LzNDL0tZUFZsZz09
Meeting ID: 496 619 0985
Passcode: read1987
Friday, January 28, 2021 – 5:00PM – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4966190985?pwd=VHZIZVgrN3NHRks1LzNDL0tZUFZsZz09
Meeting ID: 496 619 0985
Passcode: read1987
As we prepare to welcome 2021, we are also planning to continue virtual learning and make it a permanent part of our programming in addition to welcoming students back face to face when it is safe to do so according to student needs. Our first priority with regard to in-person learning is to reconnect with our students previously enrolled in Basic Literacy, ESL Level 0 or ESL Level 1 as these students have experienced significant challenges with virtual learning and are best served through a face to face instructional experience. We’re proud to share the growth of our collaborative partnerships with other nonprofit organizations including Fort Bend Hope in Rosenberg and Friends of North Richmond in Richmond. Virtual classes with our partners are scheduled to begin January of 2021 with plans to transition to in-person classes in February 2021.
On behalf of our students, tutors, board volunteers and staff, we thank you for your continued dedication and support for adult literacy and education programs in Fort Bend County.
To give a year-end gift of literacy please click here. Your gift will go a long way in support of the Literacy Council’s 33 years of Changing Lives through adult literacy.
