Get Involved Locally, Southwest Valley Literacy Association

By Chris Weaver 

IMAGINE THE FRUSTRATION IN NOT BEING ABLE TO READ THIS SENTENCE. Illiterate adults in the southwest valley communities of Buckeye, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Avondale, Tolleson, and Tonopah have the opportunity to learn the English language in a gratis literacy program designed to tutor adult students in reading, writing and speaking English. Southwest Valley Literacy Association, with offices and classrooms in Buckeye and Litchfield Park, Arizona, teach English literacy to adults and promote self-worth, pride and productivity as qualified tutors teach non-English speaking adults.

History and Inspiration

Over 30 years ago, Dorothy Huntsman, a librarian in the southwest valley city of Buckeye, Arizona, realized a number of children and adults were unable to speak, read or write English. In 1978, determined to change one life at a time, Dorothy developed and founded the Buckeye Valley Literacy, a free literacy program designed to teach students of all ages the English language with the underlying philosophy to “teach someone to read; it lasts a lifetime”. The primary goal and objectives were simply stated but complex in theory. The primary goal included developing effective methods to teach one student at a time to read with an objective of capturing a high success rate. Researching a variety of potential methods, Dorothy chose to use the Laubach method to teach students English in the newly formed program. As Ms. Huntsman tutored students the growth of the program demanded additional tutors to assist in the mission. Dorothy’s tenacity and passion for teaching the English language represents a dedication that provides pupils with the opportunity to build self-confidence and pride and use their language skills to enrich their personal and academic aspirations. As the reach of the program expanded out of the Buckeye community, the organization was renamed the Southwest Valley Literacy Association to offer the literacy program to neighboring southwest valley communities.

Laubach Method

In 1930, Frank C. Laubach originated a method that uses phonics in association with visual aids to teach adults to read and write. Laubach founded Laubach Literacy International that now includes literacy programs in the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Near East, and India. The “Each One Teach One” philosophy is founded on bottom-up and top-down theoretical orientations focusing on phonics and language experiences as primary teaching methods. Laubach’s instructional program encourages literacy through community involvement, motivation to read, trained community volunteer tutors, and curriculum materials. Tutors are trained to use basic instructional materials, teacher’s guides and writing activities to teach students how to speak, write and read a language. The tools are creatively used to teach adults principles including:

• letters of the alphabet and sounds

• learning through association rather than rote memory

• use of keywords and picture association to learn letters and sounds

• repetition

• motivation

• independence

• reinforcement of skills through reading and writing

• lessons that maximize self-help and minimize teacher/tutor help

Source: SIL International, 2008, www.silinternational.com

The Learning Tree

Dorothy Huntsman understands the importance of reading. Learning to read, write and speak English allows us to make sense of our world, to use words to express our knowledge and ideas, to inform and even entertain others. While the teaching methods Ms. Huntsman used focused on using proven and effective results she knew the new English language students had to use the acquired skills daily to hone the newly developed language. Reading enjoyment is an essential step to success once the methods are learned. Dorothy used a variety of methods to promote enjoyment and use of the English language including:

• reading the words: hearing, saying, and connecting words to everyday life

• finding a special time of day and a quiet place to read

• reading interesting books

• attending story times

Nestled under a tree, outside of the Buckeye library, Dorothy read to and taught students English. The self-proclaimed “Learning Tree” became an opportunity for new readers to read and listen to Dorothy as she chose a variety of interesting books providing students with the opportunity to develop their newly found language skills. In February of 2008, the City of Buckeye dedicated the “Learning Tree and Sanctuary” to Dorothy Huntsman acknowledging her English literacy contributions and years of service to the southwest valley communities. Today, an installation of a bench dedicated to Ms. Huntsman is proudly displayed underneath the “Learning Tree”. The tribute represents appreciation to the founder for her contributions and the memories and journeys of hundreds of students.

Adult Literacy Today in the Southwest Valley

The Southwest Valley Literacy Association (SVLA), formerly the Buckeye Valley Literacy, is a non-profit adult literacy organization and an affiliate of Pro Literacy Worldwide focused on “teaching English literacy to adults”. Using the proven Laubach methods, the organization that serves 120 students with 60 tutors is governed by a seven working volunteer Board of Directors comprised of west valley professionals committed to the founder’s goals and SVLA’s mission:

To teach English literacy to adults through recruiting and training volunteers, through soliciting a generous community, through using a proven program of total immersion, through community involvement to promote self-worth, pride and productivity.

SVLA strives to enhance and strengthen the organization by adding tutor trainers to serve the increasing number of student requests. Classes are one-to- one or small groups, in various locations within the cities of Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Tolleson, Litchfield Park and Tonapah. The times and days of tutoring are flexible to accommodate the students and tutors. A variety of tutoring workshop training dates support the ongoing recruitment process. Board member Carlos Galindo emphatically states, “Teach someone to read a phone book, order from a menu, read to their kids, or read a label on their medicine bottle”.

Additional grant applications and fund-raising provide the organization with the needed financial resources to continue to develop awareness and services for illiterate Americans and non-English speakers. Although retired, the continued support of Ms. Huntsman compliments the direction and growth of the association’s adult literacy goals and objectives. Many captivating and emotional success stories have been shared with SVLA that represent countless volunteer hours dedicated to English literacy in reading, writing and speaking.

Success Stories

English Speaker Learns to Read

Jeff’s primary, in fact his only, language is English. He speaks well but Jeff never mastered the skills of reading. Jeff has worked for the same company for many years; he is a hard worker and works well with others but needs his G.E.D. to move into a junior management position. The SVLA free English literacy tutoring program is helping Jeff realize his dream to enter the G.E.D. program at one of the local community colleges.

Barbara’s Success Story

Barbara immigrated to the United States from Poland. Barbara enrolled in SVLA’s English literacy program and was soon attending Rio Salado College. An overachiever, Barbara is married with a family and works two jobs. Although she no longer is in need of tutoring services, Barbara and her SVLA

tutor meet up on a regular basis to share Barbara’s success.

“Teaching English Literacy to Adults”

Residents of the southwest valley can assist SVLA in their mission to promote the organization’s vision to “teach English literacy to adults” by volunteering or making financial contributions. Financial contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 855, Avondale, Arizona, 85323. Let’s face it, if you couldn’t read, you wouldn’t be able to read this article that outlines the importance and value of developing and promoting programs that address adult English literacy in our communities.

For more information contact:

Southwest Valley Literacy Association

400 S. Old Litchfield Rd.

Litchfield Park AZ 85340

623-694-4321

https://www.swvalleyliteracy.org