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On September 8, the world will mark the 47th annual International Literacy Day to remind us all that reading, writing, and basic math remain an elusive target for nearly 800 million adults around the globe and about 2.2 million adults in Illinois. As part of a national network of organizations that work to end the adult literacy crisis, C. E. F. S. has volunteer tutors in Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties in Illinois.

According to ProLiteracy, the largest membership organization advancing the cause of adult literacy and basic education in the nation, more than 36 million adults in the U. S. lack the most basic 
literacy skills. ProLiteracy provides more than 1,100 community-based literacy organizations, including C. E. F. S., with tools to help educate adult learners and help them meet the demands of 
today's workforce.

In the United States, "About one in six adults is not literate, and approximately 67.4 million school-aged children are not enrolled in school," said Susan Wilson, C. E. F. S. Literacy Coordinator for Adult and Family Literacy. "In our seven-county service area, we know that only 69% of students from low-income families graduate high school. Literacy programs help families to be stronger and provide people sustainable opportunities to support themselves through work, contributing ultimately to the economic growth of our region and our country."

"Low literacy costs the nation more than two hundred billion dollars each year in lost productivity, as well as an additional one to two billion in health and safety issues," said Kevin Morgan, president 
and CEO of ProLiteracy. "Every dollar spent on adult literacy and education provides returns to the country through higher employment, added tax revenues, reduced welfare payments, and less 
crime."

In recognition of International Literacy Day, C. E. F. S. is having an open house for information about their free programs, for which volunteers assist adults with preparing for the GED r, learning basic computer skills, counting change, telling time, and learning English as a new language. For Effingham County families, C. E. F. S. assists with children's education, library services, parenting, and whole-family literacy.

For more information on the OPEN HOUSE on Monday, September 8, from 4 pm to 6 pm, or other C. E. F. S. literacy services, please visit 204 W. Washington or call 217-347-7033.