Learn Now!

Published: 9/7/2009 9:14:00 AM

Learn Now! is an initiative of Friends of Literacy, a private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the delivery of free, high-quality literacy and related services to adults in Knox County who are inadequately prepared for the challenges of daily life.

Learn Now! is an initiative of Friends of Literacy, a private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the delivery of free, high-quality literacy and related services to adults in Knox County who are inadequately prepared for the challenges of daily life.

Learn Now! also describes what many of our Montgomery Village residents are doing two afternoons each week. On those days, former teachers and volunteers Donna Habib and Jeanette Jensen help them learn basic reading and math skills or work on completing their high school education to gain a GED.

Currently, 12 adults are studying for their GED and one has successfully passed the exam. That’s the kind of good news I love to hear and one reason KCDC is happy to donate space for the classes.

Based on the success in Montgomery Village, we’re already planning to bring these classes to more KCDC neighborhoods.

Having a GED broadens job opportunities and increases earnings potential by an estimated $9,000 per year. It also decreases the intergenerational cycle of poverty, raises workforce effectiveness, increases civic participation and improves the community’s overall economic well-being.

I look forward to sharing more good news on this project -– and having more of our residents reading my column!

KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit http://www.kcdc.org.