Open House Shines International Light on Local Adult Literacy

 Philadelphia Union player Michael Lahoud, a native of Sierra Leone, is scheduled to appear at the Literacy Council’s Open House, which will be held on Wednesday, September 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, September 12, the Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) will open its doors at 2217 Providence Avenue in Chester from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a special Open House to celebrate International Literacy Day.

All are invited to hear about literacy from a variety of perspectives, to enjoy light refreshments, and to learn about the Literacy Council’s free services and volunteering opportunities. DCLC provides free one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction to adults in reading, writing, math, English as a Second Language (ESL), and GED preparation.

Scheduled to appear at the event is Michael Lahoud, a midfielder for the Philadelphia Union soccer team. Lahoud is a native of Sierra Leone—one of several West African countries well represented among DCLC’s adult students. Immigrants from Africa, Asia, South America, and other parts of the world come to the Literacy Council for both ESL instruction and basic literacy services and often receive help from a volunteer literacy tutor.

Lahoud is scheduled to talk about his journey from Sierra Leone to the ranks of Major League Soccer, first playing for Chivas USA in Los Angeles and now playing for the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park in Chester. Lahoud is also scheduled to sign autographs following the program of speakers during the event.

Visitors also can learn about the “Real Men Really Read” Campaign from Jonathan Abdur Raheem King of Brothers of Concern, who will say a few words about the Chester initiative. Also, local Rotarians will be recounting some of their local and international activities relating to literacy.

The event will be streamed live on the Delaware County Daily Times’ “Live from the Newsroom” web site, and several Daily Times’ bloggers will be in attendance to meet readers and share their thoughts on literacy. 

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.delcoliteracy.org" www.delcoliteracy.org, or call 610-876-4811.

The Literacy Council was founded in 1975 by volunteers who recognized a need for reading tutoring in the Chester area. For 37 years, the Literacy Council has worked with Delaware County adults who wish to read, write, speak and understand English. Currently, more than 50 adult students are waiting for tutors. To learn how to become a volunteer tutor, come to the September 12^th Open House or call Susan at 610-876-4811.