Title
To celebrate September as International Literacy Month and recognize the work of Columbus Literacy Council.
Body
WHEREAS, International Literacy Month was founded in 1965 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to promote and underline the importance of literacy for a healthy society; and
WHEREAS, today it is estimated that 13% of adults in Franklin County lack the basic reading, writing and math skills necessary to function effectively in daily life and in the workforce; and
WHEREAS, Columbus is wonderfully diverse and home to the largest and fastest growing group of foreign born people in the state of Ohio which Columbus Literacy Council provides robust services to this population; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Literacy Council changes lives one word at a time and has provided critical resources to the communities in Central Ohio through dedicated volunteers that advocate for holistic programming that includes: citizenship classes, basic computer training, life skills, workforce development and job readiness ; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Literacy Council has expanded to serve about 3,000 students annually, making it the largest private provider of adult literacy services in Central Ohio; and
WHEREAS, on this occasion Columbus Literacy Council and the City of Columbus renew the commitment to helping people become functionally literate in order to better their lives; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That we hereby commemorate International Literacy Month, recognize the work of the Columbus Literacy Council, and celebrate the people and communities who make Columbus a better and more diverse place to live, work, and raise a family.