Organization Promotes Literacy During the Summer

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Instead of closing the books for summer break, some students in Bibb County kept them open to expand their literacy.

“I want the children to know that they can be anything they want to be and they can go anywhere they want to be through books,” says Academic Coach LaJeune Williams.

Williams is one of the many volunteers who helped students in the Lynmore Estates neighborhood increase their literacy throughout the summer.

“We just been having a great time reading. The kids have been so wonderful. They have been so engaged. They’ve been asking questions, and the more questions they ask I go out and get more things that they enjoy reading,” she adds.

The Macon Area Habitat for Humanity started the ‘feed and read’ initiative to keep students learning while they’re out on summer break. So far, organizers have seen positive results.

“Some words that I’ve never knew, I know them know because this is a great part of reading and I’m glad to come here to learn and be successful,” says third grader Tonaszeyah Williams.

Linda Towns brought her grandkids to get the extra help. She says she is thankful to have this resource available.

“They need it and they need to learn how to read. I got some that can’t read that good and I can’t read that good so they teach they’re grandma,” Towns adds.

“Successful readers do well. They usually succeed. You know, it’s what studies have shown. So, we want to give these kids an opportunity to get on the forefront to help them as they plan their lives engage, go further in schools or career,” says Dr. Sundra Woodford who works with Macon Area Habitat for Humanity.

Students who participated plan on returning next year. One student says she has learned three key things she won’t forget.

Nashanti Williams says, “Be strong, focus and become the best person that you can.”

The program lasted three weeks. students were given free backpacks and books. The Rotary Club of Downtown Macon donated a $1,000 grant to help buy books.