At the Literacy Network, our learners make us who we are. Each day, we're energized by their dedication, perseverance and courage in the face of hardship. For them, our mission is simple: To give hope through literacy. To offer a new start. To support those dreaming of a better life. Here are some of their stories.

Aletta's Story
Aletta's little girl is adorable. She's shy and cuddles close to mom. This close pair share the same eyes, but very different childhoods. Aletta's daughter has access to an education her mom never had.

Growing up in Liberia, a small country on the tip of western Africa, Aletta's family struggled with poverty. Because of this, her parents couldn't afford to send her to school.

read more...

Dwayne's Story
Dwayne wants to tell the world about literacy. He wants to go on Oprah, and standing proud, tell the audience, "Reading changed my life."

Maybe Oprah isn't a reality yet, but ever since he came to the Literacy Network, Dwayne isn't afraid to dream bigger.

"I want to go to college. That's my goal, that's why I come here," he says. "I don't want to keep telling myself, if only I would have done this…I'm in it to win it."

read more...

Ponciano's Story
Pots clanging. Orders flying. In the fast-pitched pace of restaurant life, being able to communicate quickly and clearly is a must. For this reason and many others, Ponciano comes back to the Literacy Network each week.

"I use my English in my work and everything," he says, sitting in one of our learning rooms. "I use my English, so I need to work hard. Maybe next year I can talk perfect."

read more...

Wanik's Story
After going to a friend's party last year, Wanik realized how far he'd come. For one of the first times, he hadn't been afraid to talk freely with others. He'd let go of his fear.

"I had a good time," Wanik recalls. "My problem was the fear about using English in front of Americans...but my tutor helped me to overcome the fear."

read more...

Candy's Story
Candy sits in a student learning room at the Literacy Network. Wearing a pageboy hat and a fitted jacket, you can tell she appreciates good fashion. Just a year ago, she didn't speak enough English to interact with salespeople at her favorite stores.

"When I had a problem purchase, I was afraid that I can't talk, how can I return this?" she remembers. "Now, I have no problem with that. They can understand me."

read more...