RENDEZVOUS WITH A WRITER: INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

September 08, 2020

WITH SCHOOL RESUMING during this extraordinary year, let’s remember that learning to read and write takes place under many circumstances and at any age. Literacy is a matter of dignity and human rights according to UNESCO, which established September 8 as INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY more than fifty years ago.


Here are four inspiring stories to share.

NOTHING DAUNTED:THE UNEXPECTED EDUCATION OF TWO SOCIETY GIRLS IN THE WEST, based on family letters and oral histories, recounts the adventures of two privileged young women who headed west in 1916 to become teachers at a new schoolhouse in a remote Colorado community of homesteaders.

Reverend John Berry Meachum, a freedman whose basement school was declared illegal for teaching free and enslaved Black students in 1847 Missouri, remained undaunted. He and his courageous students created the STEAMBOAT SCHOOL which operated in the middle of the Mississippi River.

Freed from slavery at age fifteen Mary Walker lived a long, hard life. At 114 years old she became THE OLDEST STUDENT and learned to read, write, and do arithmetic. Finally Miss Mary could read the Bible she had been given 101 years earlier!

THANK YOU, MR. FALKER pays tribute to the teacher who helped author/illustrator Patricia Polacco learn to read after years of undiagnosed dyslexia. His support, teaching and encouragement changed her life.

---

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in OutWest Scout