Kercida McClain, McCurdy Ministries

By BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanis Club

At their May 5 meeting, the Kiwanis Club enjoyed a presentation by Kercida McClain of the McCurdy Ministries who described the work of the Children’s Literacy Program in the Espanola Valley. The program is called LEER, the Spanish word for “to read”, was started in January to address the serious literacy issues in the area and the challenges they present.

The situation in the Espanola school district is troubling. There is only one public library which is only open until 5 p.m., only one elementary school has a library and a librarian, and in the highest performing elementary school only 28% of the children can read at level.

McClain explained that the program has a three-part approach: increase access to books, provide reading helpers, and stop summer slide. To address book access, a children’s library is being established. Called the “Enchanted Forest of Reading”, it will be opening at the end of May with an opening goal of 2000 books and an ongoing goal of 5000 books. Returning books is voluntary and the hope is that 30% of the books never come back but instead remain in and enrich the student’s homes. Another goal is to build and supply 30 little free libraries and place them throughout the community.

Summer slide is the term used to describe the loss of learning during the summer school break. Literacy is the skill most impacted by this, and LEER has two activities in the works. First is the Summer Reading Buddies where volunteers listen and support children reading books appropriate for their ability, thereby helping to strengthen their skills and self-confidence. Second is a 7-week summer camp dedicated to fun activities with the goal of maintaining or improving reading skills. They are hoping for 60 children to participate.

For more information about LEER, visit their website at www.McCurdy.org/LEER.