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As of the time of writing, we are six weeks into I would like to express my eternal gratitude to Milita
the pilot program, and I would like to share some Halder, whose initial outreach connected me to this
preliminary observations: transformative opportunity. We are all aware that
by empowering more individuals with the gift of
Initially, both learners and teachers faced literacy, we can make a profound difference in their
challenges in “unlearning” the traditional alphabet lives and positively impact those around them.
and transitioning to focusing on the sounds. This
adjustment period lasted a few days. Building on our success, Literacy Chicago is forging
a partnership with DEVI Sansthan to facilitate the
It took some time for learners to fully embrace nationwide implementation of ALfA in the United
the ALfA method. Changing partners and sitting in States, pending the expected positive outcomes of
different seats presented difficulties for our learners our pilot program. We are committed to addressing
as it took them out of their comfort zones. Initially, the pressing literacy crisis in our country and
some found it childish. ensuring that every individual, regardless of their
background or circumstances, has the opportunity to
Learners were unaccustomed to working in pairs or acquire essential literacy skills.
providing feedback to each other, so there was a
enabling learners to work together and provide During my visit, I had the incredible opportunity learning curve in this aspect. The journey towards universal literacy is not an
positive feedback, fostering a collaborative learning to visit several schools in Lucknow and witness easy one, but with innovative methods like ALfA and
environment. Most importantly, ALfA is designed the impact of ALfA on children who had learned to One learner with dyslexia encountered more the collective efforts of passionate individuals and
to be enjoyable for both teachers and learners. It read through the program. It was a truly remarkable difficulties compared to the others. Absenteeism has organizations, we can turn the tide and empower
adopts a student-centric approach where learners experience to see young children confidently reading been influenced by factors such as illness, childcare countless lives through the transformative power
have agency in their own learning process. Teachers from newspapers. I observed teachers implementing responsibilities, and other challenges that adult of literacy. Together, let us continue to strive for a
serve as facilitators, demonstrating the method the ALfA methods and listened to their inspiring learners face in their daily lives. future where literacy is a fundamental right for all,
and then allowing learners to engage in activities stories. opening doors of opportunity and unlocking the full
independently. Teachers often felt the urge to provide assistance potential of individuals and communities.
Filled with conviction that ALfA is an effective in the traditional manner, and it has been a learning
Motivated by the literacy crisis in the United States, approach, we decided to initiate a pilot program at process for them as well. In the ALfA process,
where 130 million adults struggle to read basic Literacy Chicago with a group of adult learners who learners are expected to learn primarily on their own.
sentences, making everyday life challenging or have struggled with reading. Since 1968, Literacy Joanne Telser-Frere has been working as the
Director of Program Development at Literacy
even impossible, I was determined to explore ALfA Chicago has been dedicated to teaching adults how Nevertheless, despite these initial challenges, Chicago since 2016.
further. According to the Barbara Bush Foundation to read. While I couldn’t find more recent statistics learners are now genuinely enjoying the ALfA
for Family Literacy, 1 in 4 children in the U.S. grows for Chicago, data from 2014 indicates that 882,000 method. One woman, who previously couldn’t read a
up without acquiring the essential skill of reading, adults in the city possess low basic literacy skills. single word in English, proudly shared with me, “I can Citations:
and research suggests that 2 out of 3 children who Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely read! When I’m driving, I can read street signs, and
struggle with reading by 4th grade end up facing exacerbated this issue. I’m no longer afraid of getting lost.” She expressed https://www.barbarabush.org/
long-term difficulties, potentially leading to welfare how reading has brought about a life-changing https://www.prosperityforamerica.org/literacy-
or incarceration. In April 2023, we carefully selected a group of transformation for her. statistics/#:~:text=1%20in%204%20children%20in,to%20high%20
English%20literacy%20skills.
learners willing to participate in the ALfA pilot
When invited to join the Global Advisory Committee program for three months. They committed to Another student, who has attention difficulties and https://www.dignityeducation.org/GlobalAdvisoryCommittee.aspx
for Dr. Gandhi’s organization, DEVI Sansthan, I attending classes regularly, three times a week, disabilities, can now confidently read a list of words https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dcd/we_will/
eagerly accepted and traveled to Lucknow, India, with each session lasting two hours. The first hour without hesitation. It fills my heart with joy to walk we_will_documents/learn_4.pdf
in March 2023 to participate in the first Global focused on literacy instruction, while the second into the classroom and hear the buzz of voices as
Summit. The summit included free training in the hour addressed numeracy skills. our learners read aloud, engage in math activities,
ALfA program and a gathering of policymakers and experience a newfound sense of confidence and
from various countries to discuss literacy issues Both the pilot group and a control group, attending accomplishment. I am confident that the post-testing
worldwide. Over the course of two days, 26,000 our regular reading classes, underwent pre-testing will reveal significant improvements in both literacy
individuals and 200 policymakers convened virtually using the Slosson Oral Reading Test (SORT) and the and numeracy scores.
to engage in these crucial discussions. ALfA Numeracy Assessment.

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