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ADULT EDUCATION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY The Adult Literacy Essay Contest is one way the Coalition recognizes and encourages the success of adult learners. Adults participating in basic literacy, English literacy, and the GED program from all over Palm Beach County are invited to participate in the essay contest, which culminates in a celebratory evening reception. Adults like Adony, quoted previously, have the opportunity to write and speak about how English literacy has made a difference in their lives. The contest also serves to highlight the work of adult education providers and promote the issue of adult literacy in the community. Many Coalition partners play key roles in this event. Adult education providers and the media help to promote the event and recruit the essay writers. The Palm Beach Post hosts the event at its office. Local businesses provide dinner and supply free gifts for participants. Instructors, volunteers, community members, and public officials serve as judges and attend the event. The media publicize the results of the contest, including printing selected essays and publishing photographs of learners. The judges offer positive comments on each essay and praise each learner's participation in the process. As a result of their involvement in the contest, adult learners report more confidence and pride in their accomplishments. As they see the tangible results of their efforts, attendees at the event strengthen their commitment to adult literacy. Community awareness of adult literacy issues improves, and calls to the hotline increase. At the Region V Adult Literacy Center, the Coalition has developed an implementation guide (Implementation Guide for an Adult Literacy Essay Contest) to show other counties how to conduct such a contest. The pdf version of this guide can be downloaded at http://www.pbcliteracy.org/region_v.htm. |
