Today is the 47th annual International Literacy Day. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 781 million adults and 126 million youths cannot read or write a simple sentence and two-thirds of whom are women. Locally, the Kirkwood Washington Regional Center is looking to improve literacy skills through a volunteer program. Dr. Monie Hayes who oversees the adult literacy program explains a volunteer is paired with a person in the community looking to improve English writing, reading or speaking skills or math skills and the duo then meets weekly to go over materials. Hayes adds the program is a way for area residents to live more meaningful lives as they increase literacy skills.

To enroll as a student or tutor contact Kirkwood for more information at (319)653-4655.