
The following article was written by Margo Meyer, a One-to-One Adult Literacy Partners Associate.
I consider myself extremely lucky. Each month I get to hear about the goals our One-to-One tutors are working on with their adult learners in our English literacy program. They can be working on anything from being able to fill out a form to communicating better at work and even obtaining citizenship. I love hearing about the challenges (English is TRICKY!), the successes, and the lighter moments. For instance, lots of laughing often occurs when learning pairs discover idioms in lessons. “Hold your horses!” “Go bananas!” One thing always rings true, (yes, another idiom)—our literacy program makes a difference in the community by empowering learners, enriching the lives of our tutors, and preparing participants to be active members of our society.
How is our program valuable for the community?

Margo Meyer
One-to-One Literacy gives people a place to have their literacy goals met and become more fully integrated members of the community. According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), “Literacy empowers and liberates people . . . literacy improves lives by expanding capabilities which in turn reduces poverty, increases participation in the labour market and has positive effects on health and sustainable development.” I have witnessed this first hand. Many of our learners have obtained employment or improved their job opportunities after working with our tutors. Local employers have observed increased confidence and communication abilities in their workers leading to stronger workplace environments. Schools note an increase in the ability to interact with families. Our community becomes healthier as participants become better equipped to navigate health portals and medical appointments.
What is the value of English literacy to our learners?
Here are some of the things our learners have to say:
- “It gives me a feeling of independence and more confidence in my work and in the community.”
- “I used to be afraid to go shopping because I didn’t understand what they were saying. As part of this program, I understand more English and have more confidence.”
- “Being a part of One-to-One has allowed me to develop as part of this country at school, work, and medical appointments. It has allowed me to continue my studies to obtain my high school diploma.”
Improving our learners’ reading, writing, and speaking helps them fully participate in society.
Many of our learners also work on preparation for the citizenship interview and test. This requires memorizing historical facts that they may not have learned in their own schooling. With the help of tutors, they study the 100 civics questions and practice conversation for the interview. Attaining citizenship allows our learners to become voting members of the community and feel safer and more secure. Job opportunities and health benefits become more accessible and equitable.
What is the value of teaching English for our tutors?
Here are some of the things our tutors have to say:
- “It’s opened a new and rewarding chapter of my life watching my learner advancing in many new life skills. It’s so much fun!”
- “I really enjoy teaching English to a wonderful learner. He is so motivated. I look forward to our time together each week.”
- “Working with my learner to help her reach her goal of citizenship made me feel like I was giving back by sharing my skills . . . no better feeling!”
Our tutors come from varied backgrounds—some are retired, some are working, some have been educators, and for some, this is their first experience tutoring. The one thing they all have in common is experiencing the joy that comes with helping someone else achieve their goals.
And there’s one other key element that I need to single out—no prior teaching experience is necessary to become a One-to-One tutor. All you need is a desire to assist someone as they travel the road to reaching their full potential.
How could our program be of value to you?
Perhaps you are interested in finding out more about tutoring with One-to-One Literacy. Our next tutor training session is coming up on Tuesday, September 12, here at Manitowoc Library. If you’d like to signup, simply submit the brief form found at www.manitowoclibrary.org/support/volunteer/application. You can also contact me. I’m Margo Meyer, the One-to-One Adult Literacy coordinator. You can call me directly at 920-686-3026 or email me at mmeyer@manitowoc.org. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about the tutoring process.
Please join us in the extremely valuable pursuit of providing English literacy support!