On Friday, July 31, educators, business leaders, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, elected officials, and families gathered at Georgia Piedmont Technical College for the Newton County Literacy Summit, an initiative of the UGA Archway Partnership’s Learning for Life Workgroup. Under the theme “Literacy Is Everyone’s Responsibility: A Call to Action,” participants explored local literacy data, learned about work already underway, and began shaping a community literacy plan.
Many NEF board members were in attendance.
NEF Executive Director Gail Rothman spoke about the expansion of the REAP program, which is now in eight schools. That same day, paraprofessionals were being trained by REAP. She emphasized the need to invest in teachers:
We love books, but books alone don’t teach children to read. Teachers do. That is why NEF is working to train teachers and build a culture of literacy across Newton County, and why it brings nationally renowned children’s authors to local students and gave away more than 1,500 free books last year.”
Later in the day, Gail joined a panel on literacy efforts across the community, highlighting NEF’s partnerships and the importance of early childhood education.
NEF is grateful to the Archway Partnership, host organization Newton County Tomorrow, and Georgia Piedmont Technical College for bringing the community together.
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