The statistics have not changed in the last 25 years. Illiteracy in our country still remains at 90,000,000 adults; one out of five adults is unable to read above a fifth-grade level; one out of four cannot read in the state of Mississippi; one out of three is functionally illiterate in Adams County.

These statistics are alarming. What can we do about it? Of course, one person cannot do it all. It takes a community to solve the problem of illiteracy. First of all, the Natchez-Adams School District continues to improve their achievement test scores. Also, Copiah-Lincoln Community College offers GED classes by expanding their classes outside the campuses in Natchez and Wesson. For example, the Natchez Senior Citizen Center, under the direction of Co-Lin, offers one-to-one instruction to the low level reader, as well as the non-reader above the age of 18.

The RSVP Adult Education program at the Natchez Senior Citizen Center has been in operation since 1978 and will continue to function as long as United Way funds and private donations continue to flow. These funds are utilized to purchase student and tutor books and supplies.

You ask, how can I help? As a community, an individual and/or a business, you can contribute any amount to the RSVP Adult Education Program By contacting Janet McNeely at 800 Washington St., Natchez, Miss. 39120. Write your check out to the Natchez-Adams Council on Aging. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. It takes approximately $2,500 a year to operate the literacy program.

Another way you can help is to inform family members and friends who are unable to read of the literacy program. They can call the RSVP office at 601-442-5082 to set up an appointment.

Finally, if you have the strong desire to teach someone to read, and would like to tutor an adult, contact me at the above mentioned number of come by the RSVP office at the Natchez Senior Citizen Center.

Since it takes a community to raise a child, likewise, it also takes a community to eradicate the illiteracy problem in our area. To improve the illiteracy statistics, one needs to begin at the local level. Any assistance will greatly be appreciated and will assure the continuation of the literacy program at the Natchez Senior Citizen Center.

Janet McNeely is the director of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program.