Gail Smith Rev. Dale Hensarling
The mission of the VITA adult literacy organization is to promote literacy in Acadiana by teaching reading and writing skills to undereducated adults through the 8th grade level such that an individual may become more independent of others in the structuring and directing of his/her own life.
Specially trained volunteers learn to teach reading and writing using easy to follow manuals and to also provide goal-oriented tutoring, one on one or in a small group. Tutoring sessions are held for two hours twice each week at a time and community location that is convenient to them. VITA provides the professional training, materials, and support that enable the volunteers to assist adults in acquiring basic reading and writing skills.
To qualify for the program, students must be at least seventeen years of age, no longer enrolled in school. This includes any adult who has dropped out of school or who has a high school diploma but reads and writes below the 9th grade level. VITA also offers tutoring to English as a Second Language (ESL) students who want to improve their English reading, writing and speaking skills or who want to study for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is required to enroll in a university. During the initial interview with a new student, a VITA staff member describes the program, identifies the student's goals, and determines the student's reading level. Once a student has been qualified to participate in the VITA program, the student is matched with a tutor. In addition to being tutored twice a week the student is encouraged to attend the VITA computer lab once a week.
The time it takes to complete the program depends on the level of motivation and the time committed by the tutor and student. An extremely motivated student can complete the program in 18 months.
Success is being achieved through the partnerships established with business, libraries, service organizations, the United Way, Adult Education, ULL, the religious community and many more. These partnerships provide VITA with financial assistance and human resources, which greatly contributed to the expansion of the program.
Volunteer Instructors Teaching Adults, Inc.(VITA) was incorporated in May 1982 as a non-profit community-based adult literacy program. VITA was organized through the collaborative efforts of members of the Lafayette Parish Adult Education Program, Lafayette Parish School Board, RSVP, Altrussa Club, Lafayette Public Library, and community leaders in the fields of business and education. VITA is a member of ProLiteracy America, the nation's largest volunteer literacy organization. Programs and services are financed by funds from the United Way, Lafayette Parish and St. Landry Parish School Boards, Louisiana Department of Education, foundation grants, private donations and fundraising events.
In 1998 VITA opened an office in Opelousas to serve the needs of St. Landry Parish.In addition VITA serves adult learners in the following parishes: Lafayette, St. Landry, Iberia,Acadia, Evangeline, Vermilion and St. Martin.
One-on-One Tutoring - A tutor and student meet a a community location several times a week.
Small Group Tutoring - A tutor teaches a small group of students.
VITA offers ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for individuals with limited English-speaking skills so that they may improve their skills and participate fully in an English language speaking society. The ESL students are tutored one on one, in a conversation group or TOEFL study group and also attend the VITA computer lab to improve their English reading, writing and speaking skills.The ESL students enjoy their conversation classes and have achieved many successes. Several have passed their citizenship test, entrance exam for ULL and gained English skills that help with the quality of their everyday living. An ESL volunteer tutor does not need to know the student's native language to tutor English- the curriculum is structured to where teaching can begin as basic as learning the alphabet. Students in ESL programs range from adults who do not have good basic skills in their native languages to doctors, lawyers, and other professionals with advanced degrees from their native countries.
Many of today's employees lack basic skills in reading and writing. In today's technologically advanced society higher levels of basic skills are needed now more than ever before. VITA developed a workplace literacy program for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The program served as a model for statewide replication. The goal of workplace literacy is to close the gap between the employee's literacy level and those demanded by existing and anticipated occupational requirements. These programs are customized to the individual needs and desires of those in the workplace. Tutoring can be done on-site or after hours, using VITA tutors and materials related to workplace and/or general knowledge.
Tutor Training workshops are held approximately every six weeks to train tutors in literacy instructional methods and techniques.
Tutor In-service:
These sessions are offered several times a year to inform tutors of new teaching methods and materials. Topics have included: ESL, Bible literacy, Newspapers in Education and learning differences. Upcoming sessions will be posted.
This is an opportunity for students to enhance their resume' with teaching experience and community service. VITA has had interns from the Department of Child and Family studies and the Spanish Department who receive course credit for their work with VITA.
ULL students can become VITA tutors through the University of Louisiana at Lafayette work-study or AmeriCorps programs.
VITA has a computer lab for students to work on computer-based reading and language programs as a supplement to their tutoring sessions.
As a result of initial interviews, we have determined that one of the student's primary motivations in asking for reading assistance is to learn to read the Bible. In response to this need VITA has developed a network of churches to provide literacy services in their local communities.
WHAT CHURCHES CAN DO:
Jerri Caillier - President
Lou Montgomery - Secretary
Pat McCarty
Ann Robinson
Earl Alleman
Barbara Hansen
Barbara Kinchen -Vice President
John Hiatt
Gene Cole -Treasurer
Karen Kitson
Dr. Huey McCauley
Moses Morgan
Bill Bowers
Etta Brew
Melodi Marchiafava
Ken Villemarette
Jeff Ackermann
Mary Neiheisel
John Heberti