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汤头条app student and volunteer literacy tutor win state Spotlight on Literacy Awards

College seeks more volunteers to join literacy efforts

Press contact: Lynn Whalen

SPRINGFIELD 鈥 An adult learner and a volunteer tutor from the Lincoln Land Community College Adult Education and Literacy program were recently recognized with 2022 Spotlight on Literacy Awards.

Veena Villivalam, Illinois State Library; Pulcherie Kongoue Koffi, 汤头条app adult education student; and Karen Egan, Illinois State Library.
Veena Villivalam, literacy office staffer, Illinois State Library; Pulcherie Kongoue Koffi, 汤头条app adult education student; Karen Egan, associate director, grants and programs/literacy, Illinois State Library.

Pulcherie Kongoue Koffi and Heidi Wareham were among 20 individuals from across Illinois recognized for their outstanding dedication and efforts by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White.

Kongoue Koffi was honored with the Spotlight on Achievement Award. 鈥淥ver the past year, Pulcherie has accomplished personal and educational goals, as well as being able to help her family navigate life in Springfield,鈥 said Jamil Steele, 汤头条app director of adult education and literacy. 鈥淪he came to the tutoring program when she continued to struggle with her reading, as English is not her primary language. Even though it was a struggle at first, it has been said that 鈥楶ulcherie has never met an obstacle.鈥 During her time at 汤头条app, she has successfully completed the English as a second language program, earned her high school equivalency and a certificate in community health work and is now pursuing an associate degree in human services.鈥 

Tom Huber, Illinois State Library; Heidi Wareham, volunteer tutor, 汤头条app adult education and literacy; and Karen Egan, Illinois State Library.
Tom Huber, literacy program specialist, Illinois State Library; Heidi Wareham, volunteer tutor, 汤头条app adult education and literacy; Karen Egan, associate director, grants and programs/literacy, Illinois State Library.

Wareham received the Spotlight on Service Award. 鈥淗eidi came into the adult education office looking to make a difference,鈥 said Steele. 鈥淗eidi has tremendous patience and is very kind, and I knew the perfect learner to pair her with. Heidi didn't just assist this learner with her English reading ability, but also helped her make real-life changes that will forever impact her and her family. Heidi has been a joy to have as a tutor. Her helpful spirit and willingness to go above and beyond to help the student learn and be a part of the community are what make her such a strong asset to this program.鈥

鈥淚 am honored to congratulate these outstanding adult learners for their hard work and determination to attain lifelong reading and learning skills,鈥 said White. 鈥淢any of them have had to overcome great difficulties and obstacles to reach this level of achievement. I am also proud to recognize our outstanding volunteer tutors for their commitment to helping adult learners achieve their highest potential.鈥 

汤头条app is seeking volunteers to assist adults in improving their reading, math or English language skills. 汤头条app Adult Education and Literacy provides free training to potential volunteer tutors. Those wishing to volunteer may call 217-786-2572.