WADDINGTON -- Literacy of Northern NY volunteers can make a real difference in the life of St. Lawrence County adults, and can start with their commitment by training in Waddington starting Sept. 21.

The free training prepares tutors for adults who can use help with basic reading, writing, math or speaking English. An adult who has difficulty in any of these skill areas faces obstacles to doing many of the things we must do in daily life – things like getting and keeping a job, reading and understanding information about nutrition, health, safety, child care, community services, consumer know-how and many other critical areas. Their children may suffer due to their parent’s poor literacy level, and the cycle just continues.

To help someone improve their literacy skills, call 265-0194 to enroll in the training, which will be held on five consecutive Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting Sept. 21 at the Waddington Library.

There are many students awaiting help from a trained tutor, and far too few tutors available. All areas of the county are served by this program, and tutors are needed everywhere.

The training provides the opportunity to practice instructional techniques that have been proven to be effective, so when training is complete, tutors are ready to work with someone and really help make positive changes in their lives.

Tutors usually meet their students twice a week for about an hour or an hour and a half at a time. The sessions are held in a public place such as a library.

To register online, email the St. Lawrence County Literacy of Northern NY office at lvastlaw@hotmail.com. Indicate that you’d like to attend the training, and supply your name, phone number and address, and ask any questions you have. You may also visit www.proliteracynny.org/ and learn more about the programs.