Celebrating Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week, Philadelphia’s Chief Education Officer Dr. Debora Carrera greeted students and teachers at a special reception at City Hall on Monday. She thanked Adult Education teachers for their dedication and hailed adult learners for their achievements.
“When the Mayor talks about education and opportunities for all, our adult education programs are exactly what we’re talking about,” said Dr. Carrera. “Adult education helps residents compete for better jobs and improve their quality of life. It also answers the call of the marketplace to bridge the gap between employers and workers.”
The event was the first opportunity for many guests to meet in person the City’s Adult Education team, who hosted the event. The team also received a welcome reminder of the broad impact of their behind-the-scenes work.
Reception guests heard inspiring testimonies from students about their experiences and challenges.
Adult Student Shares Her Story
Born in Center City and raised by her grandmother, Lauren Jardine spoke about how her grandmother, who owned a business, always talked about the importance of financial independence and education. Though an honor roll student, when she realized she could earn enough on the street to be independent, she dropped out of school as a sophomore.
She explained how she enrolled five times to earn her GED, urged by her grandmother every time. Her efforts kept getting derailed by crises, including incarceration, substance use, and being a victim of gun violence.
A few weeks ago, her grandmother passed away.
“Now, more than ever, I’m sincere and dedicated to earning my GED, for both her and me, so one day soon I can start my own business,” said Lauren. “While past obstacles and experiences may have hindered me in ways, they didn’t cripple me. I’m still fighting for the things I want and deserve.”
Careerlink introduced her to Beyond Literacy, Philadelphia’s largest literacy organization, who provided her with a free laptop and hotspot. Now she can take her twice-a-week morning classes before clocking into her full time job.
Adult Education Programs Funded by the City:
The City of Philadelphia funds adult education to help Philadelphians achieve their potential to spur economic growth, reduce inequality, and foster social inclusion. These programs include:
- Adult Basic Education
- English for Speakers of Other Languages
- High School Equivalency Preparation
- and Digital Literacy
Residents interested in finding out more about available programs and enrolment can contact the CareerLink hotline at (833) 750-5627 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. when a Career Navigator can answer. Free live translation services are available.
