The state has joined the National Institute for Literacy to launch a public awareness campaign to inspire a wave of activity surrounding adult literacy. Halifax Community College is the headquarters for free adult education services in Halifax County and in parts of Northampton County.

In North Carolina, basic skills/literacy services are provided through the 58 community colleges across the state. The classes are free of charge, and are offered in a variety of settings (campuses, churches, work sites, correctional facilities, etc.) and at convenient times. The Basic Skills programs provide educational opportunities for adults to improve their reading, writing, mathematics and communication skills. The program addresses the needs of adults who do not have a high school diploma or who lack sufficient mastery of basic education skills to enable them to function effectively in society.

North Carolina’s community colleges enroll adults in a full range of basic skills classes, from adult basic education through adult high school/GED. Seventeen thousand, four hundred forty-five adult North Carolinians earned an adult high school diploma or GED during the 1999-2000 program year.

North Carolina’s population ranks below the national average in skills levels, with 50% of the adult population performing at a "below adequate level." North Carolina ranks below the national average with skills levels equal to or less than those of adults in only ten other states. (Source: National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS) - Literacy in North Carolina, NC Literacy Resource Center, 1999)

Halifax County ranks even lower, according to figures noted in the same publication. According to a published estimate, 38% of the population in both Halifax and Northampton Counties ranks at level 1 - the lowest level of the literacy scale.

The study also links literacy to other social and educational characteristics. The greatest literacy needs appear in counties that are poor, rural, isolated and have the least available access to educational services.

Two recent intensive campaigns, sponsored by Halifax Community College and aimed at helping those who have recently lost jobs, were the special counseling and adult basic education opportunities offered to the victims of recent layoffs at WestPoint Stevens in Roanoke Rapids and Fulflex in Scotland Neck. Success stories have already surfaced from some of the January plant layoffs. Numerous victims of the layoffs have already successfully completed the requirements to earn a GED; many have found new employment opportunities as a result. More than 70 layoff victims were enrolled in the HCC Learning Lab, and many are currently enrolled in curriculum classes.

Halifax Community College addresses literacy needs in the Roanoke Valley through classes both at the Weldon campus and at other sites throughout the service area. Adults may improve their basic skills and complete GED diplomas in classes that are free, self-paced, and conveniently located. The most difficult task for typical students needing basic skills education is simply to get to the class. Transportation remains as a barrier for many. Once they enroll, success usually comes quickly.

Current basic skills classroom sites in and around Halifax County include:

• Weldon: HCC campus Learning Lab (Building 500); Weldon Community Ed. Center.
• Enfield: the HCC Enfield Center
• Garysburg: Town Hall
• Halifax: First Baptist church, and the Day Reporting Center;
• Hollister: Faith Baptist Church, Haliwa/Saponi Complex, White Rock Church
• Margarettsville: Mt. Zion Baptist Church
• Roanoke Rapids: London Baptist Church
• Scotland Neck: HCC Scotland Neck Center

According to recent surveys, the best way to recruit students for the literacy program is by word of mouth. Friends telling friends - even mothers encouraging former "drop-outs" to go back for another try at the education they may have left behind - these are the most frequent sources of referrals to the HCC Learning Center.

"We know that addressing adult literacy needs is the key to solving some of our community’s most urgent problems," said Mary Hutchinson, HCC director of literacy education programs.

Halifax Community College operates a full-time program at the Weldon campus. Professional instructors work Mondays through Fridays to provide one-on-one attention in basic skills for adult students. The classes are free; the hours are flexible; and many students have found that in only a short time, they can reach their goals. Students may enroll at any time and set their own schedules. One needs only to walk through the door for help.

The HCC Learning Lab is open on the Weldon campus from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at night, Mondays through Fridays, and on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Schedules are also set for other learning opportunities in nearby communities - Call 536-7235 or 536-7261 for times and any other information you may need.

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