NORWICH – Far too many people in Chenango County struggle with the basic reading, writing and math skills which many take for granted, according to a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing tutoring to those individuals seeking to improve their literacy skills.

Literacy Volunteers of Chenango County is seeking additional volunteers to meet the need they see in the community.

This month, LVCC will be offering a 14-hour tutor training workshop for those interested in becoming literacy volunteers. According to LVCC Tutor-Student Coordinator Kelly Sines, no prior knowledge or experience is necessary to become a tutor. All it takes is the desire to help others reach their literacy goals, patience, completion of the tutor training and a minimal time commitment.

According to Sines, literacy is more of an issue in Chenango County than many people realize. The statistics indicate that as many as 14 percent of adults in this area are functionally illiterate, which means they read at or below a fourth grade level. One fifth of the local adult population lacks a high school diploma or the equivalent. An even higher number, 42 percent, struggle with basic reading, writing and math skills. Many, she reported, have difficulty reading a classified ad, filling out a job application, communicating with a child’s teacher, reading the directions on a medicine bottle or even a bedtime story.