Manatee Literacy Council learner waits for a tutor

Judith Charari is a big fan of the Manatee Literacy Council. She put her daughters into the program after the Chararis left Colombia in 2004 for reasons of family and safety. Judith Charari didn’t have time for English lessons herself back then. She and her husband, Ciro, were raising their daughters and working to pay for their college education.

The Charari children are Manatee Literacy Council success stories. Daughter Sandra, a graphic designer, worked with a Manatee Literacy Council tutor for five years. She graduated from Manatee High School and the University of South Florida and became a U.S. citizen in 2018. Daughter Tania, in the hospitality industry, worked with a Literacy Council tutor for three years. She graduated from Manatee High and USF. Daughter Diana graduated from college in Colombia. She works in the food service industry and meets weekly with her Literacy Council tutor.

The Manatee Literacy Council helps non-English speaking adults by training volunteers to become certified tutors. The tutors are matched with learners for one-on-one weekly sessions.

Judith Charari says, “I need to understand my grandchildren. I want to become a citizen. I need a tutor.” She will have to wait. Judith is one of 69 Manatee learners in need of a tutor.

“We are constantly looking for tutors,” said Lillian Santiago-Bauza, Manatee Literacy Council executive director. “Volunteers do not need experience in teaching or a foreign language to help us.”

To raise awareness and funds, the nonprofit is holding Flavors of Literacy on Nov. 2. The 6:30 p.m. event will include ethnic food, live music, a silent auction and more, at Pirate City in Bradenton. The chef for the Pittsburgh Pirates training facility will prepare a feast from recipes submitted by learners. Flavors of Literacy is $75 per person. For information, call 941-746-8197, manatee-literacy.org, or make reservations at admin@manatee-literacy.org.

— Submitted by Chris Kotchi

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