This Sol del Valle article has been translated for English readers.
Literacy Outreach has established itself as a key organization in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys, offering programs in English language learning, civic education, computer skills and literacy development for English speakers.
The organization brings together volunteers who provide free, personalized English classes, both in-
person and online. Its students, mostly young and adult migrants over the age of 17, receive support tailored to their individual needs, facilitating their integration and expanding their opportunities.
William Rosas García, volunteer and marketing director at Literacy Outreach, explained to Sol del Valle that English instruction is grounded in a principle of equity.
“We seek to equalize access to educational and job opportunities, reducing the gap created by language barriers,” he said.
Rosas also highlighted that the organization offers literacy classes for native English speakers, a service that reinforces its inclusive mission.
Another key focus is civic literacy, aimed at preparing students for citizenship and providing information about rights, especially in situations related to immigration. Likewise, computer literacy plays a central role. In a digitalized world, having basic technological skills is essential.
“A large percentage of the migrant population and rural English speakers lack these skills,” added Rosas.
Under the direction of Martha Fredendall, the organization has incorporated an experiential teaching approach, including hands-on workshops and field trips to practice vocabulary, build meaningful connections and strengthen community cohesion.
“Change does not happen fast when you are learning a language, but each word by word the changes happen, miracles happen,” Fredendall said, referring to the organization’s motto: “Changing lives one word at a time.”
Fredendall has witnessed the impact of Literacy Outreach firsthand.
“In the 30 years I have been here, I have seen how it not only makes a difference for them, but for entire families:
in their stability and in their ability to move up the job scale,” she said.
Currently, Literacy Outreach is calling on the community to consider making a donation, and, even more importantly, to donate their time as volunteers. The organization currently has 116 students waiting to be matched with a volunteer tutor.
For more information about their programs or to participate as a student or volunteer, visit www.literacyoutreach.org