Eradicating Illiteracy

Something very special is happening at HISD Neff Early Learning Center in Sharpstown: the students are learning to read, reading to others, and teaching others to read! How is this happening?

 

Our "Eradicating Illiteracy" program was piloted in 2013. Principal Gerardo Leal and his staff, members from the Rotary Club of Sharpstown, Disney, ABC Channel 13's Vice-President at the time, Cynthia Cisneros, First Book Washington DC, Houston Team First Book's board members, many volunteers and other organizations were determined to make the pilot a success. The program has flourished and is now in its 10th year.    

 

Twice each year, 680+ pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and 1st grade students at Neff ELC receive brand new books from First Book and DISNEY through the Houston Team First Book Board. Some first grade students achieve reading at 2nd or 3rd grade level.  Each book recipient makes the promise to read every day and to teach others to read (see the promise students make every day at home and at school below this article).

 

Book distributions are filmed by students from the Jack Valenti School of Communication and University of Houston. Over the years, these "Eradicating Literacy" films have won 4 GOLD REMI Awards at the World/Fest International Film Festival Competition. DISNEY has been given permission to use "Eradicating Illiteracy" for its National Reading Campaign.

 

One Neff ELC student said: "I read when I get home because I am so excited. I am going to be the smartest kid in school". Another student stated, "I love my new books because I am going to be a heart doctor. I will fix people's hearts so they feel good. Then they will do good things."

 

Volunteers from Sharpstown Rotary obtain, sort and distribute the books at Neff ELC and Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Houston have joined in the "Eradicating Illiteracy" project. The program is so successful it has been adopted by other Rotary Clubs for additional Early Learning Centers. Donations are made to Houston Team First Book from Sharpstown Rotarians, individuals and other organizations.

 

 

In 2022, the Eradicating Literacy Program was expanded to include Neff Elementary School because reading levels were severely impacted by school disruptions caused by Covid.  The Rotary Club of Sharpstown and the Rotary Club of Houston joined forces to help support this urgent new effort.

 

First Book and DISNEY have donated brand new books to Neff ELC, Neff Elementary School and other schools serving students from low-income families,  children's hospitals, and from women's shelters in the Greater Houston area. The need is ongoing because families change schools during the school year and every year there is a large influx of new students.  YOU can help us to support and spread this successful program - please donate to: Team First Book Houston