Houston Republic

Houstonian adults who don't know how to read will now have the chance to learn. 

A partnership with the Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy (MOAL) and Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, the Houston Blueprint for Adult Literacy is aimed at improving the city's adult literacy rate and giving those adults a chance to seek better opportunities. It'll map out a plan for Houston to make sure more adults develop language and workforce skills.

Neil Bush, founder and co-chair of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, said his mother advocated for illiterate adults across the nation and believed they deserved a "second chance" to pursue the "American Dream." Bush said the foundation's Board of Directors was pleased to invest in the initiative and work with Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Houston Public Library, and other organizations that will help these adults "living in the shadows" achieve their full potential. 

Sylvester said one in three Houstonians is considered "functionally illiterate," which is why support from the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation will go a long way toward making positive changes in the lives of those who cannot read. 

"This public-private partnership will strengthen the capacity of our adult literacy provider network and our engagement with our city's functionally illiterate, empowering these citizens to contribute to their community, their families, and their livelihood," Turner said on the city's website.

MOAL Director Federico Salas-Isnardi said now's the time for both the public and private sectors to think of new ways to address literacy challenges. Salis-Isnardi also said Houston is the only major city in the country to have an office dedicated to addressing the issue.

"With that level of support, coupled with the Houston Adult Literacy Blueprint, literacy providers will be better positioned to implement creative solutions using digital technology to prepare adults for a better future," he said.