Americorps Volunteers Work to Spread Literacy and Education to African Children

Often referred to as a domestic version of the Peace Corps, Americorps is a volunteer-based opportunity whose mission to make a big difference in the lives of those around by helping to solve community problems and improve lives. Led by Marcia Brown, an Atlanta group of mostly new Americorps volunteers got their first taste of Books For Africa on August 9 and 10, 2011. Although Americorps focuses mainly on the immediate community, Ms. Brown felt that her charges would benefit by stepping outside of their local box and having their eyes opened to the book famine in Africa.

This group is designated to be one of the education-based “Learn and Serve” divisions which partner with Atlanta Public Schools to provide one-on-one tutoring. These adults of all ages and backgrounds came to volunteer in two groups of 40 energetic members and were very interested in helping to spreading literacy and education to African children. Ms. Brown said that her goal was helping her group see the big picture of how literacy can be a bridge out of poverty.