Teton Valley's Rotary to Support Local Literacy Group

Approached by one of the group’s leaders, Tanya Anderson, the club took interest in the project because of the common interest in literacy. Wayne Maness, current Rotary of Teton Valley President, said “When we considered how we could best support this effort, it seemed natural to fund books and help promote literacy in our community.” Rotary clubs serve communities around the world through service projects focused on peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development. “Our club members are also considering helping out through volunteerism in the future, much as we did with the startup of the food bank,” said Maness.

The yet-to-be-named non-profit initially began as a grassroots group, led by Teton Valley court interpreter Juanita Flores, providing legal information and interpretation for Spanish speakers. Anderson joined the effort because she saw the need and desire for adult education. The group currently offers weekly English as a Second Language classes, weekly math classes, and assistance to those interested in pursuing their GED. The GED program is in Jackson, but the classes in Driggs mean students spend a lot less time commuting, making it more convenient to pursue education. Demand is growing quickly with 32 people attending a recent math class. To effectively teach these subjects, the fledgling group needs funding for educational supplies - books and materials. Anderson said their goal “is to ensure that all people in Teton Valley, particularly the underserved Latino population, are provided with the practical skills they need to function and thrive in our community.”

The 2010 US Census states that 17.2% of the population of Teton County, Idaho, is Hispanic or Latino. Some people estimate that the Latino population is much higher. Many of these families speak Spanish in the home. Despite the large Latino population, in the summer of 2012 there were no identifiable groups serving their needs.

“It has helped residents get the information they need, and has also strengthened the sense of community among Latinos in Teton Valley,” stated Anderson.

Rotary International is an organization 1.2 million members strong, all dedicated to Service Above Self. In more than 34,000 clubs worldwide, members volunteer in communities at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio. Teton Valley’s Rotary club has organized such efforts as the Food Bank, Winter Coat Drive, Paint the Tetons, Student of the Month and annual High School Scholarships, International Youth Exchange, dictionaries to schools, and a clean water project in Cambodia — to name a few. 

Visitors are welcome to attend lunch Wednesdays at noon at the Senior Center in Driggs. More information can also be found online at TetonValleyRotary.com.