Reading is Fundamental (RIF)
RIF prepares and motivates children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them the most. ETSU's Migrant Education Program- RIF motivates migrant children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial activity.
2009 RIF event . . .
The Language and Culture Resource Center, in collaboration with the national literacy organization Reading is Fundamental and the Tennessee Migrant Education Program, hosted their annual Hispanic Family Literacy Event, also called “RIF Night”, on Monday, October 5, 2009. This year, Cherokee Elementary School in Johnson City, TN became a new partner and hosted this event in the school’s cafeteria and theatre. Hispanic, migrant, and/or English Language Learning students and families from Johnson City and Erwin-area schools were invited to attend the evening, which included an information session, free book distribution, dinner and entertainment.
The purpose of the yearly event is to promote family literacy within the Hispanic Community. The language barrier and lack of education are two obstacles that contribute to socioeconomic disparity between the Hispanic community and the majority community in East Tennessee. The promotion of literacy is an important way to empower individuals in the Hispanic Community and help them become better equipped to overcome these challenges. A primary goal of every RIF Night is to educate attendees about the bilingual community resources available to them and to provide tips and strategies for incorporating family reading into daily life.
2008 RIF event . . .
November, 2008 ETSU Accent article "Americorps*VISTA members help Language and Culture Resource Center" (page 3)
http://www.etsu.edu/univrel/accent/ac081121.pdf
