CSRA councilwoman launches reading program

(WJBF) — A local councilwoman is launching a new program to help kids with reading. Grovetown Councilwoman Ceretta Smith was inspired after learning that 68% of fourth graders in Georgia aren’t reading proficiently. “I literally sat there with my mouth wide open,” she recalled. “Nationally it’s 70% of fourth graders are not reading and then hearing about the long-term impact.”

Smith, a lifelong reader, sees literacy as essential for education, the economy, and society. She believes lack of access to books in low-income families and adult literacy struggles contribute to the problem. “So maybe some of these same children that are struggling, they have parents that are struggling,” Smith said. “It’s just like a cycle that just keeps repeating itself. We’ve gotta figure out is is that a part of the disconnect.”

She has created a book series to teach kids about local government. The series includes titles like “Georgia Carolina Visits City Hall” and “Georgia Carolina Visits Our Hometown Heroes.” These books help children understand what local government officials do and how services work in their community. Smith encourages volunteers to read these books to children in schools, libraries, and community centers. “Go into the schools and read, join after-school programs, and read to the kids. Reading out loud helps their fluency. It inspires them and makes them want to read more. Plus, it’s fun!”

Meanwhile, Smith says Senate Bill 211 could help with reading. Signed by Governor Kemp, it establishes the Georgia Council on Literacy to improve reading programs and literacy rates across the state.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Ceretta Smith at cerettaforgeorgia@gmail.com .

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