Fayette County's literacy programs

provide tutorials for young students, language classes for non-English

speaking newcomers and residents, as well as Graduation Equivalency Degree

classes for young men and women.

The program's success and growth rate has been so strong that Fayette

is the only metro Atlanta county, outside Spalding, that employs two full-time

literacy teachers.

Students, coordinators and teachers recently gathered at the Gazebo on

Shakerag Knoll in Peachtree City to recognize their achievements and spread

the word about the local literacy program offerings.

According to Mary Ann Oakney, Griffin Technical College's literacy coordinator

for Griffin Technical College's six-county service area, the growth of

multinational industries in Peachtree City such as Wilden and Hoshizaki

America has fueled the need for more English language classes. "We're

getting more calls from

industries asking for help," Oakney said.

Enrollment in GED classes also is up over past years with an estimated

60 students earning the certificate as of July 1.

Volunteer Debbie Relyea recalled how fulfilling it was to see her student,

a native of China, pass her GED exam. "But the biggest joy is having

a new friend," she added.

Peachtree City currently has the largest language program, which provides

English language classes at two sites: the Gazebo and the First Baptist

Church.

Peter Volin, who works with Oakney, said there are currently 89 students

enrolled with a growing waiting list. The latest demographics break out

to show 29 percent of the students are Japanese, 41 percent are Hispanic

and 30 percent are from other countries.

Aside from all the positives, Volin said the biggest problem is "letting

everybody know we're here." The recent celebration of literacy week

allowed those involved to spread the word in English.