Book Buddies - Soroptimist International of Hanford

Imagine for a moment that the words on this page are meaningless marks that are incomprehensible to you. Imagine being at a bus stop and not being able to read the schedule. Imagine not being able to read a contract when you purchase a car. Think about how reading is the gateway to virtually all information in our society. Think about how your ability to read affects your employment, your financial decisions, and your leisure time.

Literacy Statistics
50% of those who are unemployed in America are functionally illiterate. (U.S. Dept. of Labor)

The average kindergarten student has already seen more than 5000 hours of TV. That is more time than is needed to earn a bachelor's degree.

27% of army soldiers can't read the training manuals which are written at a 7th grade reading level.

One study (Laubach Literacy Action Council) of 21-25 year olds found:

73% could not understand a newspaper story.
63% could not follow written map directions.
23% could not locate the gross pay to date, on their check stub.

Book Buddies exposes children to the joy of reading at an early age and works to engage them in the process of reading. Soroptimist International of Hanford is proud to help in this important and vital program.