Today, millions of people across the globe are celebrating literacy in recognition of “International Literacy Day” as declared by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

It’s a day the organization uses to remind the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally.

According to UNESCO, despite many and varied efforts, literacy remains an elusive target. “Some 776 million adults lack minimum literacy skills, which means that one in five adults is still not literate,” the agency stated.

Here in Jones County, 30 percent of the estimated 64,958 county residents (according to the U.S. Census) can be classified as “not literate.” That means about 19,487 Jones County residents fall into this category.

According to Mary Jo Blackledge, adult and community education director at the Pine Belt Education Center, they are “Level One” readers, meaning they cannot read well enough to function on a job.

“The more affluent counties in the state have similar numbers,” added Blackledge. “The rural counties tend to have a much higher illiteracy rate.”

Blackledge contends that anyone who reads may know someone who cannot read. Non-readers are some of the best actors in the world, said Blackledge. “If asked to read something, they may have conveniently forgotten their glass or something else,” she explained. “It’s very painful for them to admit they can’t read.

“It’s not only high school drop-outs that can’t read,” continued Blackledge. “Some have completed high school and still can’t read.”

One of them is 29-year-old Harold Cooley. A native of New Orleans, said he graduated from high school at age 18.

“They just passed me,” he said. “I got a diploma and everything. Knowing that I couldn’t read made me sad and mad. I didn’t know what to do or where to go.”

Last year, while walking in Sawmill Square Mall, Cooley spotted Blackledge who was there promoting literacy and reading classes held at Pine Belt Education Center. She asked Cooley if he knew somebody who couldn’t read and the rest is history.

“I came here and have been here since,” said Cooley, who now resides in Laurel. “They have helped me a lot. I can read things that I never could read before.

“I have a four-year-old son and I wanted to be able to read for him,” Cooley said as a broad smile formed on his face. “I want him to know that he can learn from his dad. I’m feeling real good now.”

So is 47-year-old Sonea Robinson of Raleigh. Robinson, who stopped attending school and returned twice, before finally calling it quits in the sixth grade, said she now finds joy in learning and reading.

“I was in special education classes, and we did a lot of playing games and things like that, instead of learning,” she said. “I always wanted to read, but never could.

“Since I couldn’t read, I had to get other people to read my mail to me and I got tired of that,” Robinson added. “This class has really helped me. I’m now reading just about all of my mail myself.”

Robinson, who admits that she has been attending reading classes “off and on for a long time” couldn’t say how long she will continue her classes. She did say that now she knows she can learn to read and make a better life for herself.

It’s a lesson learned by 54-year-old Daniel Lightsey of Bay Springs, as well. Lightsey, who dropped out of high school in the 10th grade and joined the military a year later, said he was a “very poor reader” before he started attending reading classes.

“I was reading at about a second grade reading level,” he said. “I didn’t know how to break words down to say them. I never did read a book.

“I just looked at the pictures and made me up a story,” Lightsey added. “Or I could hear you talk about things that were in a book and I could quote the book like I read it.”

Lightsey, who spent 19 years in the military, has attended classed at Pine Belt for four years. Now, he can proudly say he has learned to read and break words down into syllables.

“I have read three books,” he said. “It’s great because when you just look at the pictures in books, you imagine what happens. If you can read a book, you know what happens. You don’t have to guess.”

Lightsey said he plans to continue classes at Pine Belt. His ultimate goal is to receive his Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED), which he can obtain through the center’s GED program. While the reading program is offered at no cost, students have to pay $40 to take the GED test. However, GED classes are also free. Classes are offered to those 18 years and older.

Blackledge said a number of students start out in the reading program and go on to pursue their GED. R. C. Bolton and Leona Dean plan to be in that number.

Bolton, 61, of Soso was in and out of school while growing up as the son of sharecroppers. He had to work and help his family, so when harvesting time came, that meant no school.

“I have always wanted to improve my reading and get my GED,” he said. “I’ve been coming to the reading program off and on for at least four years. If it’s the Lord’s will, I’m going to be here until I get my GED. It’s always a good thing to increase your knowledge.”

Dean, a 60-year-old Laurel resident, said she has attended the reading program for about a year. The improvement she’s seen in her reading has motivated her to further her education.

“It will help me in the long-run,” said Dean, who is an evangelist. “I wanted to learn to read better so I can do better at ministering to people.”

All of these students say they are grateful for Pine Belt, especially for their teacher, Pat Boykin. They say that she is a great teacher and they couldn’t made it this far without her.

“I have great students,” said Boykin. “They are very committed and I will be here to teach them for as long as they continue to come.”

For information about reading or GED classes at Pine Belt Learning Center, call (601) 649-4141.