The Basic Literacy Program provides instruction to adults who need to develop their basic reading and writing skills. This is the only region-wide program specially designed to work with adults who read below the fifth grade level. Upon completion of the program, students have a firm base of literacy skills with which to pursue further educational goals. Students currently enrolled in this program represent over 40 different countries from all regions of the world.
Instructors teach each class with help from volunteer class aides.
Each learning center is equipped with eight computers and a variety of educational software. Each Center also offers open computer lab hours five days a week. There are a variety of computer programs available for students to practice their reading, writing, listening, and English-speaking skills. The Council also offers beginning-level ESL classes in Springfield, Culmore, and Arlington. In partnership with Fairfax County Head Start, this project provides a supportive environment in which families can work together to improve the skills and educational level of parents and children while promoting enthusiasm for learning in the home.