Tatiana Moskatova arrived in the U.S. six years ago. She did not speak a word of English. She could not read streets signs. Nor any of the labels in the grocery store.
Michael Lahoud came to the U.S. as a child from Sierra Leone. Likewise, he also was a stranger in a strange land.
Their paths would meet Wednesday night at the Delaware County Literacy Council.
Today Moskatova is a full-time employee at the Council, as a data entry clerk and receptionist.
Lahoud is a star player for the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer, who just happen to play their games not far away at PPL Park on the city’s waterfront.
Last night I joined them at the Council’s home on Providence Avenue to celebrate International Literacy Day.
Lahoud was the special guest of the council, and told those gathered of his journey from Sierra Leone that would eventually land him in Chester. The soccer star was surprised to meet several people from his homeland at the Literacy Council. That's one of their specialties, people arriving in the U.S. who have little or no English skills.
Moskatova and Lahoud are just two of the many success stories that were visible last night. The Council helps as many as 500 people every year with reading and writing skills, preparing them to enter the marketplace.
Last night we took our ‘Live From the Newsroom’ show to the Literacy Council as part of the celebration. It was a great night. If you missed the show you can catch the replay here.
I was joined by several of our DelcoTimes.com bloggers, including Mary Ann Fiebert, Tedman O’Hara, Keith Lockhart and Jodine Mayberry, and online editor Vince Carey.
My thanks to DCLC executive director Madeline Bialecki, as well as volunteer coordinator Susan Keller.
If you’ve ever thought about how you might be able to make a difference here in Delaware County, you should consider working with them as a tutor or volunteer.
As I said, they help 500 people every year. Unfortunately, they only have about 200 volunteers or tutors.
They need help. Every day they are proof that miracles happen.
Moskatova and Lahoud are proof of that.
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