We invite you to meet Sajitha, our featured student this month in our “Learner Spotlight”.  Featured adult learners represent the Literacy Council’s programs, including authors from Reflections: Voices of English Learners, the Literacy Council’s literary magazine, as well as adult learners in other programs. Sajitha contributed her story to the eighth edition.

My name is Sajitha J., and I am from Sri Lanka. I arrived in the United States about 11 years ago. I used to be a teacher for middle and high school students back in Sri Lanka. Currently, I am self-employed. I love baking, doing outdoor activities, reading books, and doing volunteer work. I heard about the Literacy Council from the Walkersville Library. I attended a high beginner English language class. Then I attended intermediate classes, including writing and conversation classes via Zoom and was able to improve my English knowledge.

We hope you enjoy Sajitha’s written works: “Buddhism For a Good Life” and “The Happiest Moment of My Life”. View all of our students’ stories on our Reflections: Voices of English Learners web page. Below is an excerpt from one of Sajitha’s articles.

“Buddhism For a Good Life”

Once Lord Buddha said, “Peace comes from within” and “The mind is everything.”
As a Buddhist, I always try to do good things. If my mind is not good, everything is not going to be good. So, I think most of my personality builds from my religion. When I was a little one, I started going to temple and to see the monks to get advice from them. Everything they said helped me to shape my life in a good way.
If you know a Buddhist person, you know they must follow precepts every day in their lives. There are five for lay people. In Buddhism, lay people are Buddhists who live a secular life while practicing their faith. They are also known as householder-practitioners.

Read the rest of Sajitha’s story and other work, “The Happiest Moment of My Life”, in our 8th edition of Reflections.

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The $36,000 grant will address the growing need in Frederick County for programs that foster self-sufficiency through literacy and life skills.   

Frederick, MD [June 11, 2026] — The Literacy Council of Frederick County (Literacy Council) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $36,000 grant through the 2026 Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County grant cycle. The funding will support the Literacy Council’s 2026–2027 initiative, “Expanding Literacy and Life Skills for Women.” 

This year-long program will expand access to tutoring, community-based classes, parent literacy programming, and new life skills and workforce readiness workshops. The initiative is designed to help women in Frederick County facing barriers to self-sufficiency build the English language and practical skills needed to succeed at home, at work, and in the community. 

Low literacy remains a significant challenge in Frederick County and across the nation. In Frederick, according to Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies: State and County Estimates of Adult Skills data, 14% of adults score at or below Level 1 literacy, putting them at risk of difficulty understanding basic printed materials, while 16% report speaking English not well or not at all. The nationwide impact extends far beyond the individual, with the National Council for Adult Learning suggesting at least $225 billion in lost productivity, increased crime, and reduced tax revenue due to low literacy. Together, these barriers limit economic mobility, strain community resources, and prevent individuals and families from reaching their full potential. 

“Literacy is more than reading and writing. It is a pathway to opportunity, stability, and connection,” said Literacy Council Executive Director Denise Hill. “We are honored to be among this year’s grantees working to improve lives and create a brighter future for our neighbors and families in Frederick.” 

Advancing parent literacy is a well-researched driver of stronger, long-term economic and employment outcomes for families. The National Institutes of Health also found that a mother’s reading ability is the strongest predictor of her children’s future academic success, surpassing factors like neighborhood and family income. 

The 2026 Women’s Giving Circle grant cycle focused on four critical areas affecting women’s self-sufficiency: health, education, housing, and transportation. The Literacy Council’s grant was among $290,000 in total funding awarded to 11 organizations in Frederick County. More information about the 2026 grants can be found at www.frederickwgc.org.  

About the Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County 

The Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County is a collective giving organization that funds local nonprofit programs empowering women to achieve self-sufficiency. Through member and donor contributions and strategic grantmaking, the organization works to improve the quality of life for women throughout Frederick County.

About the Literacy Council of Frederick County 

Founded in 1963, the Literacy Council provides Frederick County adults with pathways to essential literacy skills. We empower adults with the tools they need to thrive, from English language learning and workplace communication to reading, digital literacy, and everyday life skills. 

Through one-on-one tutoring, ESL classes, workplace English programs, Learning Labs, and practical workshops, we help adults build confidence, strengthen families, and open doors to better jobs and fuller participation in community life. When adults gain these skills, the entire community grows stronger. The Literacy Council has served over 12,000 students to date.

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The Literacy Council of Frederick County is proud to celebrate three of our students, who have each been awarded the Second Chance Scholarship through the Community Foundation of Frederick County. 

This scholarship, supported by The Mary Alice and R. David Stup Scholarship Fund, was established to uplift individuals who have faced past challenges or experiences of harm and are seeking a fresh start. With a focus on hope, resilience, and future success, the scholarship provides recipients with the opportunity to pursue education and career advancement. 

We are especially proud to share that all three students nominated by the Literacy Council received the full amount they requested, a powerful testament to their dedication, perseverance, and potential. 

Meet the Recipients 

Steefanny

Originally from Venezuela, Steefanny brings with her an educational background in Bioanalysis, earned in her home country. Determined to build on that foundation, she plans to continue her studies and pursue a career in the laboratory and healthcare fields. This scholarship will help her take the next steps toward reestablishing her professional path here in the United States. 

Jean 

Jean has demonstrated a deep commitment to his growth, consistently participating in learning opportunities at the Literacy Council. Beyond the classroom, he gives back by volunteering at his church, showing leadership and compassion within his community. With the support of this scholarship, Jean will pursue training in diesel technician work, opening doors to a rewarding career that is his passion. 

Maria  

A dedicated participant in the Literacy Council’s conversation classes, Maria is a mother of two who is working hard to strengthen her English skills. Her determination to improve communication for herself and her family is inspiring. This scholarship will allow her to continue her English language learning journey, empowering her to better navigate opportunities in her daily life and future. 

These three students exemplify the mission of the Second Chance Scholarship, turning perseverance into possibility and challenges into new beginnings. They will be among the many individuals recognized at our upcoming Celebration of Achievements, where we honor the hard work and accomplishments of our students. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this inspiring event. By becoming a sponsor, you help ensure that more individuals like Steefanny, Jean, and Maria have access to life-changing educational opportunities. Contact us at info@frederickliteracy.org for more information. 

Looking for more ways to get involved? The Literacy Council offers programs designed to help adult learners become more successful, productive and involved members of our community, including classes, workshops, tutoring programs, and more. Our programs are powered by volunteer tutors who give just 1–2 hours a week to help change lives. Become a student, volunteer, or supporter today at FrederickLiteracy.org.

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When did you first start volunteering with The Literacy Council of Frederick County and what made you decide to do so?

I started back in 20II. Although I worked with a basic literacy student at that time, I changed to working with ESL students in 20I3. I had taught ESL Writing at the College level in Urban College, Boston and found it a very rewarding experience and wanted to work with ESL students again. I started with tutoring ESL students and then as a facilitator for a Student Led Conversation Class.

What kind of volunteering do you do with us? Please describe a meaningful experience that you have had while volunteering.

In addition to working as an ESL coordinator, I also teach the writing classes here and the Student Led Conversation Class. I’m the founding co-editor of Reflections: Voices of English Learners.

Before Covid, my student-led class would serve meals at each session. We met for about 2 hours in person. It was fabulous realizing that we share more similarities with people from different parts of the world than differences, especially where food is concerned. It brought us all together. One student said that if she hadn’t learned English, she wouldn’t have been able to make such good friends from people around the world. Friendship building is a great motivator.

What is something that you have learned as a volunteer for the Literacy Council that you would like to share with our volunteer community?

The Literacy Council is a real community for our students. They come to class yes to gain English skills for work, and other forms of literacy like math and digital literacy, but many return because they want to see their friends. It is a safe place to tell their stories and to gain skills to make their lives better. I would recommend that teachers build a relationship with their students first because that bond is the basis for all the learning that comes later. I found that listening is the biggest technique for teaching ESL students. Get them talking and then listen to what they have to say. Give them time to formulate their thoughts.

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering with us?

I enjoy gardening and swimming in the summer, and reading and writing on rainy days and during the winter. I am learning to knit and to play the Irish Whistle. I also enjoy dinners with my family and meeting friends for lunch.

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We invite you to meet Aruna, our featured student this month in our “Learner Spotlight”.  Featured adult learners represent the Literacy Council’s programs, including authors from Reflections: Voices of English Learners, the Literacy Council’s literary magazine, as well as adult learners in other programs. Aruna contributed her story to the eighth edition.

My name is Aruna K. I come from Narasaraopet, India. I have been living here in Frederick since 2019. I have had a wonderful experience with the Literacy Council. It is helping me learn English better. The Council provided very good teachers for me. One teacher is Erin R., who helped me apply for a special tutor. Her name is Sarah L. She is helping me speak and write English. They are very caring to me and help me improve. My hobbies are painting, reading, cooking, and traveling. My goal is to speak better and to get a job. I earned an MBA in India, and I would like to enroll in Frederick Community College.

We hope you enjoy Aruna’s written work, “How I Learned to Paint”. View all of our students’ stories on our Reflections: Voices of English Learners web page. Below is an excerpt of Aruna’s article.

“How I Learned to Paint”

When I was a child, my grandfather, Veera, was an architect. My grandfather knew a lot about painting. He made sculptures by carving wood and rock. He made very beautiful sculptures. He drew plans for the temple in the village. I got interested in art because of my grandfather. He taught me how to do artwork. When he carved the wood, then I would paint it. Day by day, I developed an interest in painting.

My dad observed that I had an interest in painting. He connected me to a painting teacher. She taught me how to paint on fabric. I was 18 years old when I learned. She gave me suggestions during the painting class. After that, I began a business in fabric paint. I was painting on fabric to sell them. I earned a lot of money in my country.

My family, my father, Purnachandrachari, and my mother, Dhanalakshmi, felt very proud to sell the paint art. I gave my father the money I earned. He said, “My daughter is earning money at 18 years old.” I learned multiple ways of painting such as hand painting, acrylic painting, water painting, glass painting, embossed painting, and sand painting. I learned hand painting with a brush and fabric.

Read the rest of Aruna’s story and more student stories in our 8th edition of Reflections.

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When did you first start volunteering with The Literacy Council of Frederick County and what made you decide to do so?

I began volunteering with the Literacy Council in 2025. As a technology professional, I understand that literacy — both traditional and digital — is the absolute foundation of opportunity. I wanted to use my time to empower our residents, helping them break down barriers so they can confidently pursue their own goals in the community.

What kind of volunteering do you do with us? Please describe a meaningful experience that you have had while volunteering. 

I volunteer by designing digital literacy curricula and teaching essential technology classes to help our community members bridge the digital divide. One of my most meaningful experiences was mentoring an adult learner who was initially intimidated by computers and guiding them through the fundamentals of safely navigating technology stack. Watching their frustration transform into sheer pride when they successfully completed their email configuration independently was an incredibly rewarding moment that highlighted the true impact of technological empowerment.

What is something that you have learned as a volunteer for the Literacy Council that you would like to share with our volunteer community?

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering with us? 

By day, I work as the Lead of Collaboration Engineering for the City of Baltimore, managing enterprise cloud architecture. Outside of tech, I serve as a volunteer firefighter with the New Market District Volunteer Fire Company. When I’m not working or volunteering, I enjoy writing technology articles on my blog Kbitra.Substack.com and spending time exploring local state parks with my wife and daughter.

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We invite you to meet Ruby, our featured student this month in our “Learner Spotlight”.  Featured adult learners represent the Literacy Council’s programs, including authors from Reflections: Voices of English Learners, the Literacy Council’s literary magazine, as well as adult learners in other programs. Ruby contributed her stories to the eighth edition.

As a former academic manager at Peak Point Academy, I have a solid background in media and education. I trained over 2,600 students and created job opportunities for young people in Myanmar. I am also a prolific writer and a co-founder of Ka Laung Pyan Publication. I was a participant in the 2017 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Fellowship, a scholarship program from the U.S. Department of State for Asian youth leaders to study at top universities in the United States. After actively participating in the 2021 Myanmar Spring Revolution, I happened to relocate to the United States. I have since served as a global affairs technician at the University of Connecticut and earned a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Drexel University. I am currently pursuing a career as a data analyst. As part of this career transition and my new life in the United States, I am actively engaging with the Literacy Council of Frederick County. My experience there has been invaluable. I joined the Literacy Council of Frederick County’s speaking and writing classes in 2024. This experience not only supports my professional growth but also connects me with my new community.

We hope you enjoy Ruby’s written works, “The Roads of My Journey”, “Roads I Call Home”, and “The Unexpected Joy of Giving and Receiving”. View all of our students’ stories on our Reflections: Voices of English Learners web page. Below is Ruby’s poem, “Roads I Call Home”.

“Roads I Call Home”

Black ribbons on green, a winding way,
Through hills and valleys, where secrets lay.
Each curve a glimpse, a story told,
Of fields of gold, and forests old.
The scent of bloom, the whisper of time,
A rural heart, in every climb.
So, drive along, and let your soul,
Find peace and place, and make you whole.

Read the rest of Ruby’s stories and more student stories in our 8th edition of Reflections.

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When did you first start volunteering with The Literacy Council of Frederick County and what made you decide to do so?

I began volunteering last year, but my connection with the Literacy Council started earlier when I participated in several of its programs as a student. The support I received, including working with a personal coach who continues helping me advance my English skills, had a meaningful impact on my life. After experiencing that growth, I felt motivated to give back. That’s why I decided to volunteer and support others on their language journey.

What kind of volunteering do you do with us? Please describe a meaningful experience that you have had while volunteering.

I support the Workplace Program by providing translation assistance during introductory sessions. Because I was once a student myself, I understand how important it is to clearly understand expectations. A meaningful moment for me has been helping participants feel confident and ready to start the program. Seeing their understanding and relief grow reminds me of my own journey and why this work matters.

What is something you have learned as a volunteer for the Literacy Council that you would like to share with our volunteer community?

I’ve learned how powerful it can be to bridge language gaps. Coming from student experience, I’ve seen how even small efforts, clarifying information, offering support, creating a welcoming space can empower someone to move forward. Volunteering has reinforced how important connection, patience, and inclusion are for building a stronger community.

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering with us?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, studying for my MBA, and cooking.

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We invite you to meet Bunkong, our featured student this month in our “Learner Spotlight”.  Featured adult learners represent the Literacy Council’s programs, including authors from Reflections: Voices of English Learners, the Literacy Council’s literary magazine, as well as adult learners in other programs. Bunkong contributed her story to the eighth edition.

My name is Bunkong, and I am originally from Thailand. When I first arrived in the United States, I could hardly speak English and felt very nervous about talking to people around me. One day, a friend took me to the Literacy Council in downtown Frederick, where I began attending English classes. Learning a new language was not easy, especially for me. I took many classes and worked hard to improve. Over time, I began to understand and slowly I gained confidence. Today, I can speak, read, and write in English. It is not perfect yet, but I am very happy with how far I have come. Now I can talk with my neighbors, make appointments with doctors, and do many things I could not do before. I am proud of my progress, and I want to continue learning and improving my English skills. Lastly, I want to thank all my teachers at the Literacy Council. I am deeply grateful for their support, patience, and encouragement. They helped me find my voice, and I will always appreciate everything they have done for me.

We hope you enjoy Bunkong’s written works, “My Heaven” and “Education’s Power”. View all of our students’ stories on our Reflections: Voices of English Learners web page. Below is one of Bunkong’s articles.

“Education’s Power”

I grew up in a small village in Thailand called Nam Yuen, where farming was the way of life.

My family and the community planted corn, beans, and other crops twice a year, depending on the rain to keep them growing. Some years there just wasn’t enough rain, and when that happened, the crops struggled, and people had a tough time making a living.

Education was limited. Back then, Nam Yuen had only one primary school, so higher education wasn’t really an option for most people, including my family and me.

Meanwhile, my auntie’s family lived in a big city, where schools and universities were everywhere. Her children had the chance to get a good education—one became a teacher, the other a businessman—and both ended up doing well in life.

In the end, education makes a huge difference. It helps people build a stable future, opens doors to better opportunities, and brings more security and success.

Read Bunkong’s other work, “My Heaven”, and more student stories from our 8th edition of Reflections.

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When did you first start volunteering with The Literacy Council of Frederick County and what made you decide to do so?

I started tutoring back in November of 2020 but it seems like only yesterday. I was already retired and was looking for something useful to do with some of my time. I looked up “volunteer work”, and came up with the Literacy Council. That sounded rewarding, so I signed up.

What kind of volunteering do you do with us? Please describe a meaningful experience that you have had while volunteering.

I do ESL tutoring with a man from Venezuela. Our sessions have been very informal and varied. Most weeks we meet for coffee on Saturday mornings and talk about everything going on in both of our lives, the country, and the world. Rhonal and I have become like family and have shared all sorts of experiences including going to baseball games together, dinners both out and in our home, helping him with Instacart shopping, etc. I think of those as real life classes. When he makes English mistakes, I correct those and make up mini-lessons on the spot to reinforce the corrections.

I am also learning Spanish with Duolingo, and Rhonal helps me with Spanish.

What is something you have learned as a volunteer for the Literacy Council that you would like to share with our volunteer community?

One thing I’ve learned is how crazy English is as a language! El español es más fácil!

For Rhonal and I, our informal approach has been very enjoyable and useful. For teachers using a more structured teaching approach, I’d urge them to try some real life lessons with their students.

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering with us?

When I’m not volunteering, I enjoy many different activities such as learning Spanish, playing various musical instruments, crocheting, hiking, etc. My wife and I are very active in the choir of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick and other activities there.

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