Dekalb County residents walked for the health of it at Arabia Mountain on September 10, 2011. Now, runners, walkers, and novices can step up to shape up for a dual purpose – fitness and literacy.

It’s a well-documented fact that illiteracy trickles down into every aspect of society. Children who aren’t read to during early childhood (preferably while in the womb) grow into adults who tend to drop out of high school, are underemployed, unemployed, and live in poverty.

The trickle-down effect of illiteracy also greatly impacts the economic growth and development of a country. A non-productive workforce can hinder a country’s ability to compete in an evolving, technology-driven, global economy.


Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta is doing their part to bridge the educational gap so that all Georgian’s have access to the resources they need to succeed in their personal lives, and in society.

Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta presents the 5K Walk/Run for literacy on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 8:00 am at the Decatur Library located at 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030.

The online registration deadline is Thursday, September 22, 2011. The fee is $20.00 for an individual, and $50.00 for a family of four. If you are unable to walk/run for literacy, you can still donate to the cause by being what the organization terms a "phantom walker." The 5K Walk/Run for Literacy begins and ends at Decatur Square.

This is a rain or shine event.

Source: http://www.examiner.com