[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE VERMONT TEEN PARENT LITERACY PROJECT

   Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to call attention to a unique project developed by the 
Vermont Council on the Humanities that was recently honored at a White 
House ceremony as one of the best arts and humanities programs to help 
at-risk youth in this country. The teen parent literacy project is 
simple in concept, yet it is an innovative approach to tackling complex 
problems that can often result from teenagers having children. Through 
participating in a series of free reading and discussion programs, teen 
parents across the State are encouraged to read to their children. This 
program benefits parents and children in several ways. First, parents 
learn the value and joy of reading to their children who are in turn, 
introduced to the importance of reading. Reading to children at home 
has proven to influence future educational success and bringing 
together teen parents and their children can help to cultivate a more 
comfortable relationship as teen parents learn to become their 
children's first teacher.
  The teen parent literacy project has brought together members of 
Vermont communities who are dedicated to making this program a success 
for teen parents and their children. Under the leadership of Victor 
Swenson, the Vermont Council on the Humanities is working with the 
Vermont Department of Health, local libraries, and individuals from 
each district. It is no surprise that this program was selected as one 
of the very finest programs designed to improve the plight of at-risk-
youth. Teaching parents to read to their children enables us to forge 
ahead as a literate nation. It demonstrates a commitment to our 
investment in our children and also in their parents, many still 
children themselves.
  For many young parents in Vermont and throughout the United States, 
raising children is often met by insurmountable barriers and this 
program, supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, will 
help them to overcome some of those hurdles. I am extremely proud of 
the members of the council and the participants of the program who have 
made this program a success.

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