SLTC is an awesome organization working on the literacy issue facing America, read on!
Tell us all about you and your organization!
SLTC (or Spreading Literacy to Children!) is a teen-led nonprofit based in the Bay Area whose goal is to provide underprivileged children with learning resources, and to spread awareness! SLTC was founded by Shriya Gattapally and myself, Jheel Gandhi back in March. After intense research, we learned that 65% of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education. However, students who aren’t at a proficient reading level by 4th grade aren’t likely to continue their education after high school. In order to get to that ultimate goal, students need to build a strong foundation at a young age which they can do by developing their reading and writing skills. But what if children don't see the importance of literacy at a young age? Or what if they don't have access to proper materials? Shriya and I were determined to make sure that every child has equal access to education. That's how the idea of SLTC was born. Now we are focused on collecting and donating resources to the underprivileged and to spreading awareness so that others can help in their areas!
Why do you think it’s important for your generation to let their voices be heard?
Gen Z cares about the world. After all, we are considered the future of our economy and environment. Gen Z has learned plenty about the history of our world and continues to learn more as they become older. The knowledge we have is extremely important, as it reminds us of our past mistakes and the consequences. That means Gen Z knows that in order for our world to thrive they need to address current problems to prevent future consequences. Gen Z truly cares about the world, and with our self-confidence and autonomy, I believe we can make a change if we're heard.
Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
There are times where we see the negativity in our world and feel pessimistic about our future. We worry that everyone will only be motivated by their own self-interests and will continue to bring others down. But slowly, our faith in the future has been restored. We believe that Gen Z can make a difference and make sure our future is one where everyone has equal oppurtunities and live in a world without hate. It won't be easy, but Gen Z has already done so much to help. We are confident that Gen Z will lead the world to a better future, so yes; we are optimistic about the future.
What are the most important issues facing our world right now? And in the future?
Definitely the gaps in literacy. Literacy is extremely important in achieving proper education and building one's future. Education gives us knowledge of our world and teaches us how to change it for the better. Education helps us build opinions and have points of view on things in life. It opens a whole world of opportunities for the poor so that they may have an equal shot at well-paying jobs. Education also plays a major role in women's empowerment. Having an education also allows one to be an active member of society. If kids are illiterate- they won't be able to receive a proper education and therefore cannot help make a change as strongly as others can. Like we mentioned before, Gen Z will be the one to change the world. But this can't happen if everyone as unequal access to education. This is why bridging the gaps in literacy is essential.
What does your organization offer that helps the world be a better place?
SLTC offers children the chance to develop a better education so that they can have a better and brighter future. They will be able to contribute to society and make the world a better place. But since we can't help everyone who is struggling, we have also spread awareness though our platforms. The first step to supporting to spread of literacy is being educated on the topic. Learning just how many people struggle and cannot learn persuades people to make a change whether it be big or small. SLTC has urged people to make a change in their society, by volunteering at libraries, donating books, holding book drives, and spreading awareness themselves. We hope to continue spreading literacy to children everywhere with the help of our generation.
Will you be voting in the next election? Since we aren't of voting age yet, we can't unfortunately. But that doesn't been we can't make a political impact! We urge people who can't vote to persuade others who can to do so! Also, help others out- maybe offer people who can't access their polling places easily a ride! It's a small gesture but every vote counts. In addition, continue to amplify issues that matter to you so that others can help you make a change! There's a lot we can do to make a difference- even if we can't vote. Please tell us all about your current campaigns, projects and endeavors.
Tell everyone where to find you online and on social platforms.
Since March, SLTC has grown to have chapters in California, Texas, and Florida! We plan to work with these teams to continue spreading awareness through social media! Our Instagram handles are @spreadingliteracy (CA), @spreadingliteracydallas (TX), and @sltc.orlando (FL). During the month of November, we will primarily focus on awareness by holding a literacy week in our city, where we will educate people about the gaps in literacy, urge others to donate, and distribute memorabilia. We are also eager to announce that we will be holding book drives in three cities in the near future. All the donations will go to children who don't have access to these resources across the country and maybe even around the world! We have so many plans for the future and we hope to execute the, with support from our communities and with the help of Gen Z! If you would like to become a part of SLTC- don't hesitate to check out our website https://sltcorganization.wixsite.com/sltc to learn more. If there is anything else you would like to say, please do! We hope everyone will help the world become a better place- no matter where you are. Our generation needs to support each other so we can thrive in the future. Love you all!