Ruth Johnson Colvin, born in 1916, dedicated her life to combating illiteracy. Starting in her basement in Syracuse, New York, she began a modest tutoring program that expanded into a nationwide movement. With no formal teaching experience, her able recruitment of local volunteers marked the beginning of Literacy Volunteers of America in the 1960s.
Her sheer determination and hard work soon saw her initiative register as a charity in 1967. From these humble beginnings, Literacy Volunteers of America grew to provide basic English and literacy skills to immigrants and illiterate adults across the United States. This expansion continued globally, eventually merging with Laubach Literacy International to form ProLiteracy in 2002.
Ruth Johnson Colvin, who founded Literacy Volunteers of America, has died at 107 https://t.co/0MytfE2Xmg pic.twitter.com/2HDx9P9Yec
— The Independent (@Independent) August 20, 2024
National and International Recognition
In recognition of her exceptional efforts, Colvin received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006 from President George W. Bush, who praised her as “a person of intelligence and vision and heart.” Colvin’s organization now boasts 10,000 tutors operating in 42 US states and 60 countries worldwide.
“In the 1950s, America was unaware it had an illiteracy problem. We thought illiteracy was in India, Africa, China. Not in America,″ Colvin told The Associated Press reflecting on her early efforts.
Her work not only aimed to teach basic skills but also to improve job prospects and living standards for students. She traveled extensively to oversee literacy projects worldwide and frequently shared her wisdom with others through a dozen books and over 50 years of speaking engagements.
Preserving a Vision for Literacy
Colvin saved hundreds of letters from tutors, students, and supporters, reflecting on the impact of her work. ProLiteracy’s tribute highlighted her belief that “literacy is a right” and acknowledged her significant role within the organization until her death. Her contributions earned her a place in the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
“Ruth Johnson Colvin, who founded what became one of the world’s largest organizations of volunteers tutoring basic language skills to functionally illiterate people in America and other lands, opening doors to citizenship and better lives, died on Sunday at her home in Syracuse, N.Y. She was 107,” reported the New York Times.
Colvin’s story is one of perseverance and vision, serving as an inspiration for a balanced life dedicated to the service of others. Her passing may signify the end of an era, but the countless lives she touched and the pathways to literacy she paved ensure her legacy will endure.
