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Cal Poly encourages youth literacy

Cal Poly Pomona hosted its first Family Literacy Fair on April 8 at its Downtown Center in Pomona. Jenna Kageyama and Deborah Takahashi, members of the International English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta, read the story “From Head to Toe” by Eric Carle. The children participated in art, storytelling, computer instruction, face painting and puppet shows. / photo by Rhiannon Mim
Cal Poly Pomona hosted its first Family Literacy Fair on April 8 at its Downtown Center in Pomona. Jenna Kageyama and Deborah Takahashi, members of the International English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta, read the story “From Head to Toe” by Eric Carle. The children participated in art, storytelling, computer instruction, face painting and puppet shows. / photo by Rhiannon Mim

Alexandra Lozano
Staff Writer

The first Family Literacy Fair was held in Pomona at the Cal Poly Downtown Center earlier this month.

The event included a puppet show, face painting, a clown, games, a children’s book giveaway, the Inland Valley Storytellers and free food.

“I’m tired of hearing bad things about Pomona,” said Lupe Flores, a resident volunteer in charge of the book giveaway. “I’m one of those few residents out there that care about their community.”

Although Flores doesn’t have any children, she feels strongly about improving her community and considers the literacy fair to be a good cause.

“It’s also a community outreach to let them know what’s out there,” Flores said.

Many parents were impressed with the event.

Dolores Elias, a Pomona resident with two children, works for Cal Poly Pomona and prefers bringing her children to a literacy fair closer to home compared to UCLA’s book fair that they usually attend.

“It’s a lot more fun because there’s a lot more activities,” Elias said.

The event was organized to inform residents about the city’s various after school programs.

About 5,000 postcards were distributed to schools in the Pomona Unified School District to get the word out about the event to the community.

“Every child gets a book and I wanted to make it all free,” said Jonnie Owens, coordinator for the event, who oversees the Downtown Center. “I’m really just happy that we can do things.”

Penelope Torribio, puppeteer for the event, let the children play with the puppet and led a sing-along, as she sang taught the children about her songs, and played the guitar.

“I’ve been working in the community to bring in more art,” Torribio said.

Everyone seemed to enjoy and value the activities and event’s cause.

“This is really good for them,” said Ariana Pereyra, a Pomona resident. “Everything is educational.”

“I see The Downtown Center as Cal Poly’s gift to the community,” Owens said.

Alexandra Lozano can be reached at himelozano@juno.com.

Alexandra Lozano, News Editor
Alexandra Lozano
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Rhiannon Mim, Photography Editor
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