OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE DLC AND THE COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS
EFFECTIVE MARCH, 2021:
The Durham Literacy Center continues to operate all programs remotely due to the risk of COVID-19 coronavirus in our community. Our facility will remain closed to students and volunteers through the spring and all tutoring, teaching, and learning will continue remotely. This decision is based on high levels of COVID-19 cases in Durham County, CDC guidelines, and input from various stakeholders.
The following variables make us reluctant to provide face-to-face instruction at this time:
Many DLC students and volunteers are in a high-risk category for COVID-19
In-person tutoring requires close interaction between students and tutors which makes social distancing unrealistic
The cost for sanitization, COVID-19 testing, and other related expenses would be burdensome for a small nonprofit like the DLC
Our facility lacks adequate air circulation and filtration to protect visitors from airborne diseases
Due to the reasons listed above, it is unlikely that we will open for face-to-face instruction until vaccines for COVID-19 are made widely available, especially among the populations we serve.
We are proud to say that more than 60% of our students have been able to continue learning in the remote environment. More students are transitioning to remote learning every week. This is made possible by the determination of our students; resourceful volunteers; the adaptability of our staff; an AmeriCorps member through the NC Literacy Corps who provides Digital Literacy support and instruction; and a myriad of partners and grant supporters.
We continue to provide parking lot and curbside assistance for students and volunteers at our main office in the mornings and evenings on Mondays and Tuesdays. To learn more, visit https://www.durhamliteracy.org/locations-hours.
We are ever grateful to our volunteers, supporters, and partners for their help during this uncertain time. Most importantly, we are inspired by the resiliency and determination of our students, who persist working towards their goals while experiencing food, housing, and employment insecurity, working on the front lines, and taking care of their families during this pandemic. To learn more about how our programs are operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out our website or contact us at info@durhamliteracy.org or 919-489-8383.
