IN THE DARK WORLD OF ILLITERACY, PEGGY TAYLOR IS A BEACON FOR THOSE WANTING TO LEARN

Peggy Taylor poses the question: "Can you imagine not being able to read? It'd be like being blind."

But in the dark world of illiteracy, Taylor is a beacon for those wanting to learn.

Taylor is one of the many volunteers for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which is dedicated to helping people by putting seniors to good use.

Taylor, 64, volunteered for RSVP nearly four years ago when the senior citizens program extended from Scott to Cape Girardeau County.

During that time she has made a difference. Taylor has helped children having difficulty and adults who haven't learned to read, and she says it is very rewarding.

"Spending an hour helping someone learn to read is an hour more than well spent," Taylor said.

RSVP first sent Taylor to Washington School to help children one-on-one.

"Teachers don't have time to give individual students the attention they need, especially the ones having difficulty," Taylor said. "That's where I come in."

After doing that for several years, Taylor next taught foreigners to read at the Cape Girardeau Vocational-Technical School.

Taylor recalled one student who was very eager and willing to learn, which makes things so much easier. "You can't teach a student who isn't willing," Taylor said. "Like anything else, reading requires practice."

Taylor helped an adult stricken with polio learn to read. "She had been denied an education when she was young, because of her disease," said Taylor.

Teaching adults to read is more difficult than teaching children, Taylor says. "They're more set in their ways -- more difficult to reach," Taylor said.

Adults need much more attention and support, Taylor said, calling it a "slow process." "Older people have self-esteem problems that children don't have," Taylor said. "Their self esteem is low because of their inability to read.

"Adults have incredible barriers to cross, but they can do it."

Tina McDowell, assistant administrator for RSVP, said that RSVP has 40 volunteers committed to helping people learn to read.

RSVP recruits, trains and places individuals over 55 where they can be most beneficial.

"The older person is the most treasured and valuable resource in America," McDowell said. "They have so much to give, so why waste that?"

RSVP does much good work, including delivering home meals to shut-ins, outreach for homeless, blood drives, services for the abused, exercise classes and much more.

But no doubt, one of its greatest contributions is helping people learn to read.

Taylor said she would encourage anyone who can't read to get help. "Do not feel afraid to come," Taylor said. "Do not feel ashamed -- no one will look down on you."

McDowell said to get help contact your local school system or vocational school, which will then contacts RSVP.

Taylor said the teachers get as much benefit as the students by helping them learn to read.

"The teacher's reward is helping the student," Taylor said. "The student's reward is a whole new world."