Adult learners receive dipolmas, citizenship

Ellicott City (Map, News) - Peace Asamoah came to the United States from Ghana in 1999. And only recently did she receive her external high school diploma through the Howard County Library’s Project Literacy Initiative.

“I decided to further my education, but at first, I didn’t succeed,” said Asamoah at a graduation ceremony in Ellicott City.

Project Literacy is a free service that helps adults improve their reading, writing and basic math skills.

Recognition was given to seven people who were awarded high school diplomas; five who earned their U.S. citizenship; and 17 who are working on their degrees.

The Howard library system is the only one in Maryland to receive money from the U.S. Department of Education to support this type of program, said John LeMaster of the state education department of education.

Since 1987, nearly 3,000 adults have been taught, and 120 received their high school diplomas, according to a news release.

Ninety-two percent of the participants, like Asamoah, were born in other countries.

For Asamoah, pursuing her education was not easy, since she often had to put the needs of her four children first.

“All of the graduates have to overcome difficulties,” said Literacy Specialist Emma Ostendorp.

“It’s like Peace was saying, you have to have dedication and commitment.”

jkowalkowski@baltimoreexaminer.com