Students, teachers and lawmakers rallied on the steps of City Hall, asking for more money to help adults learn to read. The group is backing a proposal to add $4 million for adult literacy services to the 2008 budget, in addition to the nearly $4 million Mayor Michael Bloomberg has already put aside. Advocates say the extra money would allow 4,000 more people to improve their reading and writing skills. As a member of East Harlem, a teacher, a director and also a child who grew up in urban culture I know that adult education is the only, only way out for people in our community,” said Adult Education director Melissa Nieves. "So my English is very weak, then I'm coming to attend a class so maybe better my English and get a nice job because I need the money, you know,” said student Gladwin Masse. More than a million adults in the city have poor English skills, but advocates say only five percent of them are taking advantage of government-funded classes.
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