Unlocking Hope: Tyrell’s Journey with the Children’s Literacy Project

In Durham, North Carolina, where the Children’s Literacy Project first began, hope often felt out of reach for children struggling with reading difficulties. Tyrell, one of the early students in the program, showcases the significant impact we’ve had since our inception.

Tyrell’s journey with what was then the Augustine Literacy Project began when he was just nine years old. During that time, he faced a challenging world marked by his mother’s addiction and his father’s incarceration. He had five younger siblings that he felt responsible for, and not being able to read made everything even more challenging. The odds seemed stacked against Tyrell. Research has shown that children who struggle with reading by the third grade have a higher risk of dropping out of school and, as adults, are more likely to end up in low-paying jobs, unemployed, or worse, entangled in the criminal justice system. If we only relied on statistics, Tyrell appeared to be headed down that difficult path.

But then, Debbie McCarthy, a compassionate volunteer tutor (who would later become our first executive director), entered the scene. She recognized Tyrell’s potential, even in the face of his challenges. She understood that learning to read was the key to a better future.

As time passed, Tyrell’s reading skills improved, and he learned to read. Literacy became a source of inspiration, guiding him towards a brighter future. Tyrell’s determination led him to graduate from high school, an accomplishment that once seemed out of reach.

Now in his late twenties, Tyrell stands as a testament to the impact the Children’s Literacy Project and its volunteer tutors can have. Instead of becoming another statistic, he carved a different path and is working for a nonprofit in Colorado. Through this work, he understands the importance of giving back and being selfless, values that Debbie instilled in him.

Tyrell’s story serves as a testament to our organization’s ability to change lives, one word at a time, one student at a time, and one future at a time. The Children’s Literacy Project, with dedicated volunteers like Debbie, embodies the spirit of hope and empowerment, providing a brighter future for children who need it most.