Firefighters visit KC Family Literacy sites

Firefighter Brian Edwards of the Rochelle Fire Department shows his air mask to 2-year-old Marco Villa while Marco's sister, Kristal, 5, looks on. Provided photo

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MALTA - The Family Literacy Program, part of the Adult and Community Education division at Kishwaukee College, invited local fire departments to speak with children and their parents who participate in the program around the district as part of Fire Safety Week in October. The Rochelle Fire Department sent a fire truck, ambulance and firefighters Brian Edwards, Paul Williams and Josh Hintz to the GED and ESL class sites at St. Patrick's Learning Center on Oct. 7. The firefighters demonstrated the equipment to the children and dressed in their firefighting gear so the youngsters can see what a firefighter looks like when he or she is fighting a fire. The firefighters impress upon the children the importance of not playing with fire and respecting its power. The firefighters also discuss with the children what to do in case of a fire. The Family Literacy Program provides educational opportunities that promote literacy as a common aspect of life for the children of adults enrolled high school equivalency/GED or English as a Second Language programs offered at sites throughout the district. While their parents are in class, children from infancy through age 7 are engaged in learning experiences that are fun as well as educational. For more information about the Family Literacy Program, call KC at (815) 825-2086, Ext. 291; for more information on the GED or ESL programs, call Ext. 318.