Honoring and recognizing Wanda Steward for overcoming extreme poverty to achieve literacy at age 46, and, only a year later, become a published author.

WHEREAS, At age 46, Wanda Steward, of Southwest Philadelphia, was one of the 37 percent of adults in Philadelphia struggle with literacy and are considered low literate, according to the Center for Literacy; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Steward, a mother of five, also struggled with financial hardship, but ultimately became an exemplary worker for several employers after participating in a welfare-to-work program; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Steward last year dedicated herself to overcoming illiteracy, after years of obstacles in employment, motherhood, and everyday life; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Adult Education and Center for Literacy provided tutoring and support to Ms. Wanda Steward, as it does for hundreds of Philadelphians every year; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Wanda Steward was nominated by the Center for Literacy to be highlighted on International Literacy Day this year—September 8, 2017—

and participate in Project Literacy, a global literacy campaign, that selected her to publish a book; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Wanda Steward wrote a children’s book, “The Little Chicken Named Pong-Pong”, based on stories she had told her children years before, before she learned to read; and

WHEREAS, The spokesperson for Project Literacy, Idris Elba, recently read “The Little Chicken Named Pong-Pong” for International Literacy Day’s video campaign.

RESOLVED, BY VIRTUE OF THIS CITATION, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and recognizes Wanda Steward for her literary achievements.

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