Dr. Jean DeVard-Kemp
Assistant Commissioner
Adult Literacy

"We want people to learn and to have a garden, but we want them to plant it themselves, not wait for someone else to plant it for them," says Dr. Jean DeVard-Kemp.

Comparing lifelong learning to planting a garden, she explains, "If they plant their own garden, they feel good about it -- they become strong and enriched. Our job [at the Office of Adult Literacy] is to give people the tools they need to grow their own garden of lifelong learning.

During more than 10 years as assistant commissioner, she has guided DTAE's Office of Adult Literacy by two fundamental beliefs:

Give people the tools they need to create their own success and to "grow their own garden."

Celebrate achievements every step of the way.

DeVard-Kemp's belief in celebrating achievements is evident in the numerous OAL programs that honor the individuals, businesses and communities committed to improving adult literacy. She is especially proud of the EAGLE Award/Literacy Ambassador program because of its focus on the student. "The positive attitudes and increased self-esteem of the Literacy Ambassadors are contagious," says DeVard-Kemp. "The impact of the award ripples through the Ambassador's family, co-workers and neighbors, encouraging others to enhance their skills."

DeVard-Kemp's preparation for her leadership role comes from a formal background in education and a lifetime of helping others. But her inspiration comes from the personal success stories she hears as she travels throughout the state. An elderly brother and sister, born and raised in Mississippi, proudly point to their hometown on the map they have learned to read and tell her, "Now we know where we were born. " A teenage daughter decides not to drop out of school when she sees her mother earn a GED. These stories fuel her enthusiasm for OAL's mission: "to enable every adult learner in Georgia to acquire the basic skills of reading, writing, computation, speaking, and listening."

DeVard-Kemp encourages everyone to attend a GED graduation. She promises it will change your outlook. "Literacy is everybody's business," explains DeVard-Kemp. "When we touch a community and the right people become involved, it always leads to success."

Elaine W. Chaney is an organization development
consultant in Atlanta, Georgia