By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — This is National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, and students from an area organization were making their voices heard this afternoon on Independence Mall.

The event, held at People’s Plaza (the monument at 5th and Market Streets honoring the First Amendment), was an opportunity for students of the Philadelphia-based Center for Literacy to tell their stories through poetry or essays.

“I!  Changed my way of thinking for a brand new start,” one student’s piece began.

Wanda Flowers, board chair of the Center For Literacy, says the students are able to get up in front of audiences because, in addition to learning reading, writing, and math, they also are taught to believe in themselves.

“The inspiration that they receive from the staff and their tutors give them that count of confidence that they can do it,” she says.

For more information on programs, or if you would like to volunteer, go to centerforliteracy.org.