“I’ve been drawn to literacy since I was a kid, honestly.”
That’s what Jossimar Diaz-Castro tells me when I ask why he decided to work for an organization like Skyline Literacy. Growing up as a student in the Mexico City public school system, Diaz-Castro developed a love for language arts, writing, and reading in his youth. It took him a while, though, to become formally confident about making literacy a career.
When he relocated to Harrisonburg just under two years ago, he was preparing to pursue formal education as a field of work. While making this dream happen, he researched places in the community he could use his skills, and Skyline made the top of his list.
“Skyline really serves as a reference point in town for inclusivity and opportunity” he explains “and because of that, I knew I wanted to be a part of what they were doing.”
His interest in Skyline soon turned into a full-fledged career for Diaz-Castro.
He soon took over one of Skyline’s newest initiatives, the Digital Literacy Program, as the lead instructor. The digital literacy program covers everything from computer basics such as hardware handling, to more complex lessons such as navigating the internet, email, file storage, organization, and handling of personal information online.
Diaz-Castro’s dedication and confidence in the importance of the subject matter is evident. Digital literacy, he says, is so much more than being able to operate a phone or a computer.
“Organizational skills are so important within the world of digital literacy… Clarity about these skills and the opportunities digital literacy can bring in our time leads to empowerment. It opens up career and growth opportunities, and it brings a sense of confidence and independence for students that is vital.”
He adds that even being someone who is already digitally literate, he has learned things from the modules and curriculum, and that he has been continually impressed by the commitment his students show in pursuing this education.
“Providing this experience of formal education for our students has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job thus far” Diaz-Castro says, explaining that even the process of tracking progress and sticking to a syllabus is a crucial experience.
When asked what he wants others to know about digital literacy and Skyline as a whole, Diaz-Castro focuses on one of the key values of Skyline: empowerment.
“I want people to know that becoming a student of digital literacy can truly bring a sense of achievement. It is a crucial field in society today. But even more importantly, I think it brings a sense of dignity– knowing that there is a place for you in this digital world and that you are capable of gaining those skills.”