In recent years, there has been a realization among American educators that they need to do more to provide a background in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics academic subjects. Proficiency in the technical disciplines will make or break our nation in the increasingly technological world in which we live.

But even a very technical education depends on a solid foundation in language, as reading comprehension, communication skills and the ability to effectively express one’s ideas are all necessary, at the very least, for the efficient functioning of human society, not to mention in the quest for scientific advancement.

Therefore a community that allows students to grow up with poor language skills — unable to read at grade level, for instance — takes serious risks with its future.

Recognizing the problem and desiring to do something about it, members of West End Baptist Church have been offering a Book Buddies program to children in the neighborhoods surrounding the church. It has been so popular that what started as a ministry to children who attend nearby Elephant’s Fork Elementary School now has spread to include children from other schools, as well.

Book Buddies is a tutoring program designed to get young children reading at grade level by the third grade. “When they read on their level, they can feel successful,” said Beth Pipkin, the pastor’s wife and a reading specialist in Virginia Beach Public Schools. “So much of reading is confidence.”

The free program, offered at a downtown church that is within walking distance of a community with historically lower scores on reading and language tests, can make a real difference to youngsters in that area, many of whom just need a better start at their education in order to finish well.

There’s no evangelistic component to the program — folks at West End just wanted to be able help the community in which they minister in a very basic way — but it stands to reason that creating more readers will also create more people who read the Bible, and that could make an even bigger difference in their lives than good grades in English.

The folks at West End Baptist clearly have a heart for their community. They should be congratulated for their commitment to it and for their desire to look for novel approaches toward making a difference.