This is the VOA Special English Education Report.

826 is the name of a non-profit organization that works to help students become better writers by thinking creativity. 826 is also the address of the first centre where this literary arts programme began in 2002. Author Dave Aggers and educator Nenevey Caligary started the programme in California at 826 Valencia street in Fransisco. It now serves 30,000 students through writing and tutoring centers in eight American cities.

826 Valencia street is a fun place for students and visitors. At the front is a pirate supplies store, think of the kind of place where captain Jack Sparrow from "Pirates of the Caribbean" might shop.

Leigh Lehman is the executive director, she says the idea of entering through a pirates store is meant to get students not to think of the place as an education center.