From the District Governor, Nancy Rhodes
Can you imagine how frustrating it would be to not be able to read? March is Literacy month in the Rotary world. Being able to read seems like a given in our society, but many times that is not the case. I was one of those kids who was fortunate to have lots of books and loved to read. I still do, and find it heartbreaking that many adults and children in our local communities cannot read. Many of our clubs are working in their communities to help change the situation and encourage literacy. From the District Governor, Nancy Rhodes
One example is Elmbrook, who is tutoring 11 children every week at Capitol West Academy. This also includes a Spelling Bee and essay contest. They are funding a library in India, and recently a team went to Guatemala to work on a literacy project there.Tom Pyne will have an article in the newsletter about this endeavor. West Allis is starting a math tutoring program using Skype at an elementary school. They have had a Reading Buddy program at one of the schools whose student population is challenged. I suspect the Rotarians receive as much as the kids do. Another project is giving books to the local Free Clinic and the health department so young and adults can have books of their own. This is a small example of what is happening in our communities.
In the world, a literacy project is launched in Senegal in collaboration with UNESCO and Procter & Gamble. They are targeting young girls and women through information and communication technologies. They are aiming to train 40,000 young girls and women in seven regions of the country. Procter & Gamble has donated $750,000 over a period of 2 years to train literacy teachers, provide face to face courses, virtual classrooms, and the acquisition of income generating skills and the development of teaching tools and educational programs for radio and television. Many of our clubs are helping in a smaller way - Bob and Jan Blazich are in Peru for 3 months teaching English. Bob is a member of the Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise, and he has an article upcoming in the March newsletter. The Guatemala mission in January did education of the local people on basic health issues to better improve their living situations. We should have a listing of all the literacy projects going on locally and internationally. If you club is involved, please let me know.
Earning a living, improving a life situation, and helping the next generation through reading skills are key focuses for Rotary. As you know, literacy is one of the six areas of focus, and there is much to do locally and internationally. If your club does not have a project, contact your local schools and see where they need help. Providing the ability to read goes far beyond just reading a book. It improves lives. Investing in literacy pays off big for everyone. Your literacy project could win $2,500. Learn more at: www.rotary.org/literacyaward
Reach Within to Embrace Humanity and help with literacy - both children and adults.