March 8th marks an important date on the Rotary International agenda as Rotary clubs around the world recognize the importance of this area of focus.
Rotary International lists Basic Education and Literacy as one of the eight areas of focus. Literacy is reflected upon as a critical humanitarian issue which is being addressed by Rotarians worldwide. The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to ensure that all people have sustainable access to basic education and literacy by involving the community to support programs that strengthen the capacity of communities to provide basic education and literacy to all. The Rotary Foundation, which is an essential part of Rotary International, also focuses on increasing adult literacy in communities, works to reduce gender disparity in education and supports studies for career-minded professionals related to basic education and literacy.
For most of us, reading and writing are as natural as breathing, but nearly 800 million adults worldwide lack the literacy skills needed to complete a job application, understand a child's report card, or read a prescription. Rotary International and the International Reading Association know that literacy is an essential ingredient for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace. Since 2002, RI (Rotary International) and the IRA (Int'l Reading Association) have combined their resources and skills to advance literacy in communities worldwide by providing books and educational materials, building and supporting schools, mentoring students , training teachers and establishing literacy programs for children and adults. Guidelines are available on the Rotary International website www.rotary.org designed to help Rotary clubs and IRA reading councils to select and carry out literacy projects that meet their community's needs. Whether through volunteering your time and expertise, providing financial support, or building awareness, everyone can empower people and communities through literacy.
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten recognizes the importance of literacy as it continues to carry out its annual literacy project of distributing dictionaries. All contributions towards literacy projects are appreciated and the community is encouraged to work together on increasing literacy in the local community as it is proven to alleviate poverty.
The Rotary 7020 Assistant District Governor Mr. James Ferris together with members of the recently held RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) task force and members of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten made a contribution of USD 1000 to the MAC: Browlia F. Maillard Campus as a token of appreciation for making the school available to host the youth leadership conference. The conference was held from February 14th through 17th and hosted 124 students from around the Caribbean. Anyone interested in assisting with increasing literacy in St. Maarten is encouraged to contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten on www.rotarysxm.org or find us on Facebook.