Rotary’s September theme is Basic Education and Literacy. This month, we will focus on supporting education, one of the seven focus areas for Rotary. If we think of the ripple effect of the pebble in the pond example, Supporting Education is the center of the outgoing rings that support the other six focus areas.
Clubs can take on many projects to support educational efforts within their community. I know several clubs have already done back-to-school supply drives. One thing I have learned from my daughter-in-law, who is a teacher, is that by mid-year, some of the students’ supplies have been exhausted. These items include pencils, pens, notebooks, and other supplies. So, could your club have a back-to-school supply drive for students returning after the winter break?
Reading programs are also a great way for Rotarians to get involved with education. Collecting books for little libraries or for students helps students learn. Many clubs have a program to give out dictionaries or even give each student a book of their choice. Many of these students who receive a book are thrilled as it is the very first book they have owned as their own. Work with the schools principle and librarian to make this program work.
I know many clubs raise money for scholarships. This project is a great way to support education. Supporting our Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program is not only a great way to support education but also supports peacebuilding. Applications are now being accepted for outbound students (a high school student from our district studying in a foreign country) for the 25/26 school year. Check out the RYE information on the District’s new website, Home – Rotary District 5400 (rotary5400.org). Your club can help sponsor an inbound student (a high school student from another country attending a school year here in our district) or an outbound student.
We know that kids who do not get enough to eat have a hard time at school. One of the initiatives I shared with your club president prior to starting the new Rotary year was about ‘no kid goes hungry.’ Many schools have pantries to help support their students who may be food insecure. I would challenge you and your club to find one or more schools that have pantries and ensure that their pantries never go dry. The need is great just before long school breaks like winter and spring breaks when the schools send the kids home with food for the entire break. Many local food banks also have programs for supporting kids. Contact them if you cannot find a school pantry to support.
Let us show the Magic of Rotary by supporting education not only in September but throughout the year.
Thank you for doing all the magical things that Rotarians do to make their communities a better place.
Steve Gage
