By Rotary International staff
Sing along with students in a Spark Reading school and Grammy award-winning artist Gaby Moreno on her song “Fronteras” live from the classroom in Chajalajyá, Guatemala! This school is part of the Guatemala Literacy Project, a Rotary-supported project that’s provided students with increased opportunities for over 25 years.
Think about the impact education has on your life. It equips you with knowledge, skills, and the confidence to navigate the world. Now imagine a world where millions lack these basic tools. Education isn’t just a privilege, it’s a fundamental right. It unlocks opportunities, empowers individuals, and drives progress for entire communities.
Rotary members don’t just talk about education, they take action. Their sustainable projects provide teacher training, vocational training teams, integration of technology into classroom curriculum, and adult literacy programs to communities. Their goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. Here are just a few examples:
South Africa — Rotary clubs in South Africa and Canada are working together to upgrade and develop the capacity of all 47 Early Childhood Development Centres in the Phillippi Township of Cape Town, South Africa. Their goal is to provide children with quality care and support their learning and development. In addition to upgrading the school infrastructure, the project also focuses on improving the skills and qualifications of teachers and caregivers so that the centres become eligible for state support.
Honduras — Rotary clubs are working together to establish a 21st century school on St. Helene in Honduras, in partnership with the Honduran Ministry of Education, the Roatan Intercultural Bilingual Cultural Program, the Municipality of Jose Santos Guardiola, the Helene Village Council, the St. Helene Schools, and administrators with a focus on improving basic education and literacy.
Taiwan — In many parts of rural Taiwan, local resources are not available to provide children with science education, limiting their opportunities for further study at the university level. To address this priority, Rotary clubs in Taiwan and Korea are working together to provide creative science education. More than 500 children have benefited from this project, and over 100 teachers have been trained.
Guatemala — The Guatemala Literacy Project, a partnership between Rotary clubs and the Cooperative for Education, serves more than 170 of the country’s lowest-performing middle and secondary schools. It provides teacher training, a low-cost textbook rental program, literacy materials, and computer labs to children in low-income communities. The textbook program, together with intensive teacher training, has helped decrease the student dropout rate by almost half. And more than 80 percent of graduates use their computer skills to further their education or get higher-paying jobs.
We have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people. Rotary offers several ways to get involved:
Check out ways to take action and tips for success in the Areas of Focus guide.
Find project strategies and ideas in the Basic Education and Literacy Project Guide.
Browse the Service Project Center for examples of basic education and literacy projects being undertaken by fellow clubs and districts.
Learn about Rotary Action Groups that are working in basic education and literacy and the other areas of focus.
By focusing on Basic Education and Literacy projects, we can help to create a more equitable and prosperous world. How has Rotary’s commitment to education impacted your community? Share your stories in the comments section below.
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