Rotary BEAR Program ( Literacy )
Rotary Club of Ladysmith
2014-2015
Our story began when I spoke with David Stocks at the DLTA 2014 at the “Food for Thought” Dinner in March and was extremely impressed with the BEAR Program Dale Simon of the Rotary Club of West Shore (Victoria) had started in her area. On returning home, I contacted David and he told me the basics of their program. The BEAR Program is having Rotary Volunteers enthusiastic about reading to Kindergarten to Grade 3. It is as easy as reading to your children or grandchildren. It is about instilling the love of reading at an early age.
I still loved the BEAR (Be Eager About Reading) Program so when I became President July 1st, it was one of my Goals. I started work on the program dynamics, sticker design, who to call, whose permission I needed, etc. before I even became President of the Rotary Club of Ladysmith in July. I made calls garnering interest right up until the Teachers Strike in May, then everything came to a grinding halt.
In November we inducted 3 incredible women into our Club, one of whom was Bonnie Ritchie, a retired school teacher. They say “get new members involved as soon as possible!” so two weeks after joining our Club I asked Bonnie if she wanted a job.
Bonnie accepted the challenge and what she has accomplished in a very short period of time is astounding. I suggested Bonnie be the BEAR Program Coordinator. We have 14 volunteers, wives of members and members (retired teachers, principals, a retired Superintendent, Club President, et al).
Bonnie jumped right in with gusto. She got in touch once again with the Principal of one of our Primary Schools and the local Book Store Salamander. The owner of the store gave us a 20% discount and she also purchased books at Costco. Having been a Primary teacher for so many years, Bonnie knew just what books would suit each grade, from Kindergarten to Grade 3. Teachers’ have input as well.
I made up a letter for the RCMP for each Volunteer so they could get their Criminal Record check done. The RCMP kindly did it for no charge as we were doing a Community Service. Once the Criminal record checks came back, we were free to start our program.
To date, we have had 19 visits to the class rooms, have had 19 story times and given 19 books to Kindergarten to Grade 3. On March 10th a meeting was held with more teachers at the school who were interested and wanted more information. The Principal and teachers are very enthusiastic about the BEAR Program. What started in late December is continuing to grow.
Because Literacy is a lifelong problem for some, Bonnie would love to branch out to the Middle and High School but for now we are focusing on Kindergarten to Grade 3. As Coordinator, Bonnie’s responsibilities entail buying the books, putting a sample to choose from in the Staffroom every Thursday and picking books up and giving them to the Volunteers each Rotary meeting for the following week. Bonnie also must learn about and adjust the Program to suit the Teacher’s and our Rotary Club.
It is a wonderful experience for all of us, children, volunteers and members. It is a program that our Club wants to embrace into the future. It gives us more involvement in our Primary School and both Readers and children are creating a bond that will be remembered for years to come.
Our Volunteers are made up of women and men, as young boys need to see that older men enjoy reading as well. I believe that Bonnie joined our Club right when I needed her and I think she is a miracle worker. I cannot sing the praises enough for this wonderful program and I hope that more Clubs in District 5020 will see the benefit of the Rotary BEAR (Be Eager About Reading) Program for Literacy.
We would like to share this with all the Rotary Clubs in District 5020 as it is easy to implement, builds better community and increases the chance of Literacy in our Communities. Call or Email me if you want your Club to get involved in this worthwhile program.
Rotary Regards,
Cheryl Leukefeld
President 2014-2015
Rotary Club of Ladysmith
Assistant Governor 2015
Area 5 District 5020