My fellow Rotarians,
The Rotary International focus for this month is Basic Education and Literacy. With almost thirty years of active service in public education and several more years after retirement in a variety of roles including Accreditation Panel work with the Ontario College of Teachers, a faculty practicum supervisor of teacher candidates, and supply administrative work in both elementary and secondary schools, I believe that education is a key to success in our lives......
Learning is both formal and informal. I started kindergarten at five years of age and graduated with my Doctor of Education degree at forty-nine. This makes me a student for most of my life! Volunteerism has played a significant part in my informal learning. I started as a Candy Striper at the then Oshawa General Hospital when I was 14 years old. Now, in addition to being our District Governor-Elect, I am Chair of the Northumberland Hills Hospital Board of Directors, and a Member of the Northumberland YMCA Board of Directors. I learn something new, every day!
The Rotary Club of Scarborough was the recipient of the 2017-2018 District Literacy Award for their work on a free, online reading program. Check it out at freereadingprogram.com. Thanks to Rotarian Heather Lennie and other Members of the Club for their efforts to promote literacy.
Ask yourself what you can do to promote the ideals of basic education and literacy in your community and those with whom you come into contact with on a regular basis. Individually, we can make a difference. Collectively, we can make a significant change.
Yours In Rotary,
Beth
Beth Selby, District Governor 2019-20