From the District Governor
Posted by David Ling
Welcome to the ninth edition of Alan's Anecdotes. For this month, we celebrate Literacy. This is so important in many ways, not least of which is the future of our youth in being able to build a solid and well founded future.
As an example of this, it was an absolute pleasure to take part in the distribution of the very popu-lar children's book written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury ― Ten Little Fingers, Ten Little Toes‖ at the Wodonga Hospital Maternity Ward. Over 200 copies of this book were given to the babies born in our District during the week of 23 February by several Clubs to celebrate the anniver-sary of Rotary. It was also great publicity for Rotary with several articles in the local press and television.
Basic Education and Literacy is one of President Ray Klingin-smith's six Emphases for the current Rotary year and will be one of the Areas of Focus for programmes from The Rotary Foundation. In particular, this will influence programmes including Group Study Exchange visits, Matching Grants. Rotary International recognises that we are confronted with the monumental challenge of helping nearly a billion people experi-ence the essential pleasure and power of reading and writing. Without these basic and fundamental skills, too many will be trapped into poverty, hunger and disease.
Despite this enormous challenge, we are heartened by the company of trusted friends and new allies in the struggle to im-prove the literacy of these people. Over the last few years, relationships have been renewed with several organisations in-cluding the International Reading Association which allows Rotarians to benefit from the experience of local and international professionals. However, while these relationships heighten the effectiveness and impact of our projects, little would be possible without the active support of many Rotarians worldwide. But, any success will depend on careful planning and develop strong and motivated champions for literacy in our communities and our Clubs at all levels.
Alan's Anecdotes can be accessed from our webpage
As an example of this, it was an absolute pleasure to take part in the distribution of the very popu-lar children's book written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury ― Ten Little Fingers, Ten Little Toes‖ at the Wodonga Hospital Maternity Ward. Over 200 copies of this book were given to the babies born in our District during the week of 23 February by several Clubs to celebrate the anniver-sary of Rotary. It was also great publicity for Rotary with several articles in the local press and television.
Basic Education and Literacy is one of President Ray Klingin-smith's six Emphases for the current Rotary year and will be one of the Areas of Focus for programmes from The Rotary Foundation. In particular, this will influence programmes including Group Study Exchange visits, Matching Grants. Rotary International recognises that we are confronted with the monumental challenge of helping nearly a billion people experi-ence the essential pleasure and power of reading and writing. Without these basic and fundamental skills, too many will be trapped into poverty, hunger and disease.
Despite this enormous challenge, we are heartened by the company of trusted friends and new allies in the struggle to im-prove the literacy of these people. Over the last few years, relationships have been renewed with several organisations in-cluding the International Reading Association which allows Rotarians to benefit from the experience of local and international professionals. However, while these relationships heighten the effectiveness and impact of our projects, little would be possible without the active support of many Rotarians worldwide. But, any success will depend on careful planning and develop strong and motivated champions for literacy in our communities and our Clubs at all levels.
Alan's Anecdotes can be accessed from our webpage