Support Rotary’s commitment to quality education for all

By Service and Engagement Staff, Rotary International

*A *Basic Education and Literacy project organized by Rotary clubs in Canada* placed a two-page spread of a storybook at 21 stations on a trail to encourage children to read and play outdoors.*

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4—Education—prioritizes ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The United Nations reports that the COVID-19 pandemic has deepened a global learning crisis. An estimated 24 million students (pre-primary to university level) may never return to school. Communities are prioritizing getting students back into in-person learning environments, rebuilding and enhancing school infrastructure—from reliable electricity to safe drinking water and needed sanitation systems along with hygiene habit training—to meet learning needs, training, and supporting teachers.

Rotary members around the world are helping educators, students, and their families access needed infrastructure, resources, and training to ensure all students are receiving an inclusive and equitable quality education. Here are a few examples of recent basic education and literacy projects from our global community:

The Rotaract Club of Abia State College of Sciences, and Management Technology, ABA in Nigeria partnered with the Rotary Club of Eziukwu Aba to raise funds and award scholarships to cover students’ school fees and daily transportation costs. The clubs will continue partnering with students to support them with their education journey throughout the school year. Read more.
On 8 September 2022, International Literacy Day, the Rotary Club of Dhrangadhra in India recognized 25 outstanding teachers for their commitment to outstanding education. The club organized a special celebratory event to recognize educators for prioritizing students’ physical, social and emotional wellbeing, advancing education for students with special needs, and creating a safe environment for students to return to in-person learning. Learn more.
The Rotary Club of Ladner, in partnership with two other clubs of North Delta and Tsawwassen in British Columbia, Canada, partnered with the City of Delta and local organizations to create a story walk: a storybook displayed across 21 stations along a one-kilometer trail. The monthly stories encourage curiosity, a love for reading, physical well-being, and literacy. Read more.

Throughout September, Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, share on Rotary Showcase how your club is supporting educators, learners, and their families to help close the gap in access to quality education.

Looking for additional support? Review the Basic Education and Literacy Project Strategies Guide to start or scale your program. Contact the Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group for assistance with a project idea.