President's Message
President's Message
Dear Fellow Rotarian,
As I was reflecting on the potential messages for this week, the word “literacy” came to my mind. As I travel frequently, many times on overseas flights, some passengers are asking for help to fill out the necessary documentation. Sometimes, they have a letter from their loved ones explaining that the person doesn’t have the ability to read or write. I’m always amazed by the grace and the compassion displayed by the people helping these passengers.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines literacy as the "ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society".
Here are only few facts about the literacy as food for thought: Worldwide, approximately 800 million adults (11 percent of the world’s population) are considered functionally illiterate, with only basic or below-basic literacy levels in their native languages. 16.8% of US adults ages 18-24 did not graduate high school or obtain equivalency. (Source: Education Attainment table, 2010 American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)). 1 in 3 high school students drop out each year. (Source: 2008 Report of the National Commission on Adult Literacy).
On the bright side, it was been reported that for every dollar that gets spent on adult illiteracy, society reaps $7.14 in returns, whether through increased revenues or decreased expenditures (Source: literacypartners.org).
As the literacy is one of the essential ingredients for reducing poverty, improving health, and encouraging community’s economic development, Rotary International has adopted basic education and literacy as one of the areas of focus. Rotary clubs support literacy and education through local and international service initiatives like
• Providing books and educational materials
• Building schools
• Mentoring students
• Helping schools and other literacy agencies do their jobs by providing financial support, in-kind gifts and personal services of Rotarians
• Promoting a local community culture of educational excellence and inclusion. Projects such as student and teacher recognitions, scholarships, contests and competitions are examples and many more initiatives.
Our club has already been involved in literacy projects like Books for the World, Essay Contest in Schools, Science Judges, and building a library. We applied for a 2014-2015 district grant for scholarship for the Children of the Dump in Nicaragua. For less than $1,430 we plan to sponsor a former child from the dump to attend college for one year. Through the grant, we want to provide sponsorship for 3-4 children.
Let’s make further acquaintances with opportunities for service in the area of literacy projects. Perhaps this message will be a catalyst allowing us to expand our involvement with literacy projects as we carry on the Rotary’s great tradition of “Service Above Self.”
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Sofka Werkmeister
President 2014-2015
Rotary e-Club of Houston, TX, USA