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Rotary Promotes LiteracyRotary Promotes Literacy
A Look at Rotary’s Literacy Efforts Worldwide
What Is Literacy?What Is Literacy?
Traditionally, literacy is defined as a person’s ability to read and write. It can also include functional abilities, like using a computer, understanding how to prevent certain diseases, or reading signs in a market.
Literacy Is ImportantLiteracy Is Important
Literacy empowers people and is essential for community development. Literate populations are more likely to
Develop economically
Live healthier lives
Be more peaceful
The Global SituationThe Global Situation
Nearly 800 million people worldwide over the age of 15 can neither read nor write.
Women and girls account for about 64 percent of this group.
Nearly half of all children in Africa will not complete secondary school.
Adult Illiteracy Rates by RegionAdult Illiteracy Rates by Region
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Rotary Supports LiteracyRotary Supports Literacy
Whether donating dictionaries, building schools, or acting as tutors, Rotarians are active in efforts to reduce illiteracy around the world.
Rotarian Literacy ProjectsRotarian Literacy Projects
Each year, Rotarians carry out thousands of projects to Expand and improve early childhood literacy and education
programs for both boys and girls
Improve the ability of teachers to teach and empower schools to meet the needs of students in the community
Increase access to adult learning programs for both men and women
Reduce barriers to literacy
Promote positive community environments for literacy
Literacy ResourcesLiteracy Resources
Tools to Support Rotarian Literacy Projects
Literacy Resource GroupLiteracy Resource Group
Appointed annually by the RI president, the Literacy Resource Group is a network of Rotarian volunteers who support and encourage Rotary club and district participation in literacy activities worldwide.
Resource Group StructureResource Group Structure General coordinator and assistant general
coordinator promote global literacy efforts. Six area coordinators support regional literacy
efforts in Asia, the South Pacific & Southern Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
The 39 zone coordinators help support and encourage district literacy activities.
Each district appoints a coordinator to help facilitate Rotarian and club literacy projects.
Work with the Resource GroupWork with the Resource Group
Contact your district or zone coordinator for literacy resources and project ideas.
Share project successes with district coordinator, zone coordinator, or Rotary International.
Appoint a club literacy project coordinator to work with your district coordinator.
Learn more about the 2007-08 Literacy Resource Group at www.rotary.org.
Contact the Resource GroupContact the Resource Group
Find contact information in the Official Directory, or contact RI:
Rotary International (PD210)1560 Sherman AvenueEvanston, IL 60201
USA
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 847-424-5343
Fax: 847-866-6116
Cooperating for literacyCooperating for literacy
To better support Rotarian literacy projects, Rotary International maintains a cooperative relationship with the International Reading Association.
International Reading AssociationInternational Reading Association
A professional membership organization dedicated to promoting high levels of literacy for all
Seeks to improve the quality of reading instruction and disseminate research and information about literacy
Includes a network of 300,000 educators in nearly 100 countries who support a thriving professional program of publications, meetings, and advocacy and outreach efforts locally, nationally, and internationally
Cooperating for Literacy in Your Cooperating for Literacy in Your CommunityCommunity
Discuss literacy issues with Reading Association members in your community.
Ask Reading Association members to speak about literacy at your club.
Plan a joint literacy project with your local Reading Association.
Celebrate International Literacy Day, 8 September, with a local Reading Association.
Learn More about the International Learn More about the International Reading AssociationReading Association
International Reading Association800 Barksdale Road
PO Box 8139Newark, DE 18714 USA
www.reading.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 302-731-1600
Fax: 302-731-1057
Key Literacy DatesKey Literacy Dates March – Literacy Month
8 September – International Literacy Day
Other Rotary Literacy ResourcesOther Rotary Literacy Resources
RI Web site: www.rotary.org
Communities in Action: A Guide to Effective Projects
A Menu of Service Opportunities
Community Assessment Tools
World Community Service Projects Exchange
Community Projects Database
Fact sheet on International Reading Association
