By: PDG, Carolyn Johnson,
RC of Yarmouth
As one of our seven Areas of Focus, Rotarians understand the critical importance of literacy. The ability to read and write is an essential skill necessary for our ability to participate and contribute to society. Literacy empowers people, expands our opportunity to lead a productive and meaningful life. Literate people have access to better employment, improved child and family health, and improved nutrition.
BELRAG (Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group) supports Rotarians to address these challenges to enable children to be confident readers and learners. BELRAG is offering three excellent opportunities to assist clubs in their outreach to support literacy in their communities.
Access to books at home and in school promotes a love of reading and better performance in math, sciences and other subjects. BELRAG is partnering with Encyclopedia Britannica to offer Rotarians a special edition of The Illustrated Encyclopedia. This single volume book, full of engaging photos and graphics, is designed to inspire the curiosity of learners, age 8-108. Endorsed by RI President Shekhar Mehta and specially published for Rotarians, this is a tremendous resource for classrooms, libraries, after school, and adult education programs. BELRAG will provide teaching activities for each chapter to assist teachers and parents help engage students and guide them to learning more on the topics presented. Illustrated Encyclopedia
Literacy opportunities in every community BELRAG Literacy Awards is an annual opportunity for Rotarians to showcase their community literacy projects. Four outstanding projects will be awarded $400 USD each - with at least one award reserved for a Rotaract project. These awards are intended to promote local community literacy projects - reinforcing BELRAG’s belief that every Rotary Club can and should be involved in actively supporting literacy in their own community. Applications are due by 30 Sept. Literacy Awards
Quality Early Childhood Literacy is the focus of Together We READ, the partnership between BELRAG and Save the Children. We are pleased to announce Community Engagement grant opportunities for Rotary Clubs in the US. Up to ten grants of $5000 to $10,000 each will be awarded to clubs engaged with community partners to support high quality early learning programs. School readiness, family literacy, access to quality books and learning resources, increasing community awareness of the importance of early literacy programs, or building capacity for educators and the community to support healthy learning development are examples of projects that these grants can support. Community Engagement Grants
More information about these projects is available at www.BELRAG.org Connect with BELRAG to learn how Rotarians are involved in basic education and literacy or to promote your club’s BELRAG projects. You can also contact Carolyn Johnson, RC Yarmouth, BELRAG Chair.