rotary promotes literacy a look at rotary’s literacy efforts worldwide

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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World Regions

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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: programs@rotary.org

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: pubinfo@reading.org

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