Change Lives Through Literacy
A lot of emphasis has been put on the growth of education especially in Africa by governments and civil society alike- and for good reason too. Despite the growth of literacy levels in the region to about 70% over the years, this is still below the global average of 90%. This in turn has continued to affect the growth of our economy, crime rates, health services, child mortality, and poverty rates.
Of all regions, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of education exclusion. Over one-fifth of children between the ages of about 6 and 11 are out of school, followed by one-third of youth between the ages of about 12 and 14. .. almost 60% of youth between the ages of about 15 and 17 are not in school”.
UNESCO Institute for Statistics
Rotarians are People of Action and many of the clubs in our District are doing impressive work in regards to growing literacy levels through their service projects. From paying school fees for needy students, donations of books and establishment of libraries and donations of books, digital literacy programs, to provisions of desks chairs, and equipment, clubs continue to support literacy programs for both adults and children.
There has also been an increase in providing Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) projects in schools to enable a conducive learning environment. Underprivileged students are able to receive menstrual hygiene solutions, access clean toilets, handwash stations, and clean water.
This month of September we celebrate this important focus area of Basic Education and Literacy. Read up stories from various clubs on how they are achieving success with various projects in schools on this month’s issue of the Timeline Magazine. Be inspired to change lives through literacy, by making use of collaborations to enable bigger and more impactful education projects.
Our District is also privileged to host Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta this month. Mehta is passionate about education and literacy; particularly the empowerment of the girl child to reduce gender disparity in learning. These stories will set the mood for his speech on 9th September 2021 during a mega fellowship with all Rotarians in the District that will be hosted by District Governor Alex Nyaga. Don’t miss out!
Yours in Service,
Caroline Njiru
