July is Literacy Month - June 25, 2007

Literacy and Rotary International – July is Rotary Literacy Month

For many years, Rotarians have been active in efforts to reduce illiteracy, from building schools and paying salaries of teachers to serving as tutors to collecting and distributing books and audiovisual materials to libraries. Rotarians are working with governments to create large-scale replicable literacy projects in the developing world.

The RI Board of Directors has designated July as Literacy Month, a perfect time for Rotary clubs to develop their own literacy projects as well as raise awareness of Rotarian efforts worldwide to eradicate illiteracy.

Considerable progress has been made in recent decades in reducing illiteracy; yet, close to a billion people lack the most basic literacy and numeracy skills. Millions more are functionally illiterate, lacking the skills necessary to meet the demands of everyday life. UNESCO illuminates some of the greatest challenges for those tackling illiteracy:

-- 98 per cent of the world’s illiterate population is in developing countries
-- 50 per cent of the world’s illiterate people live in India and China
-- More than 50 per cent of the population of Africa is illiterate
-- 2/3 of all those who lack literacy and numeracy skills are women
-- More than 130 million school-age children are not attending classes

When reading with your child, every story can be an exciting and fun learning opportunity! Here are some tips to make it happen:

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

Pick a convenient time to read with your child each day. Many families find bedtime ideal. Other times may include after a meal, in the tub or after school. Keep a book with you while you’re out of the house in case you have to wait somewhere with your child. Try to read to your child at least once a day.

For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.