Rotary International's commitment to literacy is a cornerstone of its mission to empower individuals through education. More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population.
Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
In September, Rotarians worldwide unite to champion the cause of Basic Education and Literacy, recognizing that knowledge truly is power. Education is the key that unlocks potential, breaks cycles of poverty, and empowers individuals to shape their own futures.
Literacy, in particular, is the foundation upon which all other learning is built. By providing books and educational materials to underserved communities, supporting adult literacy programs, mentoring students, and offering tutoring services, Rotary clubs are making a significant impact. These efforts not only change individual lives but also transform entire communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change that spans generations.
Rotary members make amazing things happen, like:
Opening schools: In Afghanistan, Rotary members opened a girls’ school to break the cycle of poverty and social imbalance.
Teaching adults to read: Rotary members in the United States partnered with ProLiteracy Detroit to recruit and train tutors after a study showed that more than half of the local adult population was functionally illiterate.
New teaching methods: The SOUNS program in South Africa, Puerto Rico and the United States teaches educators how to improve literacy by teaching children to recognize letters by sounds instead of names.
Making schools healthy: Rotarians are providing clean, fresh water to every public school in Lebanon so students can be healthier and get a better education.
Enhancing educational systems: In Kenya, Rotary clubs are working with the Global Partnership for Education and local and national governments to advance life-long learning opportunities for poor and marginalized children. Learn more.
One Rotary member, Mark Wilson, stated it this way, "When you teach somebody how to read, they have that for a lifetime. It ripples through the community, one by one."
What is your club doing to make a difference? Let's hear your stories!
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