Today, 103 million youth around the world still lack basic literacy skills, and more than 60% of them are women. An estimated 50% out-of-school children of primary school age live in conflict-affected areas. Enrollment in primary education in developing countries has reached 91%, but 57 million children still remain out of school.
Why are these statistics so important? By supporting education and literacy in communities around the world, we can change these figures and help improve lives. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 calls on ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning.
Rotarians worldwide are committed to supporting this goal through education-oriented projects that provide technology, teacher training, vocational training teams, student meal programs, and low-cost textbooks to communities. Rotary’s goal is to empower communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. Here are a few examples of Rotarians taking action:
The Rotary Club of Branchburg’s Asha Project has been working with many schools in Nepal, in support of education for children. The club provides financial support for scholarships, educational materials, organizes teacher training to sending Rotaract students to volunter in Nepal to motivate students to learn and coordinated Rotarian visits to local government schools where special need children can be integrated into classrooms. Many schools have been equipped with computer labs and setting us an E-libraries to provide support in reviewing current practices and planning for future development.
The Asha Project 