What Does Basic Education and Literacy Mean for You?
By IPP Godfrey Okello-Omoding
The theme of the month of September is basic education and literacy. Basic education encompasses, among others, the beginning of knowing reading, writing, speaking and listening.
As Rotarians, we all know this. But what is your “rotary basic education and literacy”? Do you take time to read about rotary? There is plenty of materials available in rotary learning centre.
Do you write about your rotary? For instance, your rotary experience. Do you speak about rotary? What is rotary to you? Speak up. Do you listen to talks about rotary? Where are you standing in “rotary basic education and literacy”? As we reflect on the theme of the month, let us reflect too on our understanding, appreciation and knowledge of rotary. Avoid to be taken as “an illiterate” about the organization you belong.
Be challenged this month to know, at least, the basics of rotary such as the object of rotary, four-way test, vision, mission, avenues of service, core values, areas of focus, themes of the months, etc. Let your participation in rotary be reflective of it; through being grounded with basic knowledge and information about rotary, to begin with. Let the basics of rotary guide you in whatever you do.
May our rotary basic education and literacy evolve in our rotary life. Let it lead us to be responsible and work well in the communities we carry out projects. Let our rotary basic education and literacy cause us to be better social and economic transformers in whatever we do, where we live and communities we work with. May our perspectives/opinions be measured and bring harmony.
Let our rotary knowledge and information be of value wherever we are executing noble causes. Let it be an opportunity to serve better. As we execute our duties, let us be challenged by our level of knowing what rotary stands for. And how best we can be torches of rotary and reach out to many who cannot thank you.
We do know that a number of communities are in need of helping or supporting hands. May we stand to be counted as a contributing community even where resources are limited. With informed members, we shall be able to mobilize resources without getting weary. The cause of rotary will be firmly rooted in us. So, this month, let members of rotary appreciate what they can do and are doing through reading and writing about them. Speaking about them. And listening keenly about undertakings of Rotarians world over.
There is still a lot we, Rotarians, can do. Rightly, we can be catalysts, we can be stimulators, we can build partnerships, and we are a resource in whatever we decide to do. May the theme of the month be meaningful to us all. Our magic start with us knowing better what we are, and what we can do for the service of humanity.