THE MINUTARIAN

September 3, 2023 | Issue 10

Basic Education and Literacy

September is Education and Literacy Month in the Rotary Calendar. Now is a great opportunity to reflect on the importance of Rotary's Area of Focus in Supporting Education.

Consider that more than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population.

The ability to read and write may be the single most important factor in determining individual quality of life. Basic health and welfare, peace and prosperity are immeasurably influenced by this basic skill.

Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. Rotary supports education for all children and literacy for children and adults.

If your club is seeking a project idea or would be interested in partnering on a grant, this area of focus is a great place to start. Successful projects abound in Rotary Showcase and your District Foundation Committee stands ready to assist in the development of your idea.

There is a great article in Rotary Magazine this month describing how the Rotary Club of Panama Norte leveraged a simple backpack project into a high tech modernization of classrooms and closing the digital divide in the country of Panama.

I'd love to hear your ideas!

John

John Tabor | District Governor 2023-2024

Rotary District 6970

John Tabor

District Governor

DISTRICT CALENDAR

President Elect Training Semina r - PETS 1 (3 options)

October 7 Deland

October 14 Gainesville

October 21 Jacksonville

January 13, 2024

RLI - Deland

January 27, 2024

Membership Summit

March 1 - 3, 2024

President Elect Training Seminar - PETS 2

May 3 - 4, 2024

District Conference

District 6970 Disaster Relief

Our District was largely unaffected by Hurricane Idalia. However, the experience was a reminder that this time of year, we individually should remain prepared in case of a situation in which we are more directly affected. While Rotary is not a dedicated disaster relief organization, many of our members have experience and specific skills that may be useful in a disaster situation.

We are fortunate to have an experienced professional with many years of public service, as Chair of the District 6970 Disaster Relief Committee. Richard Knoff, current President of the Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs, retired as Clay County Fire Chief and brings emergency management and public safety expertise to the Committee.

The Disaster Relief Committee is seeking volunteers to serve in a variety of roles. This may be as simple as general labor or may involve specific skills or expertise.

If you have interest or specific experience that would be useful in formulating or executing any District Disaster Response please contact Richard at:

904-699-1072 or [email protected]

Meet your District Leadership

Richard Knoff

District Disaster Response Chair

RC Green Cove Springs

President and Past President

Rotarian 31 Years

Rotary Responds

As a result of Hurricane Idalia, our sister District 6940 (FL Panhandle) is seeking volunteers to assist in the town of Mayo, FL in the following –

Move debris to roadside

Chain saw work

Clear driveways from wind damage

General Labor

Please contact Richard Knoff, District 6970 Disaster Relief Chair for details.

District 6940 will gratefully accept donations to the Hurricane Relief Fund, which will help people in Florida's Big Bend region who were impacted by Hurricane Idalia. There is great need to provide immediate assistance for food, shelter, daily living, and clean-up supplies.

You can make online donations through the District 6940 Foundation PayPal account.

Or, you can send check payable to "Rotary District 6940 Foundation" with "Hurricane Fund" on the memo line and mail it to:

Christine Isham, District 6940 Grants Chair, 1334 Belgrade Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Donate to District 6940

Supporting Education in Zimbabwe

The Rotary Club of Ocala:'

Rotarian Harry Thomas Coene (Tom) has been spearheading our grant for water and education in Zimbabwe. At a recent club meeting Tom introduced his partner Colin Kuhuni, Past President of the Rotary Club of Harare Highlands.

“The Musingwa Simple School Project (Zimbabwe)” was approved for a $120,250 grant from Rotary International two years ago. The funds will be used to improve conditions at The Musingwa Primary School, located in a remote area of Zimbabwe. The Rotary Club in the capital, Harare Highlands Rotary, is partnering with them on the project. READ MORE...