Rotary Foundation donates to literacy programme

(CNS): A non-profit organisation in the Cayman Islands dedicated to improving the reading skills of both adults and children has received a US $5,000 grant from the Rotary Foundation. LIFE (Literacy Is For Everyone) provides reading programmes in the primary schools for students who need help with literacy skills, as well as a new adult volunteer reading partner, CALS (Computer Assisted Literacy Solution). One of the programmes supported by LIFE is an intervention called LLI (Leveled Literacy Solution), which is provided to government primary schools. The donation from Rotary will be used to pay for more LLI interventions, said LIFE Chairman Woody Foster (far right).

“LIFE’s business is literacy in the Cayman Islands. It was established two years ago and it is starting to make a difference in the community,” Foster said after receiving the cheque at last Wednesday’s weekly Rotary Sunrise meeting. He noted that LIFE was supported by many volunteers “but some things do not come for free”.

As Rotarian Hendrik van Genderen handed over the cheque, he pointed to the worldwide reach of Rotary. This donation comes from the Rotary Foundation through district 7020, of which the Cayman Islands is part. The district reviewed the application, van Genderen said, and agreed to this grant, which is an example of Rotary’s commitment to literacy and its confidence that LIFEwill use the funds wisely.

The Rotary Foundation,the global charitable arm of Rotary, raises its funds from Rotarians and supporters of Rotary. Funds are disbursed directly by the Foundation or via the Rotary district.

Because Rotarians involved are volunteers, administrative overheads are minimal and funds made available by the Foundation go a long way. Grants are effective as applications go through a highly competitive application process and Rotarians in the country which receives the grant ensure that funds are well spent.

LIFE is an independent charitable organization dedicated to promoting the significance of literacy, stimulating new literacy initiatives and improving literacy standards of all school age children and adults in the Cayman Islands through advocacy, public awareness, and partnership with governmental and other organisations. Working with volunteers and specialists, LIFE provides necessary resources to teachers and parents in order to facilitate learning in selected children and adults.

To learn more visit LIFE’s website.