LITERACY & EDUCATION

The Ripple Effect Program was conceived as a Rotary initiative to fight poverty through education by implementing projects that support the schooling of children.  The Program aims to bring as many sub-standard schools as possible up to, or beyond the standards set by their national governments.

The Program provides the schools, teachers, desks, books and the equipment basic to education.  Where there is a lack of food, poor sanitation, or potable water is an impediment to learning, the students are provided with these basics.  It supports schools offering education from kindergarten to grade 6, and it has supported selected graduates from these schools to continue with their education.

The Ripple Effect will continue operating between 2009 and 2012 mainly in Guatemala.  However, the plan is ultimately to expand the Program in a systematic manner into other countries as project management and funding capacity increases.  It is proposed that a pilot be run in Ethiopia between 2009 and 2012 to determine how the Program can be adapted to be effective in that, and other African countries.  A limited expansion into Belize and Honduras is also being contemplated; the current District Governor of District 4250 is conducting an assessment of the potential for a pilot in one or both of these countries.

How can my Rotary Club become involved with the Ripple Effect program?
Clubs can participate generally in 3 ways: 1. Take on the patronage of schools identified by the program. This is a multi-year commitment. 2. Take on a project identified for the current Rotary year for a school within the program. 3. Provide partial funds for a school in need with no specific project item in mind.

Involve Your Club
Literacy & Education Chair: Stan Fike: sffike@kamloops.net Program Coordinator: Gord & Debra LeMaistre: glemaistre1@hotmail.com