September is ..

Basic Education and Literacy Month

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

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

areas of focus education literacy monthly themes

“When you teach somebody how to read, they have that for a lifetime. It ripples through the community, one by one.”

Basic education and literacy is one of Rotary’s six areas of focus.

We know that basic education and literacy are essential for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace. Rotary clubs all over the world are taking action to enhance basic education and literacy in their communities. Every community has different needs and different opportunities to serve. This publication, “Basic Education and Literacy Project Strategies” helps you ask the right questions, identify real needs, and make the greatest possible impact with the time, energy, and resources you have at your disposal,