STORIES FOR SEP NEWSLETTER

EDUCATION STORY CONTINUED: More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population.  Did you know that in Hawaii, 1 in 6 adults struggle with reading and writing, according to Hawaii Literacy. Disruptions to classroom learning during the pandemic, has led to a reduction in reading rates at island schools and those lower literacy levels are expected to last for years. Learning to read is an important part of keiki's early education.

We take action to empower educators to inspire learning at all ages.  Last year, total Global Grant funding was $25.7 million. Rotary members make amazing things happen, like:

Opening schools: In Afghanistan opened a girls’ school to break the cycle of poverty, social imbalance.

Teaching adults to read: in the U.S. partnered with ProLiteracy Detroit to recruit and train tutors.

New teaching methods: The SOUNS program in South Africa, Puerto Rico and the U.S. teaches educators how to improve literacy by teaching children to recognize letters by sounds instead of names.

Making schools healthy: by providing clean, fresh water to every public school in Lebanon.

Enhancing educational systems: In Kenya, working to advance life-long learning opportunities for poor and marginalized children.  

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Hawai'i Island Rotary Clubs are joining together for a "Sunrise to Sunset Peace Pole Dedications" on Wednesday September 21, 2022, the International Day of Peace.  9:00-Kua O Ka La Charter School. Call Susie 808-640-3439.  Noon-Waimea Preservation Association. Call Kimo 808-987-2611. 5pm -Heavenly Hawaiian Farms. Call Mike 808-989-0360.  All are invited to join them.

 

On Oahu, the RC of Honolulu Sunset is planning a Peace Pole Dedication at Jefferson School in Waikiki.  At 9am, If you want to join in a Statewide “Ringing Bells for Peace Day” on Zoom, register at:  : bit.ly/PeaceDay2022

 

The International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

 

This year is particularly significant: It is the 20th Anniversary of the UN Resolution on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.  The 2022 Peace Day Theme is :  End Racism. Build Peace.  We all have a role to play in fostering peace. Tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute to this effort.

The UN General Assembly has declared September 21 as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. But achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.

 

Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world. Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status offered to a nongovernmental organization by the UN’s Economic and Social Council. The Rotary Representative Network consists of Rotary International representatives to the United Nations and other or

                                                                                           

Oahu Rotary members are invited to participate in a Hunger Action Day joint project with the Lions Clubs by donating food items or volunteering to collect goods on Friday, September 23, 11am to 1pm.  We will be on the Beretania Street side of the State Capitol.   If you are interested in volunteering, just show up with a Rotary shirt and jump in. If you want to drive by and drop off food items, bring them between 11am and 1pm.

 

For a second year, Rotary International, Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, and Optimist International are working together internationally to celebrate and give back to our communities with a weeklong service event, to be held 11-17 September. Leadership from the four service organizations have encouraged their clubs and youth programs around the world to work together on projects during one week as part of a joint initiative dubbed Celebrate Community – #CelebrateCommunity.  Rotary and Rotaract clubs are encouraged to partner with local Kiwanis, Lions, and Optimist clubs on a project that will have a long-term impact in their community.

 

Imagine the difference we can make when we harness the power of our four organizations’ 3.4 million members, all of whom share a passion for taking action and creating lasting change.                                                              

 

As we are well into the Rotary Year, Public Image may be on your mind. If you want to go further into upping your Rotary PI knowledge, there’s more help.  From resources, to training, to action - the Zones 26/27 Public Image team is also ready to assist. On the Third Thursday of each month the Zone is excited to host a virtual Discussion Hour covering the following topics: Register in advance for one or all of the meetings at the link below. Should you have any questions, reach out to the District PI or Zone team using the ExpertHub on the Zones 26/27 website at zone2627.org

September 15, 2022: Social Media Tips & Tools
October 20, 2022: Brand Integrity - How to get every club using the rotary logo correctly.
November 17, 2022: Media Relations
December 15, 2022: PI Social Hour - Open Discussion
January 19, 2023: Internal Public Image Campaigns
February 16, 2023: Content Development/Brand Center
March 16, 2023: Developing your PI Plan and Committee
April 20, 2023: PI Social Hour - Open Discussion
May 18, 2023: Website Development/POA

Alena, her 9 year old daughter and 57 year old mother had come to Hawaii on vacation then were unable to return to Ukrania when the war broke out. Alena was located by Senator Michelle Kidani’s office (Michelle is a member of our club), as an Ukranian living in the Mililani area and was invited to attend the dedication of the Rotary Club of Mililani Sunrise’s (RCMS) Peace Pole at Mililani High School on April 5th. Since then, President Lynn Goya has kept in touch with Alena, asking her what things she might need that the club could help her with. Month-to-month, Alena’s family lives in temporary housing and never know where they might be. Alena asked if she could get some kitchen supplies, as they could never be sure that the house they would be in would have a stocked kitchen. RCMS rallied and donated brand new silverware, pots and pans, dishware, glassware, a hotpot – so much that it barely fit into her small car. Below is the thank you note.