ACTION BULLETIN
September 2025

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

September invites us to focus on the foundation that unlocks every other opportunity: Basic Education and Literacy. It’s one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus and central to the way we strengthen communities at home and around the world. Our aim is straightforward and bold—support learning, reduce gender gaps, and help adults build the skills they need to thrive.

Globally, we’ve seen meaningful progress over the past decade, yet the need remains urgent. At least 775 million people still lack basic literacy skills, with women disproportionately affected. As International Literacy Day approaches on September 8, it’s a timely moment for our clubs to celebrate progress and recommit to action that changes lives.

In everyday terms, “functional literacy” means reading well enough to handle typical daily and work tasks. In Atlantic Canada, the share of adults considered to be functionally illiterate remains just north of 50%. Put another way, in a room of 20 adults, that’s roughly 9–11 people depending on the province. These numbers point us to practical, local partnerships—support that meets learners where they are.

A really good example close to home is the ongoing support for Landmark East School in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. For years, the Rotary Clubs of New Minas, Kentville, and Wolfville Mud-Creek have helped families in need through bursaries so students with learning differences can attend Landmark East, a not-for-profit day and boarding school that specializes in small classes and individualized programs for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges. The Rotary Club of New Minas Sunrise is also preparing a Global Grant that would equip classrooms with furniture that supports self-regulation, improved lighting, smart boards, and class sets of Chromebooks—tools that will bring 21st-century learning within reach for more students. (Landmark East School)

This is Rotary at its best: clubs identifying a local need, aligning with our global focus, and building capacity that endures. If you’d like to learn more or contribute financially to the Landmark East Global Grant, please contact Holly at nmrotarypresident@outlook.com.

As you plan September programs, consider marking International Literacy Day with a hands-on service project, inviting a local literacy partner to speak, or launching a mentorship or tutoring initiative that aligns with community needs. Every reader we support, every classroom we strengthen, and every adult learner we empower brings us closer to a district where opportunity is truly shared.

Remember that for every dollar donated to the Rotary Foundation of Canada, approximately 50% comes back in the form of District & Global grants. Together, we can ensure the spirit of Service Above Self continues to open doors—here in Atlantic Canada and St. Pierre & Miquelon, and far beyond.