Literacy transforms lives, this is not a slogan; it is reality. Rotary recognizes this principle and initiates and supports literacy projects all over the world. The Cayman Islands received a big boost from the Rotary Foundation last Wednesday when LIFE, or Literacy Is For Everyone, received a 5,000 dollar grant.

LIFE chairman Woody Foster received the cheque at the weekly Rotary Sunrise meeting. Woody expressed thanks on behalf of LIFE, a non-profit independent charitable organization that supports the community with literacy programmes. Woody commented: “LIFE’s business is literacy in the Cayman Islands, it was established 2 years ago and it is starting to make a difference in the community. LIFE, as a non-profit organisation is lucky that it is supported by many volunteers, but some things do not come for free and that is where this grant comes in. We have our paired reading programmes in the primary schools, where students who need help with literacy skills work on a weekly basis with an adult volunteer reading partner. CALS (Computer Assisted Literacy Solution), targets both adults and children and is getting off the ground now. We also provide an intervention called LLI (Leveled Literacy Solution) to primary schools in all the of the Government Schools. The donation from the Rotary Foundation will be used to pay for more LLI interventions.” Rotarian Hendrik van Genderen was pleased to hand over the cheque and noted “This shows the worldwide reach of Rotary, this donation comes from the Rotary Foundation through district 7020, the district of which the Cayman Islands is part. The district has reviewed the application and agreed to this grant, it is an example of Rotary’s commitment to literacy and its confidence that LIFE will use the funds wisely.”

The Rotary Foundation is the global charitable arm of Rotary; it raises its funds from Rotarians and supporters of Rotary. Funds are disbursed directly by the Foundation or via the Rotary District. Funds made available by the Foundation do go a long way; administrative overheads are minimal because Rotarians involved are volunteers. Grants are effective as applications go through a highly competitive application process and Rotarians in the country that receives the grant ensure that funds are well spent.

LIFE Ltd. is an independent charitable organization. LIFE is 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 www.life.org.ky.

Photo caption:  LIFE chairman Woody Foster receives US$5,000 cheque from the Rotary Foundation.