We don't need no education
We don't need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone.
Roger Waters, Pink Floyd – The Wall (1979)
Two of my most favourite composers of classical music, Roger Waters and David Gilmour released this album some 47 years ago. [Classical? Yes, Henrietta, of course I’m serious!]
September is Rotary International’s ‘Basic Education and Literacy Month’. Now... you have an image in your mind, don’t you? And I bet that that image is something like a classroom in a “developing country”, full of highly attentive, smiling kids with perfect teeth, sitting on the floor, or at best on old school benches (possibly donated by Rotary). Correct?
Now, I don’t for a moment suggest that those Rotary programs, which supply material, financial support and sometimes human resources, are not worthwhile. Are they ever! There is only one way to improve the lives of the impoverished people regardless of where they live and that’s Education. Starting with basic literacy and numeracy, it is indeed the only way. With Rotary’s concept of having a partner at the recipient’s end, our efforts also have a much higher chance of success. This generally is the policy of The Rotary Foundation, as well as – closer to home – the rule of Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS).
But what about right here? A recent publication by the Australian Catholic University reports that some 44% of adult Australians “lack the literacy skills required in everyday life. Is it because we are not spending enough of our taxes on Education? Personally, I don’t really think so. It goes much deeper than that. [Note: ”This is the author’s personal view. It may not coincide with Rotary’s policy” Ed.]
It is not Rotary’s task to set Education Policy, but to help where we can. Our club’s ‘Rotary Support for Students’ program (formerly known as ‘School Mates) most definitely will create a lasting impact, by providing funds to help disadvantaged children to obtain necessary equipment and materials. More on this program in the next bulletin.