Rotary International District 5550 2019 – 2020 Literacy Report

Submitted by Gayle Jones, District Literacy Coordinator

District 5550 continues to be a district that is interested in promoting literacy in our communities and around the world. This year 26 clubs have won literacy awards. 13 clubs have qualified for District awards and 14 clubs have qualified for Zone awards. 29 of 45 clubs reported their initiatives for 2019 - 2020.

The clubs in District 5550 applied for Rotary Foundation funding for literacy activities. 12 District Literacy Grants and 11 World Community Service grants related to literacy were given to clubs.

Below is a list of clubs winning District and Zone Literacy Awards for 2019 – 2020.

District Awards Zone Awards Sioux Lookout, Ontario Dryden, Ontario Dauphin, Manitoba Brandon, Manitoba Gimli, Manitoba Brandon Sunset, Manitoba Minnedosa, Manitoba Selkirk, Manitoba Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan Neepawa, Manitoba Melfort, Saskatchewan Winnipeg Charleswood, Manitoba Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan Winnipeg Downtown, Manitoba Regina Industrial Parks, Regina Saskatchewan Winnipeg St. Boniface/St. Vital, Manitoba Regina Oskaya, Saskatchewan Moose Jaw Wakamow, Saskatchewan Saskatoon North, Saskatchewan Nipawin, Saskatchewan Saskatoon Nutana, Saskatchewan Regina Eastview, Saskatchewan Watrous, Saskatchewan Saskatoon Nutana, Saskatchewan Weyburn, Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Kenora, Ontario

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Ontario

Rotary Club of Dryden: **Zone Award** President Rena Madd reports that the Dryden Rotary Club continues to be very active in support of literacy projects.  The Club donated $11,000.00 in scholarships and bursaries to high school students in Dryden, Ignace and Red Lake schools.  The Club sponsored 3 RYLA Junior Camp students and 3 Senior RYLA camp students.  The Club sponsored 2 Grade 11 students to Adventures in Agriculture, 1 student to Adventures in Human Rights, will sponsor 2 students to Adventures in Technology, 6 students to MUNA.  The Club hosted a Rotary Exchange student from Brazil as well as 2 short term Exchange students, one from Germany and one from Spain.  The Club funded one Dryden High School class to visit the Human Rights Museum.  The Club hosted the music awards presentations to youth who had received top marks from the Royal Conservatory of Music. The Club also hosted a public speaking awards evening for students from each of three local schools who were the top contestants in the Rotary organized public speaking competition.  The Club supported nutrition programs in 5 local schools.  The Club donated to the Children’s Delight Series, a volunteer organization providing cultural, educational and performing arts presentations for children.  The Club supported the Dryden Public Library’s replacement shelving project  Two Club members serve on the Dryden Public Library Board and three are members of the Friends of the Dryden Public Library, two in executive positions.  Three members are involved in organizing and conducting book sales (Friends of the Library fundraising events to support DPL programs.)  The Club donates to the Ripple Effect Program.  The Club is currently leading a project with the Amorak Society to set up an open-air school to teach approximately 125 people per year. The Kenora Rotary Club and the Winnipeg Assiniboine Club and the District are financially supporting this project as well.  The Club has budgeted $2,000 to Shelter Box ( Shelter Box relief efforts also include distribution of school kits to children.)  The Club applied for and received a District grant for the Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh Literacy Project in support of the project to set up a school with the Amorak Society.  The Club raised funds for Ripple Effect through a Rotary organized hockey game. 3

Rotay Club of Kenora: **Zone Award**Kenora supports many literacy projects.  Youth Academic Scholarships  RYLA scholarships  Donated or participated in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Firefly Literacy Program, Free Little Libraries, and school based literacy programs  Donated money to the Ripple Effect program as well as scholarships for the program  Applied for District and International literacy grants  Supports the Harbourfront Concert Series, Lake of the Woods Concert Series, and Annual Festival of the Arts.  Recognized International Literacy Day and organized a fundraiser for literacy  Donated to a community nutrition program  Sponsored an Interact Club  Donated to the Amarok Society

Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout: **District Award**The Club reports a continuing effort to support literacy projects.  The Club offers youth academic scholarships  The Club sends a student to RYLA  The Club sponsors students to MUNA  The Club hosted a Rotary Youth Exchange student.  The Club participated in a Public Library program  The Club donated to the Ripple Effect program as well as to a scholarship for the Ripple effect program.  The Club recognized a special Literacy day. Manitoba

Rotary Club of Brandon 1344: **Zone Award** President Alan Moulin reported on the Clubs efforts in the area of Literacy.  The Club offered RYLA scholarships.  The Club sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Agricultur  The Club sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Human Rights  The Club sponsored students to participate in MUNA.  The Club holds two book sales every year.  The Club donated to the following literacy programs: Samaritan House, Brandon Energy Efficiency & Pre-Trades training ( reading materials, Girl Guides/Brownies, Earl Oxford School Library, YMCA Westend Daycare, Global Market lending library, Children of Correctional Centre Inmates – books for young children in partnership with the Sunset Rotary Club, Air Force Museum, Daley House Museum, Little Teaching Lodge Daycare, Kokum’s Daycare, Pre-school 4

Fair – in partnership with Samaritan House Ministries providing books for young children.  The Club donated to the Public Library and participated in a library program to provide the WestJet Bookshelf at the Brandon Regional Airport.  The Club engaged in a school partnership.  The Club set up “Free Little Libraries”.  The Club donated to the Ripple Effect Program as well as the Shelterbox program.

Rotary Club of Brandon Sunset: **Zone Award** President Jaquie Koromah of Brandon Sunset Club listed the following as literacy projects the club has undertaken this year.  RYLA scholarships  Donated to a literacy program (Imagination Library project)  Books were given to Kindergarten students in inner city schools in Brandon and also provided books for special needs students.  Books were donated to the Children of Inmates Reading Program. Books are obtained from the RC of Brandon book sales.  Cash awards were given at the Western Manitoba Science Fair emphasizing Water and Sanitation  Club members judge at the Science Fair  Bursary is given at the Festival of Arts in Brandon  Scholarships are given for Grade 8 students for Community Service  Books are donated to the Wellness Fair – a screening program in Speech and Language Development, Vision and Hearing  Sponsorship is given for students to attend Interprovincial Association for Native Employment luncheon. One of the club’s members is on the Board of Directors.  Donated to an international literacy program in Giza Egypt. The school offers skills training to young men and women ages 16 to 30  Organized a fundraiser for literacy.

Rotary Club of Dauphin: **District Award** President Luke Cove reported on his Club’s continued support of literacy programs.  The Club offered youth academic scholarships as well as youth music scholarships.  The Club offered RYLA scholarships.  The Club sponsored students to participate in MUNA.  The Club hosted a Short Term Exchange student.  The Club participated in a Public Library program and has a member on the library board.  The Club engaged in a school partnership.  The Club organized a book sale fund-raiser for literacy. 5

Rotary Club of Gimli: **District Award** President Ken Krebs reports continued emphasis on literacy by his club.  The Club offered 2 youth academic scholarships  4 RYLA scholarships.  The Club engaged in a school partnership.  Internationally, the Club contributed to the Ripple Effect program as well as providing a scholarship for that program.  The Club applied for a District grant for literacy.

Rotary Club of Minnedosa: **District Award** President Roberta Galbraith reports that the Minnedosa Club continues to emphasize literacy projects.  The Club offered two dance scholarships to the Rolling River Festival of the Arts.  Students were sponsored to attend MUNA.  The Club participated in a Public Library program.  The Club collected school supplies for a school in Mexico.  The Club participated in a Liberian literacy project through a member who works in Liberia.  The Club holds an annual Book sale at which every child who attends receives a free book. Day Cares are invited to bring their children to get free books. The kids are very excited to be there.

Rotary Club of Neepawa: ** Zone Award** The Rotary Club of Neepawa continues to have very active Literacy and Youth Programs.

 Provided a $2000.00 academic scholarship to one of the top graduating students going on to University. (student selected by a Teacher Committee)  Offered music scholarships at the Neepawa and Area Fine Arts Festival.  Offered technology scholarships.  Sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Agriculture and in Adventures in Technology.  Hosted the Rotary Youth Exchange student Orientation for the 41st year with Inner Wheel.  Established a Peer Helper Group to assist students to learn leadership skills and assist other students.  Runs H.O.P.E., a program for students in Grades 6 – 12 to assist with food drives to improve nutrition to enable students to better learn, to provide special learning events with speakers, and to select students ot attend the annual WE Day in Winnipeg. 6

 Provided $37,000 to Budz’n’Bloom Daycare to allow an additional 74 spaces, as well as a before and after school program for students. (part of a district grant)  Provided AV equipment for learning to the new middle school with a $3,500 district grant.  Purchased a class set of 10 C-Pen Readers ($3,150.00) for middle school students having difficulty learning to read. These are mini-computers which assist students to develop independent reading, to hear words aloud, and to digitally highlight sections. They also have access to the Collins Dictionary.  Offered prize money at the Beautiful Plains Horticultural Society annual Flower and Vegetable show, which has a strong emphasis on teaching youth to grow flowers and vegetables as well as how to prepare and show their products.  Assists in funding two students to attend a French Immersion course in Moncton, NB with other students from across Canada.  Donated money to literacy programs in the community.  Participated in a Public Library program, reading to pre-schoolers on Friday mornings at the library.  Has members who participate in a literacy project that is not sponsored by the club.  Engaged in school partnerships, including providing reading mentors, financial support, gifts in kind, extra tutoring, etc.  Set up Free Little Libraries in the community.  Held a Book Sale that provides opportunities for purchase books for all ages at reduced prices; each child attending the sale received a free book.  Donated approximately 300 books for preschool/school aged children to the expanded day care centre.  Partnered with the Breakfast Club to provide a hot breakfast to minor hockey players that attend early morning sessions to learn hockey skills and sportsmanship before coming to school.  Donated money and scholarships to the Ripple Effect Program  Donated to an international literacy program  Contributed to the Rotary Club of Winnipeg’s Global Grant in Guatemala to improve water and sanitation for families and students.  Contributed to ShelterBox Canada to help a family recover from disaster.  Raised money for an international literacy program.  Applied for a District Grant for Literacy  Organized a fundraiser for literacy.

Rotary Club of Selkirk: **Zone Award** President Sharon Moolchan reports on the many literacy projects supported by her Club. 7

 The Club provides youth academic and youth technology scholarships.  A member of the Club sits on the Adult Literacy Board.  A member of the Club represents the Club on the local and regional Family Literacy Board.  The Club donates to the Ripple Effect Schools project and provides funds for a Ripple Effect scholarship as well.  The Club provided funds for audio and video tools for the Adult Literacy Program.  The Club held a community book sale at which adult and youth learners assisted and received free books.  The Club members and Friends of the Club read to children in the schools and family programs.  The Club sends students to both RYLA camps.  The Club completely funds students who attend Adventure in Agriculture program, the Adventures in Human Rights program, the Adventures in Technology program and MUNA.  The Club provides funds for prizes for the Essay Contest held by the Adult Literacy program.  The Club supported a computer literacy program.  The Club recognized a special Literacy Day

Rotary Club of South Eastman: President Jo-Anne Dalton reported the following literacy activities on behalf of her club.  The Club donated to a literacy program.  The Club donated to the Jake Epp Public Library through member organizations.

Rotary Club of The Pas: President Ken Kelly reports the following regarding literacy support from his club.  The Club offered a youth academic scholarship.  The Club hosted a Rotary Youth Exchange student.  A member of the Club sits on a literacy or library board.

Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Charleswood: **Zone Award** President Mandy Kwasnica reports that this club continues to have active Literacy (Community and International) and Youth Programs.  They have offered Youth Academic Scholarships, Youth Technology Scholarships and have sponsored RYLA Scholarships.  They have sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Agriculture, Adventures in Citizenship. and the Rotary Career Symposium.  The Club has donated to a literacy program as well as sponsoring or participating in a Community Literacy Program. 8

 Members of the Winnipeg-Charleswood Club participated in a literacy project other than club sponsored programs.  They have engaged in a school partnership with Westgrove School Here, they donated to the School Breakfast Program, donated shoes and sweaters to students attending Westgrove School, and they read to Westgrove School students.  The Club has applied for a District Grant for literacy.  Club members organized a fundraiser for literacy.  Internationally, they have donated money to the Ripple Effect Program, donated to an international literacy program, and raised money for an international literacy program. Rotary Club of Winnipeg (Downtown): **Zone Award** President Roy Vallance reports that Winnipeg (Downtown) Club continues to have active Youth and Literacy activities.  For Youth, they offered RYLA Scholarships.  --They sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Human Right.  --They sponsored students to participate in MUNA.(Model United Nations Assembly).  --They sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Citizenship.  --In the Community, they donated to a literacy program, Share the Magic.  --They sponsored/participated in a literacy program, Recreation and Reading.  --They donated to School Libraries in Remote Indigenous Communities.  --They supported a computer literacy program, Cogmation.  --Money for an international literacy program was raised by the Club.  --As well, they applied for a District Grant for Literacy.

Rotary Club of Winnipeg St. BonifaceSt. Vital: **Zone Award** President Cam Livingstone reports their club is active in Youth and Literacy Programs.  They have offered youth academic scholarships.  They support the Adult Education Program which is tied into literacy. This is full credit courses allowing students to go onto higher education for youth and adults 19+.  They sponsor students to participate in Adventures in Human Rights, and MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly).  They send one student to the Adventures in Citizenship in Ottawa annually.  They send two students to each the Junior and Senior Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) camps. 9

 The Cub engages in a school partnership such as providing reading mentors, financial support, gifts-in-kind, scholarships, extra tutoring¸ or other needs as identified by the Winnipeg school.  They have supported and continue to support the Ripple-Effect Program with monetary donations as well as providing scholarships to the Guatemala Literacy Project and to the Ripple-Effect program.

Rotary Club of Winnipeg West: This Rotary Club led by Mildred Turner has  Hosted a Youth Exchange student  Donated to an international literacy program

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Saskatchewan

Rotary Club of Hudson Bay: **District Award** President Don Gelhorn reports his club has completed the following literacy activities to qualify for a Literacy Award.

 Offered two youth academic scholarships  Sponsored two students to participate in Adventures in Technology  Sponsored two students to participate in MUNA  Set up and maintain two “Free Little Libraries” in the community  Initiated a program called Rotary Reads in which Rotary members deliver library books to the home bound  Donated scholarships for the Ripple Effect Program  Sponsor a foster child in Uganda through Plan Canada  Half the proceeds of their Grow Project is donated to Canadian Food Grains bank  Applied for a District Grant for Literacy.

Rotary Club of Melfort: **District Award** President Ken Singer reports his club has completed the following activities to qualify for a Literacy Award.  Offered youth academic scholarships  Offered youth music scholarships  Sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Agriculture  Hosted two Rotary Youth Exchange students  Donated to a literacy program  Initiated and continue to sponsor a Literacy Program at the local library entitled 1000 Books Before Kindergarten in which every child who has read 1000 books before they start school is given a free book bag (with Rotary logo) a free book and are awarded a certificate of completion.  Donated money and scholarships to the Ripple Effect program

Rotary Club of Moose Jaw: **District Award** This club reports that they have  Offered youth academic scholarships  Offered RYLA scholarships  Sponsored students to MUNA  Donated to a literacy program  Engaged in a school partnership  Donated money to the Ripple Effect Program  Recognized Literacy Day

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Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow: **Zone Award** President Sonja Susut reports that her club has completed the following literacy activities to qualify for a Literacy Award.

 Offered youth academic scholarships  Offered youth music scholarships  Offered RYLA scholarships  Donated to a literacy program  Donated to a Public Library  Club member participated on a literacy board  Donated money to the Ripple Effect Program  Donated scholarships for the Ripple Effect Program  Applied for a District Grant for literacy  Applied for an International Grant for literacy  Recognized Family Literacy Week by organizing a special fundraising event “The Spelling Bee and Beeyond” a spelling bee for adults

Rotary Club of Nipawin: **Zone Award** The President of the Rotary Club of Nipawin, Pat Chernesky, reports that this club continues to have active Literacy and Youth Programs.  Provided youth music scholarships.  Provided a $1000.00 scholarship to a High School graduate  Presented a “Four Way Test” award to a grade 12 graduate who writes an essay that best exemplifies how they live by the Four Way Test. (student chosen by Teacher committee)  Offered RYLA scholarships  Is awaiting applicants to sponsor students in Adventures in Technology  Donated money to literacy programs in the community.  Sponsored/participated in literacy programs.  Has a member (Town Councillor) who represents the town on the library board and is on the Wapiti Library Board.  Engaged in school partnerships, including providing reading mentors, financial support, gifts in kind, extra tutoring, etc.  Donated $1000.00 to a local elementary school so that teachers in 8 classrooms (grades 2 and 3) could purchase books for their classrooms to help students at a lower level of reading. Teachers were able to buy books that weren’t available through school stock.  On Family Literacy Day, our club set up tables of used books to give away to children and parents who attended the school program. 12

 Have a plan to place at least 3 Free Little Libraries in the community and the Regional Park. The Shop class at the high school will build them, the Early Act Club will hold a fundraiser to pay for the materials, and the books will come from our stock of used books donated by the community for our Book Sale.  Donated money for Nipawin Nutrition for Kids.  Donated scholarships for the Ripple Effect program.  Donated to an international literacy program: Hippo Roller Program allows children to attend school because they don’t have to stay at home to carry water for their families on a daily basis.  Applied for a District Grant for Literacy.  Applied for an International Grant for Literacy  In the process of applying for a Global Grant to contribute to the new Family Resource Center in Nipawin, serving the Areas of Focus of both Maternal/Child Health and Literacy.  Recognized International Literacy Day in September, Family Literacy Day in January and Rotary Literacy month in September by inviting a literacy speaker (a panel of educators from the tiny tot story hour at the library to Grade 12) to a club meeting and organizing a special event.  Organized a fundraiser for literacy – Used Book Sale.

Rotary Club of Regina Eastview: **Zone Award** President Jack Wozniak reports his club has completed the following literacy activities to qualify for a Literacy Award.  Offered youth academic scholarships  Offered youth technology scholarships  Offered five RYLA scholarships  Sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Technology  Hosted a Rotary Youth Exchange student  Sponsored a student to attend Adventures in Citizenship in Ottawa  Donated to two literacy programs SEARCH and ECIP  Donated to a Public Library  Participated in a Public Library program and provided EAL by members tutoring one on one and also facilitating a group  Engaged in a school partnership by providing Chili for Children, financial support and volunteers weekly  Set up “Free Little Libraries” in the community  Donated to the Ripple Effect program  Raised money for an international computer literacy program  Applied for and received a Global Grant for a computer literacy program  Recognized International Literacy dates 13

Rotary Club of Regina Industrial Parks: **District Award** President Lynn Ridgway reports they have completed the following literacy activities to qualify for a Literacy Award.

 Offered youth academic scholarships  Offered RYLA scholarships  Donated to a Literacy Program  Sponsored/participated in a Literacy Program  Members participated in an other than club sponsored Literacy Program  Engaged in a school partnership  Donated money to the Ripple Effect Program  Applied for a District Grant for literacy  Recognized a selected official Literacy initiative by inviting a literacy speaker to their club/special event.

Rotary Club of Regina Oskaya: **District Award** President Adam Krammer reports his club has completed the following activities to qualify for a Literacy Award.

 Engaged in a school program by providing Christmas back packs  Offered a one year senior tuition in the Ripple Effect program  Sponsored students to participate in a coding program in a computer literacy program  Supported a computer literacy program  Offered a RYLA scholarship  Sponsored one student in Adventures in Technology

Rotary Club of Saskatoon: **Zone Award** President Vic Dubois reports that his club continues to be active in the following activities to qualify for a Literacy Award.  Offered youth academic scholarships to Saskatchewan Polytechnic  Offered RYLA scholarships  Sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Technology  Donated to literacy program  Sponsored or participated in a literacy program  Members participated on a literacy/library board  Engaged in a school partnership entitled Rotary Restorative Action Program (RAP) being implemented in eight Saskatoon high schools; the club is involved in organizing, fundraising, sitting on the Board of Directors. 14

 As well, the club partners with King George Community School in running a Christmas market which teachers use to promote attendance and academic effort.  Donated money to the Ripple Effect program  Donated to five international literacy programs;  Hope for Malawi project – donated towards renovating a school  Becas Scholarship Program – sponsor over 100 middle and high school students in Mexico  Joy’s Centre in Uganda – built a school for the orphanage and help to fund construction of a playground for the school  Janachetana Primary School, Siribari, Nepal - funding a lunch program  Siribari, Nepal - funding a teacher’s aide  Club organized a fundraiser for literacy, a Rotary Badge, Shield and Star Dinner which raises over $70,000 for the RAP Program  Working with BJM High School to establish an Interact club there

Rotary Club of Saskatoon Meewasin: **Zone Award** On behalf of President Hari Nair the following are the highlights of the Literacy activities.  Education and Literacy month was celebrated by the club supporting the Saskatoon and Area United Way, along with the two school systems in Saskatoon, in a project of Summer Success Camps to help children improve their language and literacy skills. These two week programs focused on targeted literacy strategies to help students maintain or improve their reading levels over the summer months preventing summer slide. In addition one of the camps was aimed at helping newcomer children develop their English language skills. The coordinator of the program spoke to the club about the success of the 2019 summer camp, which we had helped fund, and based on the report of the success of that program we are providing funding for the program to be held again in the summer of 2020.  Club members and their partners again participated in the reading program at St. Michael Community School (an inner city school) throughout the year. The program involves students reading to the Rotarians and assisting the students in developing their readings skills. This one hour a week program is not only rewarding for the students but also for the Rotarians and their partners.  Funding is being provided, in conjunction with other clubs in Saskatoon, to Joy’s Home of Hope Foundation in Uganda to help pay for school fees, provide books and school materials, and arrange shelter and food for orphaned children. In addition to the basic needs of food, education, health, clean water, etc. girls are taught about menstrual products, children develop skills and a sense of responsibility by taking care of goats and cows and about the environment by 15

participating in projects such as tree planting. In addition Rotarians, individually, are encouraged to consider sponsoring a child.  Guest speakers at club meetings are thanked by presenting them with a book which they sign and then is given to St. Michael Community School to be used by the teachers at their discretion.  Bursaries are provided to Saskatchewan Polytechnic Institute for single mothers who the school determines are deserving of receiving some financial help to continue their studies.  Bursaries are provided to graduating students at E.D. Feehan High School, an inner city high school in Saskatoon to assist them in furthering their education at a post-secondary institution.  Funds are provided to send students to Adventures in Citizenship in Ottawa , Adventures in Technology in Saskatoon. Although one club in Saskatoon is responsible for the Adventures in Technology program all the clubs, including Meewasin, assist by helping organize the weeks events as well as hosting students in their homes and driving the vans that transport the students around to the various venues during the week. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 these two Adventure programs have been cancelled.  In addition to the student from an inner city high school the Club also planned to send the one year exchange student, who this year is from Taiwan, to the Adventures in Technology program however due to the Covid-19 pandemic she has returned home.  The club also sends two inner city students to RYLA, the Rotary Youth Leadership Camp in Clear Lake, Manitoba. Over the years one or two of the students we have sent have returned as counsellors and one has gone on the one year Youth Exchange program.  Funds and human resources are provided to the Restorative Action Program in nine high schools in Saskatoon. This program addresses bullying and similar conflict situations by focusing on the concepts of Prevention, Intervention and Restoration. The program has been very successful in Saskatoon and has been copied in other locations such as Airdrie, Alberta. Other centres in Saskatchewan are looking into a similar program.

Rotary Club of Saskatoon North: **District Award” President Bob Anderson reports on behalf of his Club on the following literacy projects.  The Club offers RYLA scholarships.  The Club has a long standing partnership with Howard Coad School which faces all of the challenges of a community school without the funding. The Club has provided funds for tables and for a charging station so each child in a classroom has access. Improvement in literacy and numeracy are a direct result.  The Club also provides funding to the Saskatoon Food Bank Literacy Program. 16

 The Club provides financial assistance to the Saskatoon South Days for Girls Team. These volunteers meet regularly to make “Dignity Kits” – washable, reusable menstrual kits which are distributed to girls in Asia, Africa and South America after they receive education in Menstrual Hygiene Management. The kit enables girls to stay in school instead of dropping out when they start menstruating. The Dignity Kits are a powerful tool.  The Club applied for and received a District Grant for the construction and installation of 45 student desks and chairs and a teacher desk and chair for a school in Zimbabwe. Just a desk improves attention, good work,and attendance.

Rotary Club of Saskatoon Nutana: **District Award** President Candace Odishaw reports on the literacy projects of her club.  Youth academic scholarships are offered by the Club.  RYLA scholarships are offered as well.  Students were sponsored to attend the Adventures in Technology program.  A donation was made to a literacy program called Read Saskatoon on behalf of each weekly speaker that addressed the Club.  The Club donates $10,000.00 annually to the St. Francis Cree School for the purchase of iPads to aid in learning.  The Club donated money to the Ripple Effect program.

Rotary Club of Watrous: **District Award** President Ralph Schalm reports his club continues to have active Literacy and Youth Programs.  Offered youth music scholarships  Sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Agriculture  Sponsored students to participate in Adventures in Technology  Donated to a Public Library  Engaged in a school partnership by providing various resources

Rotary Club of Weyburn: **District Award** President Nancy Styles reports her club has completed the following literacy activities to qualify for a Literacy Award.  Offered youth academic scholarships  Offered youth music scholarships  Hosted a Rotary Youth Exchange student  Sponsored a student to attend Adventures in Citizenship  Donated to literacy programs  Participated in an Imagination Library Project  Donated money to the Ripple Effect Program