The most visible programs like that Rotary sponsors like Youth Exchange, the Medallion program and RYLA, are often at the forefront of conversations amongst community members. But there are many other programs are much less visible and as a result, get much less attention. Bringing more good deeds to the forefront, this article sheds some light on what goes on behind the scenes of Rotary’s Community Service committee.
 
The most visible programs like that Rotary sponsors like Youth Exchange, the Medallion program and RYLA, are often at the forefront of conversations amongst community members. But there are many other programs are much less visible and as a result, get much less attention. Bringing more good deeds to the forefront, this article sheds some light on what goes on behind the scenes of Rotary’s Community Service committee.

Rotary’s Community Service committee has invested thousands of dollars ($125K in five years) to various organizations in Welland that aim to aid children and youth who come from households who cannot easily access new technology. One of the large investments made by Rotary was for the Educational Technology Program. The program was initiated about six years ago when Rotarians became aware of the fact that certain schools in the Welland area could not financially keep up with the demands of the ever-changing world of technology. They found that some schools did not have the funds, despite the best efforts of the local school boards, to provide their students with the technology to better equip them for the realities and demands of the future.

In each school the committee members worked with the principals and teachers to create a three year plan to enhance the programs already in place. Rotary provided the funding and the information concerning the technology that enriches and enlivens students’ educational experience. So far, Rotary has supplied four schools with the latest technology, including SMART boards
(interactive whiteboards) and allied technology; both have helped to increase student achievement and interest. This process is ongoing and at any one time two schools are being supplied with the appropriate technology.  This has been a very rewarding experience to us at Rotary and has had a great effect on the students. To quote one of the principals: “The SMART board allows me to present lessons in a more inter-active way… which turns my typical classroom into a fun learning experience.” 
 
For further information on this and other initiatives please go to our website at www.wellandrotaryclub.com. If you would like to get some sense of the Rotary experience, join us at a regular meeting at noon, every Tuesday at the Riverstone Event Centre.

EVENTS COMING IN SEPTEMBER:
September 19-20: Toonie Book Sale at Holy Trinity Church (8-4 both days)
 
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