Dictionary 4 Life is continuing to reach out to youngsters across the continents and is aiming to hit 200,000 book donations this year.
Since the launch three years ago by the Rotary Club of Tooting, thousands of young children have discovered a new world of literacy, thanks to receiving a specially printed Usborne Illustrated Dictionary. Many Rotary clubs across Great Britain and Ireland are helping more children to learn at home and overseas in developing countries by joining the initiative and donating these brightly illustrated books.
Colin Bryant, PDG and founder of Dictionary 4 Life, is over the moon at the project’s success: “I am really thrilled that a third of Rotary clubs have changed lives for thousands of kids. I’ve facilitated it but it is the 600 clubs which have taken part in the past three years, they’ve done the work. I don’t care if the order is 32 or 1000, Rotary is accepting there are needs within our kids. Education is the key to so many social problems and Rotarians can help.”
Each dictionary is inscribed with the recipient’s name, making it a very personal gift that the child can keep. There is even a page for friends to write messages, it is this personal touch which will encourage youngsters to keep the book for years to come and learn from it. Each letter has its own coloured page to make it easier for youngsters to look up words and the accompanying illustrations bring the book to life. Colin Bryant explains this easy way of reading will benefit youngsters: “Kids will look up a word and then look at other words. While browsing, they will pick out more words. In a modern society, the better your vocabulary, the more opportunities you will have.”
More help from Rotary clubs is needed to reach the ever growing list of participating countries. South Africa, Kenya, Zambia and Kosovo are just a handful of the countries which are benefitting from Dictionary 4 Life. Nearly 400 Rotary clubs are helping by donating funds to buy more dictionaries. There are reports of great relationships with primary schools where young pupils are keen for other children to enjoy learning.
Colin is determined to hit the target: “I’d really to see Dictionary 4 Life grow further and for more clubs to be part of the push to reach 200,000 donations. Clubs can contact me via email to find out how they can help. I’d also welcome any success stories which I can put on the Dictionary 4 Life website along with images and videos. By providing a child with the chance to open a dictionary, we are also helping them open the door to a better understanding of the world.”
To help more youngsters improve their literacy, contact Colin Bryant at Dictionary 4 Life.
