Greeting Rotary Family,

 

September is Rotary International's focus on "Basic Education and Literacy" and our programs for the month are a real treat supporting this theme. When I think about education and its elevating effects, it reminds me of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela. Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." I feel this to be true in my heart and soul, and if you think about it for a moment, you may have an educational experience that changed your world.

 

Education and literacy have a way of empowering, enriching, and uplifting the human mind. As a young mother I had many opportunities to help my children learn. I watched and helped them through challenging elements that brought frustration, anger, and even sometimes tears. I also saw a light enter their eyes as they gained a sense of understanding of a concept that was previously challenging. On the flip side of the coin, I have witnessed the same enlightenment happen in human interaction. Maybe you have also experienced this yourself, when working with a person who is fundamentally different from you.  Sometimes our differences can seem like a cavern dividing us, but as we take the time to get to know an individual, the more we learn about who they are, their background and experience, the more we close the gap and find commonality. The more enlightened we are and the more we seek understanding through educating ourselves and supporting others in doing the same, the better our community will be. 

 

This month, think about how you can support education and literacy in a way that makes sense for you, doing so will bring greater knowledge and understanding that will help create a better world.

 

Yours in service,

 

Kristin Sanger
President, Rotary Club of Idaho Falls