The Rotary 9620 Reading Assistance Program (RRAP) commenced in August 2016 and has been running continuously since then. Its aim is to provide children aged 3-5 years living in drought affected areas with one reading book per month for as long as funds are available as part of a District initiative funded by a District Grant and donations from Rotary members and/or clubs in Rotary District 9620. The areas looked at initially were the Rotary communities of Charleville, Roma, St George and Mitchell however the program has expanded to many of the drought affected towns and properties in southern Queensland. The books are delivered each month, by regular mail, which is a delight to the children and families.
Outline of the Benefits of the Program
The effects of drought are long ranging. Drought can have an effect on a child’s education especially where funds are limited and resources such as reading books may become an “unnecessary” expense. The Rotarians in District 9620 understand that a love of reading underpins all educational outcomes and feel an obligation to assist.