RRAP Chair: Michelle McDowall (Rotary Club of Sumner Park)
Programme Background
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, and indeed flood, 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.
Specific Details
Originally it costs around $10 per child per month to provide a reading book and post it home. Now, after 8 years, it now is $15 per child per month.
Each child who is enrolled in the Program by their parents will receive one, new, age-appropriate reading book per month, via post to the nominated postal address. The Program can be sustained in several ways. One way, of course, is that the books can be handed down within families or across families in the community.
PDG Doug St Clair has developed an access database wherein the current committee maintains records on each child. Click on the link or buton below for more details on the program.
Download the Program Brochure for Enrolment Details
