Make Dreams Real Challenge

October 24, 2008              

Today's Word :   challenge - a calling to account or into question; to defy boldly; to dispute; a summons that is often threatening, provocative, stimulating or inciting

At the beginning of this Rotary year, Rotary International President D. K. Lee challenged all Rotary clubs to Make Dreams Real by carrying out at least one service project that will help reduce child mortality, specifically among children ages five and under.

At first the task seemed daunting, but members of the club have rallied with understanding of our Mission Statement. Our allocations (grants) committee is assessing recommendations that will focus our limited resources where it will do the most good and help meet the local and global challenge. They will develop a short list of projects to successfully meet the call to action to reduce child mortality. Here are some projects Rotary clubs will be targeting this year.

Water: children need clean water not only to drink but also to improve their sanitary conditions. Digging wells to bring water to remote communities and initiating hand washing programs can help reduce child mortality.

Sobering Facts: Access to clean water and proper sanitation is essential to good health, education and economic productivity; yet over one billion people across the world lack access to clean water and 2.6 billion do not have access to basic sanitation.

Heath and Hunger: Chronic hunger and malnutrition can have lasting effects on health. Protection from disease and accidents is also vital.  Providing mosquito nets can help prevent malaria. Making infant car seats available to parents helps save lives.

Sobering Facts : A child dies of malaria every 30 seconds. Infant deaths in the United States are higher than in 28 other countries.

Literacy: new and expectant mothers need to know how to read and write so they can better obtain appropriate prenatal care. Teaching new mothers how to read to their children can also begin a cycle of literacy in their families and communities.

Sobering Facts: In middle-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1.  In low-income neighborhoods, the ratio is1 (one) age-appropriate book for every 300 (three hundred) children.

By focusing on projects and programs that reduce child mortality, Rotary clubs will Make Dreams Real for children around the world.....and here at home.

Yours in Service,

Steve