Making it Happen through Rotary...

• There is a genuine need
• Other resources are unavailable or inadequate
• The government in the host country welcomes the program
• Rotary in the host country is prepared to manage projects within the program
• A community being served is supportive and prepared to contribute
• There are teachers willing to provide advice and assistance

Addressing Basic Education Needs...

• Building a new school will be undertaken only if land is owned by the municipality, the community or the education system. Repairs/upgrades will be undertaken where these are needed according to local standards.
• Books will be provided for student use & basic reference. These books will be those prescribed by the Ministry responsible for education in that country. Reference texts will be selected on the recommendation of the teachers as being supportive of the curriculum and suitable for the students (e.g. the program will, where possible and appropriate, provide reference texts in the students’ dialects).
• Teachers Salaries will be supplemented or provided where government funding is inadequate. Wherever possible teachers paid through this program will be certified by the government of the host country. Where no certified teachers are available, teachers must meet community-approved standards. It is expected that in time, all salaries will be paid by the level of government responsible for it.
• Services will be installed where possible including electricity, toilets and sinks with running water.
• Desks, benches or other appropriate fixtures of a sturdy nature will be provided for students and teachers.
• Equipment such as black or white boards, maps and shelving will be provided. Once the school has the basics, computer equipment could be considered.
• Safety & Security Measures will be taken. This will include fencing where schoolyards are on hillsides and lock-ups where equipment may be stolen.
• Food will be provided in areas where children arrive at school hungry.
• Recreation Equipment will be considered especially where it will attract and/or keep children in school.
• Scholarships will be provided for worthy graduates to go to high school and/or trade school. These students must prove capability, parental support and need.

Soundly Managing Funds...
Simple but Effective and Efficient Administration...

Funds flow from the donor Rotary clubs to host Rotary clubs. The host clubs ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose and appropriate records are kept. The number of schools entered into the program is matched to the project-management and funding capacity of the host clubs.

Implementing this program involves five well-defined steps:

• A geographic area is chosen within which the program can be effectively managed.
• Analysis of the needs and local support for a particular school within that area is undertaken by qualified Rotarians from Canadian Districts and a Host Rotary Club near the school.
• A Comprehensive Plan is prepared for each school and parcelled into small projects that can be undertaken over time. The component projects require varying levels of funding and varying levels of hands-on management. The plan implies a long term commitment; however, individual donors may participate on a short term basis.
• Project Management Agreements are put in place. These specify what is to be done and by whom (including by the local community and other partners). Canadian Rotary clubs agree to fund one or more projects. Host Rotary clubs agree to manage the projects, to contribute to them, to disburse the funds and to monitor progress.
• Reports are prepared by the host club or its designate; donors may take evaluation trips.
• Frequent contacts are encouraged between the donors and those being supported.