Rotary West President reveals vision for Literacy Mission

The Rotary Club of Barbados West is endeavouring to develop outreach programmes to improve the literary skills of individuals who are experiencing challenges.

Ready and excited to take on his duties, new President Morton Holder revealed that for Rotary Year 2018/2019, the service organisation will seek to assist those who somehow slipped through the crevices of mainstream education losing the opportunity to learn to read and write.

“Literacy, without its basic everyday activities are hampered. Consider it... How does one complete a form in the bank or at the doctor, or determine which bus to take based on the sign? This year we endeavour to develop outreach programmes for those affected by this challenge,” he shared during the induction ceremony held at Apes Hill Polo Club House, last Saturday night.

“In a similar vein we plan to continue our contribution to the QEH Dialysis Unit and/or the Medical Intensive Care Unit as well as remedial programmes such as home repairs. Over the years we have spear-headed several projects which we pledge not to forget, in some instances a coat of paint is needed, or some retrofitting may be required. A look into the upkeep of legacy projects is therefore on our year’s agenda and the list goes on,” he added.

Holder described Rotary as an institution which instils in its members a sense of purpose and joy in serving others. He also expressed that it is less about what they can get and more about what they can give. “Too often we lose sight of this and our vision becomes clouded by the material things which life has to offer.”

“Rotary shows us that there is more to life than these material possessions, instead it is an opportunity to learn and grow through giving. It is an opportunity for fellowship and mentorship; among seniors and younger rotarians like myself. We learn from each other – that there are one million ways to do even the minutest of things and as Rotarians we persist in sharing each of those ways, solicited or not! We share these values to improve the quality of our service,” he stressed.

The President, a member of the Rotary Club of Barbados West for the past five years, specialises in new venture management and operational turnarounds through business development and operational restructure. With a background in Business Management and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) he has managed the ICT operations in leading businesses in the corporate sector.

“I am humbled to know that this Club has vested its confidence in the selected Board and myself. We accept the challenge with both hands and are ready to give our level best for the continued betterment of those who need us most. Let me hasten to remind you that we rely on your time, your talents and your overall support in making the successes of the year ahead a reality,” Holder said. (TL)