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Every Barnwell County 3rd grader benefits from Rotary dictionary project

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What is the meaning of “eradicate”?

That was one of the words third graders in Barnwell County sought to answer recently with their brand-new dictionaries. Each third grader was presented a dictionary from the Rotary Club of Barnwell County. As part of their annual Dictionary Project, local Rotarians distribute the dictionaries throughout the county which the students are able to write their names in and keep permanently. Teachers were also presented a copy.

The eradication of polio is one of the worldwide projects of Rotarians, explained Rotary Club President Crissie Stapleton to the students at Mace­donia Elementary/Middle School in Blackville.

Rotarians of Barnwell County visited all third graders around the county, in both private and public schools, to share the joy of reading and to tell students a little about what the Rotary Club does throughout the county, the nation, and the world.

“Literacy is critically important, and I am so happy our Rotarians make efforts to impact it for students countywide,” expressed Stapleton.

With literacy being one of Rotary International’s primary areas of focus, the Dictionary Project is an integral way for Rotary Club of Barnwell County to focus their outreach efforts. Rotarians also shared other ways literacy is promoted locally, including Little Wooden Libraries and student recognitions throughout the year.

Rotarians internationally and locally provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through their fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. The Dictionary Project, which takes place during World Literacy Month, exemplifies Rotarians’ work to emphasize the need for literacy, which serves as one of The Rotary Foundation’s six areas of focus worldwide. According to Rotary International, “Basic education and literacy are essential for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace.”

Rotarians believe that together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

To learn more about the Rotary Club, visit www.rotary.org. Please contact Rotary Club Secretary Lynn McEwen if you are interested in membership in the local Rotary Club.