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Peace through education
W
One small act hen I stepped into the role of Rotary Now is the time to think boldly and creatively. New
M arch is here, and for Rotary Interna- amplified when we work together. Through our stra-
International president, the moment
types of clubs can help us engage educators, students,
Partnerships remind us that Rotary’s impact is
came swiftly and unexpectedly. It
and advocates in new ways. Let us use this month to
tional, that means celebrating Water,
welcome new members with a passion for education
got me thinking how the world can
Sanitation, and Hygiene Month — a
tegic alliance with the United Nations Environment
and empower existing ones to lead service projects
change in an instant, and how Rotary
time to shine a spotlight on one of the
Programme, we’re advancing the Community Action
has the power to be a steady force for good in that
for Fresh Water initiative. This program equips Ro-
most transformative areas of our work.
change. This month, Rotary’s Basic Education and that reflect local needs. Whether you’re building li-
braries, distributing textbooks, or mentoring students,
This month is an opportunity to reflect on The Magic tary members with the tools and resources to protect,
your actions matter.
Literacy Month, we have a clear call to action: to
of Rotary and the profound impact we create when we restore, and sustain freshwater ecosystems.
Education is also peacebuilding. Every scholar-
strengthen the foundation of learning in every com-
come together with determination and purpose. When we make use of Rotary grants and advocate
ship we provide, every early childhood program we
munity we serve.
Years ago, I experienced this magic firsthand in for clean water in our communities, we create a ripple
support, every adult literacy class we fund is an act
Millions of people worldwide remain unable
the Dominican Republic. When a group of members effect that extends far beyond individual projects.
to read. Millions of children lack access to basic
of peace. And Rotary has been building peace in this
helped people install water filters, three children As we embrace the spirit of the month, I encourage
way for more than a century.
education. And yet, we know the solution: sustain-
watched with amazement as dirty water entered one every Rotary member to seek out new partnerships.
Let us not forget that the fight for literacy is not
able, inclusive, and equitable education, especially
end of a filter and clean water emerged from the other. Collaboration multiplies our efforts and helps us
only about access, it’s about equity. It is about ensuring
for girls and marginalized youths. Literacy is more
When we paused the demonstration, one child tugged reach more people in need.
every learner, regardless of background, has the oppor-
than the ability to read and write. It is the key to
at my sleeve and pleaded, “Show me the magic again.” Whether it’s joining forces with local organiza-
human dignity, economic mobility, and peace. Every
tunity to reach their potential. And it is about standing
To them, it felt magical. It was also the result of tions, forming alliances with international agencies,
together — across borders, languages, and generations
book opened, every classroom supported, and every
countless hours of effort — planning, transporting, or mobilizing your community, every step we take
teacher trained becomes a building block of peace.
— to say that education is a right, not a privilege.
PHOTOGRAPH: CHRISTOPHE VISEUX
and installing the filters — alongside local partners together brings us closer to a world where everyone
Let’s Unite for Good by committing to literacy that
This year, our message is Unite for Good. “Unite”
PHOTOGRAPH: CHRISTOPHE VISEUX
who were dedicated to making clean water acces- has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
speaks to the strength we find in each other. When
lasts. Let’s dream of a world where every child learns
sible. In that moment, I realized that what seemed The Magic of Rotary shines brightest when we
to read. And then, as people of action, let’s work
we unite our talents and resources — not only among
like a small act could change residents’ lives. That is work in harmony with others to create lasting good.
together to make that dream a reality.
our clubs but across partners, organizations, and
The Magic of Rotary. Together, we can turn dreams into realities that
Together, we can change lives, starting with the
communities — we expand our reach. And when we
This story is a testament to the incredible potential transform lives and communities. The result may feel
do so consistently over time, we create lasting change.
power of education. Together, we Unite for Good.
of our global family to create change. Water proj-
like magic at times, but we know it’s from the power
PHOTOGRAPH: LUCY HEWETT unwavering commitment to improving lives. Consider harness this magic to make a difference this month SEPTEMBER 2025 ROTARY 1
Rotary service cannot be measured only in annual
of our collective commitment and compassion. Let’s
ects exemplify our reach, our partnerships, and our
goals. Our work in education must extend beyond a
FRANCESCO AREZZO
single year. Literacy projects take time to take root,
and beyond.
Rotary’s work with USAID. That partnership has en-
grow, and bear fruit.
President, Rotary International
abled us to work with communities and governments
to improve access to sustainable water and sanitation
STEPHANIE A. URCHICK
services for thousands of people in the Dominican
4
臺灣扶輪 2025.9
President, Rotary International
Republic, Ghana, the Philippines, and Uganda.
MARCH 2025 ROTARY 1
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