Community Services

 

The Dictionary 4 Life project distributes dictionaries to elementary schools. The project originated with Rotary in the UK and was subsequently embraced by the Rotary Club of West Ottawa in District 7040 and, more recently, by more than a dozen other Rotary Clubs in the District. 

The dictionaries will help the pupils to improve their English language by exploring the spelling of words and their meanings. Efficient use of the dictionaries will also stimulate their interest in various subjects. One of the most positive aspects of being able to use a dictionary is that it promotes literacy and helps to develop autonomy and confidence in the learner. For some children, this dictionary will be the first item that they can call their own. In some homes it may also be a reference book for all the family.

Before making the book presentation, we talked to the students about Rotary and the various projects we are involved in at the local community and international levels.

In October, 2019, The Rotary Club of Ottawa, led by John Lark, delivered 92 dictionaries to Grade 3 students at the Viscount Alexander, St. Anthony, York Street and Osgoode elementary schools.