Opening worlds through words

Rotarians in Tawa are helping Linden School students build confidence, literacy and a love of learning through one-on-one reading support and the gift of Rotary dictionaries.

Several days a week, members of the Rotary Club of Tawa, NZ, visit Linden School in Wellington to support a special group of students – children learning to read. Among them are students from immigrant families, where English is not the primary language at home, making it difficult to practise reading outside the classroom. Others simply benefit from a little extra encouragement to build their confidence and literacy skills.

During these sessions, Rotary members work one-on-one with students, typically spending 15 minutes with each child over a 45-minute to one-hour visit.

These moments are about more than just reading; they help build literacy, confidence and meaningful connections.

The children look forward to their time together, and the joy is mutual. Volunteers cherish these sessions just as much.

Last year, then president of the Rotary Club of Tawa Pat Waite and long-time educator Judith Havill visited the school to donate 20 Rotary dictionaries to Year 6 students.

These dictionaries are more than just books – they’re tools for empowerment, helping students overcome language barriers and explore the richness of the English language in a fun and engaging way.

Launched in 2008 by Rotary International Past President Bill Boyd and his wife Lorna, the Rotary Dictionary Project provides illustrated dictionaries to Year 4 students in low-decile schools across New Zealand and the Pacific. Through the Bill and Lorna Boyd Charitable Trust, more than 250,000 dictionaries have been distributed, promoting literacy and learning at home and in classrooms. The project reflects Bill’s lifelong commitment to education and Rotary’s mission to support literacy worldwide.

A touching moment during Pat and Judith’s visit to the school came from the school’s office manager, who shared that her 17-year-old daughter still treasures the Rotary dictionary she received when she was in Year 6.

The Tawa project is a testament to the power of community, compassion and the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.