Rotary Club tends to Savanne Paille Primary School, World Rivers Day projects, for September

In September, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth undertook a variety of significant initiatives aimed at enhancing education, social welfare, and health at Savanne Paille Primary School, while also promoting environmental sustainability in conjunction with World Rivers Day. On September 20, the club held a Handing Over Ceremony to celebrate the installation of new playground equipment at the school, a collaborative effort with the Rotary Club of Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada.

This event marked the introduction of safe and modern playground facilities intended to encourage physical activity, social engagement, and overall well-being among students. President McMarara Joseph of the Rotary Club emphasized the quality of the equipment and urged students to care for it, while also expressing appreciation to all contributors involved in the project. He pointed out the critical role of physical activity in addressing childhood obesity and the club’s intention to extend similar support to other children in Dominica.

Additionally, in recognition of International Literacy Day and to further support Savanne Paille Primary School, the Rotary Club organized a special book reading event featuring local author Mrs. Lisa Thomas. During this session, she engaged students from Kindergarten and Grade 1 with her newly released book, “With God I Can Do Anything,” which inspires children to have confidence in themselves and their capabilities. The interactive reading allowed students to pose questions and discuss the book’s themes of faith, perseverance, and self-esteem, leaving a meaningful impact on the young participants.

On September 22, 2024, in celebration of World Rivers Day, the Rotary Club collaborated with the Portsmouth Association of Yacht Security (P.A.Y.S.) to conduct an annual tree-planting event along the Indian River. This initiative, which aligns with the global focus on river conservation, involved volunteers, including students, environmental advocates, and community members, who planted Mahogany trees along the riverbanks to improve the local ecosystem. World Rivers Day serves as a worldwide observance aimed at raising awareness about the importance of rivers and the necessity of protecting them from pollution and degradation. This tree-planting effort reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to preserving the area’s natural environment and supporting global environmental protection initiatives.

Through these activities, according to a statement by the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, the club has reaffirmed its dedication to education, environmental conservation, and the comprehensive development of youth within the community. The club continues to focus on projects that improve the local ecosystem and enhance community well-being.