The Rotary Club of Portsmouth led a series of impactful initiatives in September, promoting education, social well-being and health at the Savanne Paille Primary School, and environmental sustainability through its observance of World Rivers Day.
The Rotary Club of Portsmouth proudly hosted the Handing Over Ceremony for the newly installed playground equipment at the Savanne Paille Primary School, a joint project with the Rotary Club of Bracebridge, ON, Canada. The event, held on Friday 20th September, celebrated the instalment of safe, modern playground equipment designed to promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being for the students.
Rotary Club President McMarara Joseph highlighted the high quality of the equipment and encouraged students to take good care of it as well as expressed gratitude to all who assisted with the pilot project. He emphasised the importance of physical activity in combating childhood obesity and the desire of the Club to support other children in Dominica in a similar manner. With gratitude, Principal Ms. Juanita Carbon enthusiastically shared that the playground will enhance students’ cognitive, social, and physical development, providing a ‘safe space where the children can play’.
In honour of International Literacy Day and in continued support to the Savanne Paille Primary School, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth organised a special book reading in partnerships with local author Mrs. Lisa Thomas, captivating students from Grades K and 1 with her engaging reading of her newly published book. This book titled, ‘With God I Can Do Anything’, is a story that encourages children to believe in themselves and their abilities. The interactive session allowed students to ask questions and share their thoughts on the book’s powerful messages of faith, perseverance, and self-confidence, leaving a lasting impression on the young audience.
In observance of World Rivers Day on September 22, 2024, the Rotary Club joined hands with the Portsmouth Association of Yacht Security (P.A.Y.S.) to engage in an annual tree-planting initiative along the Indian River. This initiative, aligned with the global theme of river conservation, saw volunteers, including students and environmental advocates, community members and members of the Rotary Club planting Mahogany trees along the Indian River banks to enhance its ecosystem. World Rivers Day is an annual global event that raises awareness about the significance of rivers and the need to protect them from pollution and degradation. This tree planting initiative highlights an ongoing action that the club has undertaken in preserving the region’s natural beauty and supporting global efforts for environmental protection.
Through these initiatives, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth demonstrated its commitment to education, environmental preservation, and the holistic development of the community’s youth. The club remains dedicated to supporting projects that enhance the local ecosystem and contribute to the well-being of the community.
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