january 2026 Newsletter
 
Nearly two-thirds of the 781 million adults worldwide who are illiterate are female (National Literacy Institute). Gender barriers to education can cost $30 trillion in global lost earnings and productivity annually (World Bank).
 
Past R.I. President Shekhar Mehta’s talk will highlight the vital role of Girls’ Education in paving the pathway to gender equality, lucrative careers, economic productivity, health and wellness of families, digital competency, peace building, and greater agency to tackle climate change among
communities.
A Ray of Hope Builds on a
Legacy of Learning
 

 

 
A Ray of Hope is living up to its name. Supported by 10 Rotary clubs across Ontario, Canada, the project continues to transform a community in India by educating mothers.
 

 

 
Promoting Media Literacy in the United States

 
In Newport Beach, California, a Rotarian and game developer co-created a game that teaches 11- to 13-year-olds how to critically assess social media and news. The game’s design was inspired by Rotary’s Four-Way Test, an essential standard for measuring ethical behavior, blending technology with ethics education.
 
Foldscope Initiative
 
The following is a signature activity of the Rotary Club Washington Global and the non-profit organization mEducation Alliance (mEA). They are partnering with Foldscope Instruments to help bring the magic of discovery to 1000s of children in low-resource settings around the world.
 
 
We believe every child, no matter their geography or circumstances, deserves the chance to explore, question, and discover. Foldscopes turn that belief into reality. 
 
A world where any student can see bacteria on a leaf, the structure of a fabric thread, or hidden particles in the air is a world where science is truly accessible.
 
From paper to possibility, we are putting discovery in every child’s hands.
 
Foldscope is a paper microscope that combines low-cost materials with precision optics. When purchased in bulk, each Foldscope can cost under US$5
 
Foldscope microscopes have a range of magnifications (50X-340X). With them, you can visualize tiny microorganisms to larger samples like insects, plants, fabrics, and tissues. Foldscopes can also attach to mobile phones for imaging and are very portable, durable, and waterproof. With that versatility, the possibilities are endless!
 
We invite Rotary clubs to help us:  
 
Raise awareness of the initiative
Help us identify schools to support, and
Fund and support shipments of Foldscopes and training materials
 
For more information about this initiative, please see mEA's Foldscope Initiative page and/or email me at abloome@meducationalliance.org with questions.
 
 
 
Library of Congress Literacy Award Applications Open for 2026
 
 
Is your Rotary Club involved in an innovative project that is advancing literacy anywhere in the world?
 
The Library of Congress is now accepting applications for the 2026 Literacy Awards, which honor nonprofit organizations advancing literacy in the United States and around the world through outstanding, innovative, and replicable approaches. Since 2013, the program has awarded over $4.3 million to more than 200 organizations across 42 countries, thanks to the generosity of David M. Rubenstein and the Kislak Family Foundation.
 
 
 
Upcoming Events
Webinar: Girls Education as a Tool of Community Empowerment and Economic Development
Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-dJcbCGkTTeqHXhbLmoQmA
Feb 13, 2026
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Central Standard Time (UTC-06:00)
 
View entire list