Rotary Assists School Libraries

The presidents of three Grand Cayman Rotary Clubs last week (Thursday, 24 February) donated a total of US$70,000 to Savannah and East End primary schools to replace library books lost due to hurricane damage.

Rotary Central President John Elliot, Rotary Sunrise President Chris Bowring and Rotary Club of Grand Cayman President Raymond Whittaker all commented that it had been a unique year for them as they went from focusing on individual projects to working together to become more effective. "We are aware that more needs to be done and we are always looking for areas that others aren't working on. We are not trying to compete with other recovery programmes, but working to supplement them," said Mr. Bowring.

Savannah Primary School Principal Mrs. Lorna Blackman received $35,000 on behalf of her school: "Although our library was relatively new, it was very badly damaged, so we are starting from scratch. This is a very thoughtful and wonderful Easter present," she said.

Before Ivan, donations from Rotary Clubs had assisted the East End Primary School to establish a new library. East End's Year three teacher Mrs. Ferene Sealy received the remaining $35,000 donation on behalf of the school.

Minister for Education the Hon Roy Bodden, was also on hand to express his appreciation: "The Rotary Clubs have truly risen to the challenge of assisting the community during the recovery period, and we greatly appreciate their generous and continuing support for education."

According to Mr Bowring, since Hurricane Ivan, the three Rotary Clubs have already donated close to $100,000 worth of provisions to schools, including uniforms, bags, classroom supplies, dictionaries, wagons and tricycles.