Rotary International district 3110 conducts Mega Cycle Donation Drive to support girl child education

Delhi, 01 July 2022 –In line with Rotary's vision to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education and increase adult literacy, Rotary International District 3110 today organized a mega cycle donation drive across 19 cities to support underprivileged and meritorious girl students. Speaking at the launch event today, RI District 3110 Governor, Pawan Agarwal, said, " As a part of this initiative, Rotary members have contributed Rs 1 crore to support girl empowerment. Investing in girls' education is one of the most transformative development strategies to enable all girls to complete secondary education and develop the knowledge and skills they need for life and work. Rotary clubs and districts in India are working to empower girls, especially in rural areas where there is little or no public transport for commute to schools. We aim to provide solutions to the girls who toil hard daily commuting to schools and tuition centers." The beneficiaries have been selected on the basis of distance between the school and their homes as well as financial status of the family. The details were provided by teachers, and a cycle will be passed on to another beneficiary if a girl leaves school for any unforeseen circumstances. Congratulating the district,

Rotary International Director A. S. Venkatesh said, "Around the world, girls are disadvantaged and discriminated against. In India, a significant percentage of girls dropout of school due to infrastructural issues, including distance from school, being a major hindrance for them to accessing higher education. Providing girl students with the means to achieve education is a small step towards improving adult literacy in India. We should continue to create opportunities that enhance their education, safety, health, and well-being, as it has the power to transform their futures and also transform their families and communities. "

Also present at the occasion were eminent guests like Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Uttarakhand, Shri Kailash Gehtodi, Chairman, State Forest Development Corporation, and Shri Trilok Singh Cheema, MLA, Kashipur, Uttarakhand. The event was supported by Actress and Social Worker, Hema Malini, Member of Parliament.

A UNICEF report released earlier this year pointed out that there has been an increase in the dropout rates among girl students due to Covid-19 pandemic. Students sometimes have to travel on foot for more than five kilometers to reach school. This makes it difficult for female students to attend school regularly, leading to school dropouts. About Rotary: Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.4 million members in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org. Contact: Maryam Raja; +91 97110 17410 Email Address:maryam.raja@genesis-bcw.com Jyoti Rai; +91 9650591553 Email Address: Jyoti.Rai@rotary.org