Support for Youth

DICTIONARY FOR LIFE (D4L)

We have presented Dictionaries to year 6 pupils in several local schools since 2011, over 1800 in total to date. The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary is a superb tool for these students and there has been a very positive response from all the school teachers of classes that have recived them. Teachers work with the students in their final year in order to ensure they have a good understanding of how to use the dictionaries efficiently and fruitfully. We recognise that reading is one of the most imporant skills that our young people can learn and we will do all we can to encourage children to read.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

We support the local library's initiative which challenges local Primary school children to read as much as possible in their summer holidays. 

THE BETTES LEGACY

When Past President David Bettes passed away in 2023 the family donated the Retiring Collection to the Club with a request that we use it in any way we saw fit. We recalled David's long standing interest in the education of young people, so divided the funds between the local libraries in Lyme Regis and Charmouth, asking them what might be appropriate to their particular audience. A specific selection of Leggo was purchased for Charmouth Library and a selection of educational games for Lyme Regis Library.

RYLA  (ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS)

We have chosen to fund one student to attend a RYLA course in 2024, specifically a course run for ROTARY by Cardiff City Council, in their superb outdoor facility, The Storey Arms Centre in the Brecon Beacons. After extensive advertising a suitably qualified student has been accepted and is looking forward to the experience in August 2024. If successful we are mindful to repeat the exercise in future years. The course focuses on leadership skills, using outdoor activities as the base.  The objective is to help students develop team-working skills, explore and practice leadership, and develop greater personal confidence.  We hope students will benefit practically, e.g. in work or University life, and be encouraged to take leadership roles within their communities in future.

THE FRANK MAYES AWARD

Frank Mayes was the first President of the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis. In his memory we have, every year, given a prize to a pupil in St Michaels Primary School who, in the opinion of the school teachers, has made outstanding progress. In 2024 we plan to extend this Rotary Award to other schools in the area.