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Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI)
This section is: SIGBI Work
A group of women gathered round a table discussing Soroptimist projects

Education

Soroptimist International states in the second paragraph of its Vision for 2007 to 2011 that:

"We are committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong peaceful communities world wide."

Clubs can help to realise this vision by working towards objective 9 of the Programme Focus:

"Ensure equal access to education and training for women and girls throughout their lifespan."

All of us agree that education provides empowerment and that if women and girls are to play an equal part in a peaceful and economically viable society then education is essential. Nelson Mandela once said 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'

Many clubs through out the Federation have already supported education projects in a variety of ways. Congratulations to everyone who helped to make the UNICEF 'School in a Box for Pakistan' such a success. Many other projects undertaken by clubs are providing women and children with opportunities for basic education, secondary education and training that will enable them to fulfil their potential and become valuable members of their community.

BUT - There is still quite a way to go! UNESCO say 'in today's world, one in five adults is still not literate (two-thirds of them women) while 72 million children are out-of-school.' In our clubs we need to continue working for universal free primary education and gender equality. Start planning now for projects and activities that will help to achieve our objectives. The dates and websites below could help you when planning your projects.

8th September International Literacy Day, Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all - the starting point of all education. Educational opportunities depend on literacy. www.UNESCO.org

Or

6th March / 23rd April (See below) World Book Day; World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. The origins of the day we now celebrate come from Catalonia, where roses and books were given as gifts to loved ones on St. George's Day - a tradition started over 80 years ago. World Book Day 2008 in the UK and Ireland will take place on Thursday 6th March (to fit in with school terms) www.worldbookday.com

Most other countries hold World Book Day on 23rd April every year. For international information about World Book Day, please go to www.UNESCO.org Think about holding an event that will raise funds for literacy projects that will provide books and resources to teach reading.

5th October, World Teachers' Day - to raise awareness, understanding and appreciation for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development. As the demand for education grows there is a need for more and better trained teachers. Could your club help to support the training or re - training of a teacher? www.UNESCO.org

Clubs in the UK may be interested to know that this year has been designated "The 2008 National Year of Reading". It is hoped that the year will 'create a powerful focus of opportunities and activities so that children, families and adult learners understand the benefits that reading for pleasure and purpose can bring to change their lives' .To find out more go to www.yearofreading.org

Any of the above dates would provide a good opportunity to hold an awareness, service or fundraising event in your club. Some of the highlighted websites provide ideas.

These websites also provide links to ideas and resources that you may find helpful.

Google Literacy Project - www.google.com/literacy
Volunteer Reading Help - www.vrh.org.uk - (Could be a Service Project?)
Contact an Author - www.contactanauthor.co.uk - (May be useful if you are planning a 'Literary Evening')

I'm sure clubs will have original ideas and hold successful events to help meet Programme Focus Goal 9. I will look forward to reading about them in your reports.

Helen Owen
APD Education

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APD Profile

Profile Helen Owen (APD Education)

I feel very proud to have been selected to work with the Federation Programme Team and am really looking forward to working with them to promote the Programme Focus goals.

I was so impressed by Soroptimist project work described to me by a close friend (a Soroptimist!) that I joined my club SI Runcorn, Frodsham and District ten years ago. I was lucky enough to become involved in the Programme Action work of the club from the very beginning and have been committed to it ever since. I am currently club President as we celebrate our 60th year. I was also club Programme Action Officer before being elected to that role within my region of Cheshire, North Wales and Wirral.

As a result of this I spent four years as a member of UK PAC – the liveliest and most dynamic committee I have ever joined, where, I was involved with some very interesting national and international projects. Amongst other things I was able to represent UK PAC to Ockenden International and co-ordinated the 'Women Walking for Women' project.

I am married to Ted who has encouraged and supported my Soroptimist activities. We have two sons and two delightful grandchildren.

I have been involved in Primary education for most of my working life. Although officially retired I still undertake some supply teaching and still volunteer at the school where I previously worked. It has never ceased to impress and move me the profound and positive effect of acquiring basic skills, particularly literacy skills has on children. It is because of that experience I feel very strongly that a basic education is a human right for all.