In celebration of World Literacy Day on September 8, the Rotary Club of New Kingston (RCNK) partnered with the Rotary Club of St Andrew to support the youth of Boulevard Baptist Church in Kingston. Seven Rotarians joined hands to lead Sunday School classes, sharing knowledge and experiences with the children and youth of the congregation.
The initiative was part of Rotary’s global commitment to literacy and youth development, with the Rotarians using the church’s Sunday School guide to engage four major age groups: children aged 4 -18.
Among the distinguished volunteers was District Governor-elect Bill Aiken, who led the class for teenagers aged 15-18. His lesson on faith was coupled with open discussions on career goals and challenges that today’s youth face, offering guidance and insight from both a spiritual and practical perspective.
Rotary Club of New Kingston President, Dorrett Campbell, also took an active role in teaching one of the groups aged13-18, while Rotarian Dane and President Rocque from St Andrew led the 7-9 and 10-12 age groups. The younger children, aged 4-6 were guided by Rotarian Nicola, who delivered an engaging session of Bible stories, songs, and personal reflections.
Impact on the Youth and Church Community
This collaborative effort between the two Rotary Clubs brought several benefits to the children and the church community. By integrating Bible teachings with real-world advice, the Rotarians offered spiritual nourishment alongside important life lessons. The interactive format, which included singing and storytelling, kept the children engaged and fostered a deeper connection to both their faith and the wider community.
For the youth, the opportunity to discuss career aspirations and personal challenges with experienced adults provided them with valuable mentorship and encouragement. By learning about Rotary’s principles of service and leadership, many of the participants were also introduced to the idea of becoming future leaders in their own communities.
The church community, in turn, benefited from the enriched Sunday School experience. The partnership with the Rotary Clubs not only brought added support but also demonstrated the importance of collaboration in community outreach. The Rotarians’ presence and willingness to serve reinforced the church's mission to nurture young minds, both spiritually and intellectually.
As President Dorrett Campbell noted, “This initiative aligns perfectly with Rotary’s mission to support literacy and youth development, and we are thrilled to have played a role in nurturing these young people on such an important day.”
The Rotarians’ contribution on World Literacy Day has left a lasting impression on the Boulevard Baptist Church community, planting seeds of knowledge, faith, and service in the hearts of the next generation.