Rotary Areas of Focus

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Promoting peace

Rotary initiates conversation to promote mutual understanding despite cultural differences. We train adults and young people in conflict prevention and mediation, and help refugees.

In an effort to train tomorrow's leaders in issues of peace and conflict resolution, up to 110 scholars a year are selected to study at one of the 8 universities hosting a Rotary Center for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Since 2002, 339 students from over 75 countries have taken part in this program, for which over $23 million has been allocated.

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Disease control

We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of deadly diseases such as polio, AIDS and malaria. We improve access to healthcare in developing countries. The PolioPlus program was launched in 1985 with the aim of vaccinating all children against polio.

To date, Rotary has invested $800 million in polio eradication efforts, and Rotarians have helped vaccinate more than two billion children in 122 countries. These funds are used to finance the purchase of vaccines, operational support, medical personnel, laboratory equipment and training for health personnel and families.

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Drinking water supply, sanitation and hygiene

We support local solutions to provide drinking water, sanitation and hygiene to as many people as possible. We share our expertise with local decision-makers and educators to ensure the sustainability of our actions.

Aware of the importance of access to drinking water, Rotary clubs help to build wells, water supply networks and water treatment systems, mainly for people in developing countries.

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Mother and child health

Nearly 6 million children under the age of 5 die every year from malnutrition, lack of care and health problems. We improve access to quality care so that mothers and their children can live fulfilling lives.

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Education

More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our aim is to strengthen education and increase girls' enrolment and adult literacy.

Rotary is the world's largest provider of private sector scholarships.

Every year, it offers 1,000 scholarships for university studies abroad, and sponsors the Youth Exchange program, which enables over 8,000 young people a year to go abroad for a stay of 3 months to a year.

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Developing local economies

Our actions enhance economic and local development, and generate decent, productive jobs. We also strengthen the development of local entrepreneurs and leaders, particularly women, in disadvantaged communities.

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Environmental protection

We are committed to funding actions that strengthen the protection and conservation of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability and promote harmony between people and the environment. We enable communities to benefit from grants and other resources, adopt local solutions and foster innovation to tackle and reduce the causes of climate change and environmental degradation.