Treasurer John Bolton introduced our guest speaker PDG Pam Pritchard from the RC of Turramurra. Pam has been a Rotarian for many years, is a past district governor and has received many Rotary accolades over the years.
Pam spent many years in Moree when her father was principal of the local school and saw the discrimination and disadvantages of the indigenous communities. This was no more evident than during the covid pandemic when all children had to be home-schooled.
During 2020 Pam and the RC of Turramurra made a connection with Moree East Public School, a disadvantaged school where some 90% of the students are indigenous. Principal Lorinda Potter realised that 117 computers were needed in order for every child at the school to have reasonable access to schooling. District Aboriginal Support Officer Bob Selinger sent a message out to the district and nearly 70 iPads were sourced. By 2021 another 50 iPads were sent to the school.
Two other initiatives of the Principal were a cafeteria providing breakfast and lunch, and an educational mural painted by a local Aboriginal artist.
The school was also in need of extra shade to protect students from the 40 degree heat in summer. Two commercial style umbrellas costing $8,900 were funded by RC of Chatswood/Roseville and Turramurra.
In 2021 the school lost the sponsorship for its “Books in Homes” literacy program, a program which provides every student with two new books of their choice in each of the three school terms. This program had much success in improving the literacy skills of the children which in turn improved self-esteem and confidence.
Pam and the RC of Turramurra, together with other clubs in the district and RC of Moree, took up the challenge to support the program for 2022 and 2023 at a cost of nearly $24,000. The books are presented to children at special Books in Homes Assemblies and there is great excitement when the students know the books are arriving. Pam, together with other Rotarians, travel to Moree for these special occasions to help hand out the books and take part in activities.
The school also has an indigenous liaison person, Uncle Matt, and takes part in the NAIDOC activities. Pam and 10 other Rotarians from our district will be travelling to Moree again in July to take part in the Books in Homes assembly.
John thanked Pam for her inspiring talk and for her passion for this wonderful project.
Helen Gulson
