More than 100 dictionaries have been presented to local school students this year, thanks to the generosity of local service clubs.

The Rotary Dictionary program was founded in 2004 as a three-club project involving Mount Gambier, Mount Gambier West and Mount Gambier Lakes to celebrate Rotary International’s 100th birthday.

That year all Year 3 students in the City of Mount Gambier and Grant District Council areas received a dictionary.  

In 2005 the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West decided to continue to present dictionaries but on a much smaller scale to students at Moorak and Yahl primary schools and Allendale East Area School.  

In 2009, the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West applied for a District Simplified Grant through its Rotary District, which allowed the club to increase its numbers and schools, with Compton, Mil-Lel and Glenburnie added.

A club spokesperson said members saw the donations as a worthy project and wanted to continue to work with the six schools each year.

“Many of the schools incorporate dictionary work in class and home activities as students have access to their own dictionary,” the spokesperson said.  

“Each dictionary is personalised with the student’s name and year of presentation.

“This year 105 dictionaries will be presented to Year 3 students at Mil Lel, Compton,  Glenburnie, Moorak, Allendale East and Yahl primary schools.”