Rotary Rotorua Sunrise gifts dictionaries to Aorangi School

Year 5 pupils from Aorangi School receive their dictionaries from Rotory Rotorua Sunrise honorary member Russell Hallam. Photo/Stephen Parker

One of Rotorua's Rotary clubs has donated 20 dictionaries to local school pupils as part of a global club initiative.

The presentation by Rotary Rotorua Sunrise took place at the Aorangi School assembly on Thursday, with 20 dictionaries given to Year 5 pupils.

Aorangi School principal Debra Harrod introduced members of Rotary Rotorua Sunrise; honorary member Russell Hallam, and members Sue Gunn and John and Beverley Prentice.

"This term our value is duty and the Rotary have a sense of duty to the community. Today one of the clubs are here to present something very special," she said.

Mr Hallam started his speech in te reo Maori, and asked the pupils questions.

He told the pupils Rotary clubs throughout the world "raise money for facilities and things for people in the community".

He then called the names of the Year 5 pupils to come forward to the stage.

"I want to tell you is that these belong to you. You can share it with your brothers or sisters but this belongs to you. It's your responsibility."

He told the pupils needed to take the dictionary with them when they moved on to intermediate school and beyond.

Mr Hallam told the Rotorua Daily Post it was rewarding to see young people appreciate something of literary value.

He said the club's dictionary initiative happens once a year and this year Rotorua Sunrise is donating the books to Aorangi School, Selwyn School and Murupara Area School.

Year 5 and Year 6 pupils are chosen because it targets their reading age and ability.

"For me as a honorary member I think [the initiative] is a valuable contribution to the community, it's great to be part of. Over the years the students and their teachers have been so appreciative."

Mrs Gunn said the announcement was a surprise for pupils.

"They came and thanked us after the assembly. One little boy said it was the first book that has his own name in it."