The power of education to transform lives was brought vividly to life through the Rotary Club of Melbourne’s recent international project at Dangan Elementary School in the Philippines. What began as a heartfelt initiative by Australian primary school students to donate educational supplies blossomed into a full-scale development project — elevating literacy, learning environments, and teaching capacity for hundreds of students and teachers.
In collaboration with Wembley Primary School (Yarraville), Brighton Library, and our generous host partners at Rotary Greater Marikina Valley, the project focused on equipping learners and teachers with the resources they need to thrive. The result? A multipurpose school development effort that reinforced Rotary’s core values of service, sustainability, and global connection.
One of the cornerstone achievements was the creation of a dedicated school library. Thanks to the repurposing of a classroom, along with donated books and learning tools from Brighton Library, the space is now a bright, welcoming hub of knowledge. With new ceilings, flooring, shelves, seating, and motor skills development tools, this library has become a haven for student curiosity and imagination.
Educational materials were also a major focus of the initiative. Students from Grades 1 to 6 received an array of textbooks, workbooks, and creative supplies, all carefully selected to enrich classroom instruction and foster deeper engagement. These tools are already supporting academic success for the 2025–2026 school year — and laying the groundwork for long-term educational growth.
For teachers, the donation of instructional guides, visual aids, and manipulatives has transformed lesson delivery. These resources are helping educators provide more inclusive, interactive, and differentiated instruction tailored to diverse learning needs.
This project was never just about infrastructure. It was about opportunity. Through access to quality learning resources, clean water, and safe facilities, students can now attend school regularly, focus on their studies, and aspire to brighter futures.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the students of Wembley Primary, our international donors, and our Rotary partners for their passion and commitment to education. Their efforts remind us that with empathy, planning, and the shared vision of Rotary, we can truly turn dreams into reality.
Together, we’ve done more than build a library or donate supplies — we’ve opened doors to lifelong learning, one child at a time.
Click here to read more about the full Water & Literacy Project
