Dictionary4Life
“I use my dictionary every day. It helps me with spelling and understanding words.”
– Grade 3 student
Since 2010, the Rotary Club of West Ottawa has proudly delivered the Dictionary4Life program, providing free, illustrated dictionaries to Grade 3 students in local schools. For many children, this is the very first book they can call their own. More than 13,700 students in Ottawa have already received their personal copy, sparking curiosity, building vocabulary, and strengthening literacy skills that last a lifetime.
Each dictionary costs less than $10, but the impact is priceless—supporting Rotary’s global commitment to basic education and literacy, one of our seven key areas of focus. Teachers report that students use their dictionaries daily, while parents tell us that having a book at home encourages shared learning and pride of ownership.
By giving the gift of words, we are helping to close literacy gaps and empower children to succeed in school and beyond.
📚 You can help too! Whether by donating to the project or spreading the word, every contribution makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that every child has the tools to read, learn, and thrive.
👉 Join us in making literacy a gift that lasts a lifetime!