District 5110 Literacy Action Grant
Rotary eClub of the State of Jefferson
Chinle Planting Hope
Chinle Planting Hope (CPH) is a grassroots organization in Chinle, AZ. Founded in 2016, CPH acquired its 501 (c) 3 nonprofit status in 2019. CPH practices asset-based community development and invests in projects that build up the physical, social, educational, and spiritual health of all community members.
Chinle Planting Hope operates a Community Volunteer Program. In 2020-21, CPH raised COVID Relief Funds and delivered over 1,200 food boxes and PPE kits to vulnerable elderly. CPH services now include a HOPE Community Thrift Store, READ in Beauty Bookmobile, and Bicycle Repair Shop.
The CPH Bookmobile, supported in part by the Glenwood Springs Rotary Club, the Rotary eClub of the State of Jefferson as well and Durango Daybreak, is intended to expand the learning opportunities for the children and community of Chinle. The Bookmobile makes a variety of books and educational programs available to strengthen literacy skills and help broaden children’s horizons.
To further this effort, the Rotary eClub of the State of Jefferson applied for a District Action Grant to purchase and make operational a satellite disk to enable internet connection on remote parts of the Chinle Chapter of the Navajo Nation. This would allow children to utilize the bookmobile to access the internet for various learning experiences. To enable this service, the eClub enlisted the assistance of the Durango (CO) Daybreak Rotary Club operationalize the satellite disk.
On Wednesday, Rich Fletcher Joe Williams left Durango at 5AM, in to Chinle at 8:30. The satellite system was enabled and the bookmobile is in service, internet ready and operating. Although a fixed disk was initially intended, a portable disk was identified and purchased. This offers expanded and more flexible use. An unexpected bonus was the fact that at risk elderly can use the available internet connection to contact agencies for needed social services and to make necessary appointments for such services as medical care.
Rotarian Joe Williams stands in front of the CPH Bookmobile Headquarters
The Chinle Planting Hope Bookmobile with donated satellite disk.
Rotarian Joe Williams holding assembled and internet ready satellite disk.