The Rotary Club of Thomasville has partnered with a Rotary club in Ireland and three clubs in Kenya for a water sanitation and hygiene project at Olmapinu Comprehensive School in Rombo, Kenya.
Thomasville Rotarian and past club president Joe Brown is leading the Thomasville club’s involvement in the project. “Our club’s 100% participation in fundraising for the Rotary Foundation helped us secure the global grant,” Joe said. “Our club was also responsible for providing $18,000 in new money to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund – Share, but the total Rotary Foundation funds made available for the project from the District and Rotary International totaled nearly $67,000.”
Joe also noted the significant cooperation among the various clubs that are working together to complete the project. “The Dublin Central, Ireland, club was fundraising for a water project, so it made sense for us to come along beside them for the sanitation portion,” he said. “Working together with clubs from across the globe for a project of this magnitude has demonstrated for our club the significance of Rotary, not only in our community, but everywhere.”
He also shared an amazing example of the the international connectivity of Rotary: The sister of a Dublin Rotarian who lives in the U.S. wanted to contribute to the Dublin club's project in Kenya but could not. When she heard about our project, her foundation made a significant contribution to the Rotary Foundation on our behalf. That's the Magic of Rotary!
The clubs will come together this summer at the Olmapinu school to celebrate completion of the facilities. Other clubs participating are Rotary Club of Kitengela, Kenya; Rotaract Club of Kitengela, Kenya; Rotary Club of Athi River, Kenya; and Rotary Club of Dublin Central, Ireland. The clubs are working with Light of Maasai, a not-for-profit organization that is not affiliated with any religion or political, national or cultural organizations, on the build.
Included in the build are 12 toilets for girls, five toilets and five urinals for boys, and additional facilities for staff, younger and handicapped children. Additionally, the project includes hand-washing stations, sanitation and hygiene education for children, families and staff, and funding for the sustainability of the facilities. The school supports 424 Maasai tribe students and staffers, and the project complies with all Kenyan and tribal guidelines.
Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world, supporting peace efforts and the goal to end polio, forever. One of the major focus areas in this mission is providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene. Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life. Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary mobilizes resources, forms partnerships, and invests in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.