International Service News

Posted by Barbara Ochterski
 

D7090 - CHANGING LIVES

Because of the dedicated efforts of 7090 Rotarians working with lead partner Girls Education Collaborative (GEC), what is happening today in rural Kitenga, Tanzania for 50 secondary school-aged girls, is  life-changing. Buildings are erected and equipped, a marvel of progress considering formidable weather situations and dirt roads. Powered by the vision and hands on work of the Immaculate Heart Sisters of Africa and members of the GEC, numerous challenges were overcome. 
 
For the first time in their lives young Tanzanian girls, are regularly attending boarding school. The girls live in newly constructed dormitories, study in well-outfitted classrooms,  explore and create in the science laboratory and library.However, what is a boarding school without water and hygiene facilities? Rotary 7090 partners have taken to heart providing clean water, sanitation, hygiene and support for education. Eventually, we will add creating opportunities for girls to soon assist in growing their local economies.
 
Since 2012, with the assistance of three District Grants and the generous support of Rotary Clubs in 7090, three deep bore wells have been drilled. Storage tanks, distribution systems, and solar generators for the original well are pumping, holding, and transmitting precious clean water. Completion of storage and piping for the water and systems for the two newest wells is the next priority.
 
Comfortable toilets are in place both inside and as stand-alone facilities. This a most important aspect of healthy living for the girls, since security and privacy are not often the case for Tanzanian girls wishing to attend to hygiene needs.
 
Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club members owe a debt of gratitude and a “shout out” to the clubs who contributed financially to this success story. Lockport Rotarians and Buffalo Rotary club members have given generously to the well and latrine project. Early on, substantial donations were received from Clarence, West Seneca and our Canadian partners, St. Catharine’s, St. Catharine’s South, Niagara on the Lake and Fonthill. We are likely never to know the impact this effort will have on the lives of individual students but research strongly suggests that educating girls is an important human rights issue in itself. . . . A girl who gets an education will enjoy improved overall health and ensure a brighter future for her, her family and the community in which she lives. More years in school means lower infant and maternal mortality rates, improved nutrition and overall health, decreased risk of HIV/AIDS and other diseases; an increased probability of her children attending school and higher lifetime incomes that are invested back into the community.  The evidence is here and it is clear, it is the dividend received on the investment in girls’ education ( http://www.girlsedcollaborative.org/the-collaborative/why-girls-education/)