How will your Club celebrate World Water Day?

In an increasingly challenged water world, where the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6 – Ensure Availability and Sustainable Management of Water & Sanitation for All – is still in the distant future, there is much to be done.  WASH-RAG is hoping that your club is planning to get involved – and we are delighted to share some ideas.  
 
The UN’s theme for this year is “Water for Peace”, focusing on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world.  UN Water has a wealth of resources that can be adapted for a small or large event in your community.  Go to World Water Day 2024 Resources for some great ideas.  Please write and tell us what YOU did  to raise awareness of the role water plays in our lives.  
How will your Club celebrate World Water Day? Anna Shepherd 2024-02-21 05:00:00Z 0

Funding for your WASH in Health Care Facilities (WinHCF) projects

May 9, 2023
 
A very generous donor has offered funding for “Software” for WinHCF projects. “Software” means those activities that support sustainability – such as training, capacity building, behavioural change, monitoring and evaluation. 
 
IT WILL NOT fund “hardware” (e.g. infrastructure, drilling boreholes, building latrines, etc.).
 
A donation of up to US$5000 is available to match the funding for software included in a Global Grant application.
 
 
Funding for your WASH in Health Care Facilities (WinHCF) projects 2023-05-09 04:00:00Z 0

WWS 15 - REGISTER NOW

World Water Summit 15 - It All Starts With WASH!

Join us in Melbourne on May 26, 2023   8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
 
 

Our keynote speaker is Mark Balla, the Toilet Warrior.

Mark has seen the lives of hundreds of thousands of school students, their families and their communities, changed for the better thanks to the provision of WASH infrastructure and education. 
 
In 2017 he was inducted into the World Toilet Organization Hall of Fame by his friend and mentor Mr. Toilet himself. Singaporean Jack Sim, founder of the World Toilet Organization. 
 
Mark is a passionate public speaker, especially when it comes to WASH in Schools and Behavior Change in the world of WASH. In his nine years as a Rotarian, he has spoken at seventeen District Conferences in Australia, the USA, and India, at Ravi Ravindran's Presidential Summit on WASH & Literacy, and at over 100 Rotary Clubs. He delivered a TED talk, and presented at World Water Summits in Sao Paulo, Toronto and Hamburg.
 
Mark, a member of the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central in District 9810 in Australia, was a member of the WASH-RAG board for six years and is a member of the Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisors. 
 

WWS 15 - REGISTER NOW 2023-02-09 05:00:00Z 0

Story from Kabarole Uganda

Story from Kabarole, Uganda
Sally and Keith Halsey spent two years as volunteer lecturers at a Teachers' College in Uganda. During this time they worked with the Rotary Club of Saltash, Cornwall, UK as the International partner and the Rotary Club of Kabarole, Uganda as the Host club to accomplish a number of projects to improve this community. 
 
Large projects included improving a medical clinic and bringing clean water to the college. They also undertook some smaller projects like teaching students at a school how to make Tippy Taps. 
Story from Kabarole Uganda 2021-05-10 04:00:00Z 0

Eau sans frontières

 
Founded in 1978, this French association of Rotarians has improved access to clean water to over one million people, through several hundreds of projects, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.

The WASH Rotary Action group is working with Eau sans frontières to provide a French version of the WASH Rotary Action Group newsletter.
 
Créée en 1978, cette association française de Rotariens a amélioré l'accès à l'eau potable à plus d'un million de personnes, à travers plusieurs centaines de projets, principalement en Afrique subsaharienne.

Le groupe d'action Rotary WASH travaille avec Eau sans frontières pour fournir une version française du bulletin d'information du groupe d'action Rotary WASH.
 
Eau sans frontières 2021-03-15 04:00:00Z 0

Mississippi River Project

The Mississippi River Runs Through U.S. – A Rotary Initiative
 
It is not often that a Global Grant has a Host Club from the United States. With the Areas of Focus being Environmental Sustainability and Clean Water, a group of passionate Rotarians are working on an initiative to have Rotary clubs work together to clean the waste along the Mississippi River. This major waterway transports 40% of our global food supply, and 60% of the world’s grain supply.
 
With an active Facebook page and some very informative videos, this initiative is gaining some traction. 
Mississippi River Project 2021-03-13 05:00:00Z 0

Wade Nomura, Cadre Technical Advisor

Wade Nomura Joins Operations Team
The WASH Rotary Action Group Operations Team coordinates the many activities of the organization. 
 
Cadre Technical Advisor, Wade Nomura, has joined the Operations Team to share information and resources on Global Grants.
 
 We interviewed Wade to learn more about him, understand what is a Cadre, and what he will provide to the Operations Team. 
 
 
 
 
Wade Nomura, Cadre Technical Advisor 2021-02-20 05:00:00Z 0

An Alarming Situation

An Alarming Situation
 
Most of us, faced with the prospect of a trip to the hospital, anticipate safe treatment and (hopefully) a swift recovery.  But in Sub-Saharan Africa, you could well face the possibility of contracting a disease or an infection.  In the most serious cases, departure can be in a coffin.
 
Ron Denham, Chair Emeritus, recently wrote an article for District 9211 on why Rotary Club's need to take up the challenge of improving the situation of WASH in Health Care Facilities.
An Alarming Situation 2021-02-16 05:00:00Z 0

Peter Staermose

Peter Staermose named Ambassador /Membership Chair
This fall Peter Staermose of the Rotary Club of Hørsholm was named the Ambassador and Membership Chair for the WASH Rotary Action Group Operations Team. This is an important position within the Team with two key components. 
 
To give members and especially our Ambassadors a better understanding of his background, experience and his goals we had a short interview with him.
Peter Staermose sir 2021-01-26 05:00:00Z 0

Fellowship of Doctors

Fellowship of Doctors
In the upcoming years, the WASH Rotary Action Group are encouraging clubs and districts to focus on improving the situation of WASH in Health Care Facilities.
 
Recently, members of the WASH Rotary Action Group met with the International Fellowship of Rotarian Doctors.
 
Fellowship of Doctors SIR 2020-12-21 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary and Health care in Nigeria

Rotary and Health Care facilities in Wartorn Nigeria
Rotarians tackle many challenging situations to bring water, sanitation, and hygiene to those in need. One of the most dangerous and risky is working in countries at war.
 
The Rotary Club of Naperville, lead by Pat Merryweather-Arges, provided clean water to a hospital in Nsukka, Nigeria, where water had to be trucked in daily. 
 
 
Rotary and Health care in Nigeria pma 2020-12-20 05:00:00Z 0

Road to Tabuk

Road to Tabuk - Rotary Open Endless Opportunities
"Students can focus on their studies because most schools had no water of functional toilets", is a quote from the story about bringing WASH to four schools and six communities in the Philippines.
 
Two host clubs, one international club, with the support of their district and The Rotary Foundation were able to to deliver significant water, sanitation and hygiene to this community, despite two super typhoons. 
Road to Tabuk RMWRG 2020-12-15 05:00:00Z 0

Global Handwashing Day 2020

Global Handwashing Day - October 15, 2020
With the COVID-19 crisis so prominent in the news, a number of organizations are making an extra effort to promote handwashing with soap this year. They have developed resources that we can use every day when we are teaching about the importance of handwashing. 
 
The official website of Global Handwashing Day has some excellent resources to increase awareness, advocate for action, and initiate behavioural change. Go to https://globalhandwashing.org/resources-main/ to see what is available. 
 
USAID Virtual Event and Resources
USAID is encouraging us to spread the word about handwashing from Oct 8 - 15.  They have planned a virtual event featuring speakers from USAID, the Republic of Ghana, and more on October 14. For more information and to register for this free virtual event Register Here
 
USAID has also put together a wide array of resources and promotional materials, including a social media toolkit.
Global Handwashing Day 2020 sir 2020-10-08 04:00:00Z 0

Two Operations Team Positions

Two Volunteer Positions Open on Operations Team
The WASH Rotary Action Group is a group of Rotarians with a passionate dedication to providing people everywhere with sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene.  Reporting to the WASH Rotary Action Group Board of Directors, our nine-member Operations Team is responsible for the day-to-day functions of the group.  In recent months two of the team’s members have retired and we are now seeking candidates who share our passion and are prepared to dedicate the necessary time and effort.
 
All members of the team are volunteers.  Meetings are held twice a month on Sunday mornings (8.00 am Eastern Time) and we sincerely appreciate the commitment this implies.
 
Attached to this letter are descriptions of the two positions.  If you think you have the necessary skills and background, please send a brief (1-page only!) summary to info@wasrag.org
 
We will accept applications until August 31st and hope to have the candidates in place by September 30th.
 
Warm Rotary regards,
Nicholas Mancus, Chair
WASH Rotary Action Group Operations Team
Two Operations Team Positions SIR 2020-08-02 04:00:00Z 0

Mary Beth Growney Selene

WASH Rotary Action Group Board of Directors 2020-2003
PDG MARY BETH GROWNEY SELENE, Rotary District 6250, USA
Mary Beth was a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation from 2016-2019, a Director of Rotary International from 2013-2015, and a member of the WASRAG Operations Team since 2016.  She reports as follows.
 
I have had the opportunity to serve as a member of the WASRAG Operations Team for the past 4+ years.  All of our discussions and decisions are focused on WASRAG’s Mission Statement: Providing human, technical and financial support to Rotary clubs and districts that are seeking to help communities to gain sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene.  I would like to continue my service as a member of the WASRAG Board.
 
In an effort to share our mission with more Rotarians, I would like to continue to engage with and encourage our Clubs and Districts to identify WASH programs, in which they can participate, with their global partners.  These grants must meet the needs of the communities in which our programs will be implemented; allowing for multi-generational behavior change to the benefit all of stakeholders.
 
Professional Background
  • I started and have grown my own small business since 1987.  My primary responsibility within the business is sales.
  • I understand how to work with my clients, guiding them through professional recommendations, based on my expertise.
     
  • Communication is essential to success.
 
Experience/Background in WASH Related Activities
  • I have had the opportunity to serve as a member of The Rotary Foundation’s Rotary-USAID Partnership Steering Committee for WASH for the last 3+ years (two of which as chair of the Steering Committee).
     
  • As a member of the RI-USAID Partnership Steering Committee, we have the responsibility to serve as stewards of The Rotary Foundation’s $6M commitment to the partnership.   Additionally, we work with the selected countries/Rotary Districts to plan, define, develop, and implement their programs, alongside their/our USAID and USAID (selected) implementing partner(s).
     
  • As a Rotary Foundation Trustee, I served as a Vice-chair of the TRF  Programs Committee; a member of the TRF Stewardship Committee and; a member of The Rotary Foundation Finance Committee. I believe all of this experience will be beneficial to service on the WASRAG Board.
     
  • As a member of the Rotary International Board of Directors, I served on the Audit and Programs Committee.

What I Believe I can Contribute as a Board Member
  • I am a thorough and thoughtful processor of information.  I want to be sure we have fully discussed relevant issues before decisions are taken.  Being a “devil’s advocate” is not a bad thing when it helps us explore every side of a topic before making a decision.
     
  • WASRAG is very important to me and I continue to learn from more experienced members every day.  I want to be able to share the opportunities and expanded possibilities with as many of our members and potential partners as possible.
     
  • When The Rotary Foundation implemented its new Grants Model, it had three primary goals:
    • Sustainability
    • Collaboration and Partnerships
    • Larger scale programs
I believe WASRAG has the opportunity to help our Rotarians understand the value of “thinking big” to develop more sustainable, larger scale programs that involve multiple Clubs and (proven/successful) implementing partners.
Mary Beth Growney Selene MBG 2020-07-02 04:00:00Z 0

Ramesh Aggarwal

WASH Rotary Action Group Board of Directors - 2020-2023 
PDG RAMESH AGGARWAL  - Rotary District 3012, New Delhi, India
Ramesh is from RD 3012, New Delhi, India.  He is currently a Director on the WASRAG Board and serves as a member of the WASH in Schools Target Challenge Committee of The Rotary Foundation (2016- 20). He works closely with Erica Gwynn (TRF Manager for WASH AoF) to promote the WASH in Schools Target Challenge Pilot in five countries, including India. He has been appointed to serve as a member of TRF WASH Major Gifts Initiative Committee for a two-year term beginning 2020 to encourage Rotarians across the world to contribute towards the WASH area of focus.  He has been involved in the planning and execution of Global Grant projects worth USD 3,95,000 to implement WASH in Schools in 35 schools located in Delhi and adjoining states, with Rotary Club of Box Hill Central in Australia, D- 9810 as the International Partner.
 
Positions of Note
  • Director, WASRAG (2017-20)
  • Chair, Rotary India Sanitation Mission (2019–present)
  • Member, TRF WASH in Schools Target Challenge Committee (2016-20)
  • Member, TRF Water & Sanitation Major Gifts Initiative (2020-22)
  • Member, TRF Tata Trusts Committee (2019-20)
  • Chair, Rotary India WinS Recognition Committee (2018–present)
  • Member Secretary, Rotary India WASH in WASH in Schools Committee (2014 – present)
  • Member, TRF Cadre of Technical Advisers (2018–present)
  • Assistant Public Image coordinator, Zone 4 & 6A (2013-15)
  • District Governor, RI District 3010 (2012-13)
  • Club President, RC Delhi City (1998-99)
National involvement in WASH
  • Under the leadership of RIPN Shekhar Mehta, as the Chair of the Rotary India Sanitation Mission (RISM), he is actively involved in supporting the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission launched by the Government of India. Under RISM, Rotary India has undertaken to implement the ODF+ strategy in 5000 villages, tapped water connection in every household in 1000 villages, WASH in Schools in 150,000 schools and WASH in healthcare in 500 healthcare facilities.
     
  • For Rotary in India, he is the single point contact responsible for coordinating with UNICEF India and various Government of India ministries, including the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, the National Mission for Clean Ganga, and Ministry of Jal Shakti.
     
  • He is actively engaged in various activities associated with promoting ‘Clean Ganga,’ and is involved with the National Mission for Clean Ganga. On behalf of Rotary India, he coordinated with the Government of India to organize “The Great Ganga Run” event held in Delhi on 15th September 2019 to create awareness about the Ganga rejuvenation. More than 15,000 people participated, including over 2000 Rotarians.
     
  • He coordinated eight Rotary Districts in India with the Government of India to manage public outreach activities for the “Ganga Expedition,” a 2800 km rafting expedition organized between 10th October and 12th November 2019.
     
  • As the Chair of Rotary India Sanitation Mission and Rotary India Recognition Committee, he served as Master Trainer during DTTS, PETS and District Training Assemblies for the orientation of club and district leaders across India on the WASH in Schools Target Challenge Pilot program as well as other Sanitation and Hygiene initiatives launched by Rotary India. He also conducts workshops and seminars on WASH across India having addressed several District Training events including PETS, SETS, and District Training Assemblies, Zonal Institutes and District Conferences.
     
  • He regularly appears on Doordarshan National TV shows to speak on WASH.
     
  • He has been actively involved in creating and managing a website “http://rotaryindiawashinschools.com” documenting WinS activities by Rotary in India and is responsible for publishing a bi-monthly newsletter titled “Rotary India WinS Times,” archived at http://rotaryindiawashinschools.com/Newsletters.
Professional/Educational Qualifications
Ramesh has a Master's degree in Architecture (M.Arch) from UCLA, USA 1988.  He is actively engaged in various infrastructural developments as an architectural consultant and real estate developer.  He has over thirty years of experience in designing, analyzing costs, budgeting and developing low cost sustainable infrastructural facilities, including civil, electrical, water and sanitation-related works at various scales.
Ramesh Aggarwal RMI 2020-07-02 04:00:00Z 0

Monica Louie

WASH Rotary Action Group Board of Directors - 2020-2023
MONICA LOUIE, Rotary District 1630, Luxembourg
 
I am expressing interest for a second term as a member of the WASRAG Board of Directors because of my passion towards water, sanitation, and hygiene.  After serving my first term, I still have more contributions to make to the organization. This role will continue to allow me to make a larger impact through decisions that affect WASRAG and Rotary.
 
I am a Senior Project Manager at Amazon where I am currently leading the sustainability efforts on removing all single-use plastics in Europe.  Prior to this, I worked on the design and construction of large infrastructure projects.

I have a Bachelors of Science and Masters of Engineering in Civil Engineering; water resources, and a Masters of Business Administration.
 
I am President-Elect and will serve my Rotary club of Luxembourg Hearts for the 2020-2021 calendar year.  I have created a partnership between a WASH project in Uganda and my club, and have experience with applying for district grants.

Through my technical background in WASH projects, I have volunteered for Engineers without Borders - USA since 2008; as a design engineer and project lead on many clean water and sanitation projects, as well as serving as Secretary for the New York Chapter and Vice President for the North East Region.  I was part of the Rotary "Project Enhancement Processes Team" in Uganda and Kenya working on large global grant assessments.  As well as an USAID Farmer to Farmer project in Kosovo, assessing water quality used in the milk production industry and it's impact on milk quality and quantity.  In addition to volunteering with Water for People on developing documentation for a train the trainer program in project management.
 
After completing the first term as WASRAG Board of Directors, I understand how the organization operates and have contributed not only in decisions that affect the organization but have supported the Operations Team and our annual World Water Summit.  I believe I can continue to support the organization as it evolves and as Rotary International evolves.
Monica Louie MLL 2020-07-02 04:00:00Z 0

UNICEF's Response to COVID-19 / WASH Resources

UNICEF is responding to the outbreak by focusing on limiting human-to-human transmission and mitigating the impact of the outbreak on the health system and affected communities. I've included some of the WASH-specific activities the organization has undertaken below:
You can also visit our Fighting Coronavirus<https://www.unicefusa.org/mission/covid-19> web page for the latest. We'll continue to provide updates, explainers for parents and teachers, and highlights of our work on the frontlines as new information becomes available.
UNICEF's Response to COVID-19 / WASH Resources 2020-03-24 04:00:00Z 0

RI President Maloney visits WASH in School Program

RI President Mark Maloney visits WASH in Schools (WinS) Program in Guatemala
By Narayan Murarka, Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club, D-6440
WASH in Schools (WinS) is a Rotary Foundation program.  The key feature of WinS is to leverage efforts to provide clean water and sanitation by connecting them with health, hygiene and education.  Addressing health and hygiene training while developing water and sanitation infrastructure may have a profound positive impact on the overall health of a community, as boys and girls benefit from that education.  
 
In February 2018, The Rotary Foundation (TRF) awarded a $560,000 competitive challenge grant (PG17 90001) to our team comprised of Club Rotario Guatemala Sur, Rotary Club of Antigua, Rotary District 4250 and Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club, Rotary District 6440 addressing the need for  Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, (WASH) in Schools (WinS).  The program is being implemented under the direction of PRID and TRF Trustee Jorge Aufranc and Rotarian Narayan Murarka.
RI President Maloney visits WASH in School Program wins 2019-12-19 05:00:00Z 0

WASH in Schools

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Water, Sanitation, Hygiene in Schools (WinS)
Rotary International has issued a global challenge to Rotarians, asking them to work collectively to improve education quality and access — particularly for girls — by working with communities to provide improved WASH services, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement. Rotary’s WASH in Schools Target Challenge aims to answer a critical question: Can Rotarians work together and focus their energy to achieve a common goal that integrates water, sanitation, and hygiene with basic education and literacy? And, if so, what is the measure of the impact that Rotary could have in the world?

Rotary’s Target Challenge will be piloted in five countries: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, India, and Kenya. Rotarians in those countries will have until 30 June 2020 to achieve key milestones both in Basic Education and Literacy and in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, working in partnership with schools, Rotary clubs, and districts around the world.
 

 

WASH in Schools WinS 2019-12-19 05:00:00Z 0

Mission Pink

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Mission Pink
Menstrual health and hygiene was a cornerstone in the Mission Pink Health and Hygiene program implemented by the Rotary Club of Chandigarh Midtown, India
 
Using a Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation they developed a program that they delivered to 30 schools and over 15,000 young women. In the past year, the schools have seen decreased absenteeism and drop-outs and classroom performance has increased.
Mission Pink DRK 2019-09-25 04:00:00Z 0

WASH for Schools in Nepal

Posted by Barbara Lovegrove
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WASH for Six schools in Nepal
The Rotary Club of Kirriemuir, UK and the Rotary Club of the Himalayan Gurkhas have teamed up to bring washrooms, handwashing stations, and most importantly hygiene education to six schools in rural Nepal.
WASH for Schools in Nepal Barbara Lovegrove 2019-08-29 04:00:00Z 0

Over 4,000 Benefit from Global Grant

Posted by Anne Kirkpatrick
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Over 4,000 People Benefit from Global Grant
Ten schools in Limpopo, South Africa,  have been successfully equipped with a reliable water supply.
 
The Rotary Clubs of Polokwane and Rotary Club of Pietersburg 100 from District 9400 and Ankeny from District 6000 in the United States managed the $161,844 Global Grant.
 
Hy Vee Corporation, USA was a sponsor and Blessman Ministries provided skills and motivated the clubs to get involved.
Over 4,000 Benefit from Global Grant Anne Kirkpatrick 2019-08-29 04:00:00Z 0

Club Tackles Panama Project

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Club Member of the Year Tackles Project in Panama
Dan Heffron was named 2019 Rotarian of the Year of the Rotary Club of New Richmond, WI, for among other service activities, for coordinating a Rotary Project to construct a washroom in a small school in rural Panama.
 
The indigenous Ngobe-Bugle tribe suffer from extreme poverty and the importance of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene are not part of their culture or education to their young people. 
Club Tackles Panama Project DHE 2019-08-28 04:00:00Z 0

Getting Water Right

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A Holistic Approach to WASH in Cambodia
After seeing how water and sanitation projects that are well-intentioned, but short-sighted can go wrong, the Rotary Club of Bath, Maine, under the leadership of Richard Cromwell, decided to introduce a comprehensive program to the villagers of Cambodia. 
 
They built wells, coordinated the constructed latrines, provided water filters, and most importantly provided intense health and hygiene programs. Their project also has implemented a strong follow-up program to ensure sustainability. 
 
Getting Water Right RCR 2019-05-21 04:00:00Z 0

WASH in Addis Ababa

Posted by AAB
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Safe Water, Clean Hands for Ethiopian Children  
Children attending public schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia are in tremendous need of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene training. In 2012, Lake Union Rotary, Seattle, WA, and the Rotary Club of Addis Abada West, Ethiopia have developed an ambitious plan to bring WASH to over 450 schools with over 400,000 children by 2024.
 
Working with the not-for-profit, SPLASH they have already completed projects in 26 schools for 35,000 children. Now that they have a template that they can replicate they are on their way to their goal.
 
With all big projects, there is always an opportunity for other Rotary Clubs to get involved with this ambitious project.
 
WASH in Addis Ababa AAB 2019-03-26 04:00:00Z 0

A Visit to the Village Jhimarpur

Posted on Feb 25, 2019
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A Visit to the village of Jhimarpur, India

 WASRAG Ambassador Dilip Mirchandani is a great advocate for water and sanitation projects in his area, but he knows that more toilets are not the full answer for a lot of villages. He promotes an "Adopt a Village" philosophy to help the village get out of their poverty situation. There is a staggering number of people that Jeffery Sachs calls “The poverty trap”. They want to work and improve their situation, but are so poor that it is impossible for them to extract themselves.

 

A Visit to the Village Jhimarpur 2019-02-25 05:00:00Z 0

Support for Pre-Planning Canadian WASH Projects

Posted on Jan 09, 2019
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Support for Pre-Planning Canadian WASH Projects
Sustainable WASH projects taking advantage of The Rotary Foundation Global Grants require a lot of planning and documentation on training, capacity building, behaviour change, monitoring and evaluation. 
 
This requires significant planning prior to making a grant request. Often this requires a visit to the host club by the international partner. 
 
The Canadian Rotarian Water Foundation provides a grant to cover part of the expense of an on-site visit for Canadian Rotary Clubs undertaking a global grant request. 
Support for Pre-Planning Canadian WASH Projects RON 2019-01-09 05:00:00Z 0

HANWASH in HAITI

 HANWASH in Haiti
HANWASH stands for Haiti National Clean Water, Sanitation and Health Strategy: a collaborative, national initiative by Rotary District 7020, The Rotary Foundation and DINEPA (The Haitian Government’s National Water and Sanitation Agency), partnering with other NGO’s such as Haiti Outreach and Pure Water for the World, committed to providing thoughtfully managed and sustainable clean water and sanitation to all the citizens of Haiti, along with the associated health, community and economic benefits.
HANWASH in HAITI HAN 2018-12-17 05:00:00Z 0

Young People Tackle WASH Issues

Posted on Dec 14, 2018
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Young Water Solutions is an international non-profit organization aiming to develop and support the potential of young people to contribute to universal water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and water resources management.
 
They achieve this by empowering young leaders and providing them with the tools to carry out water projects in their communities. They promote an integrated approach, that often addresses interlinked challenges such as climate change adaptation, reforestation, youth unemployment and food security.
 
 
Young People Tackle WASH Issues YWS 2018-12-14 05:00:00Z 0

IHE-Delft Water Management Scholarships

The Rotary Foundation provides over $5 Million in Water Management Scholarships 
Since 2012, The Rotary Foundation has provided scholarship grants to 96 IHE Delft students from 31 countries so they could do their Master at the world leading institute for Water Management Education, the IHE-Delft in The Netherlands. The value of The Rotary Foundation grants program already exceeds 5 million US$.
 
 
IHE-Delft Water Management Scholarships IHE 2018-11-09 05:00:00Z 0
WASH in Schools (WinS) IRA 2018-11-06 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary International and USAID Partnership

WASH in Ghana, Uganda, and Madagascar
The partnership between Rotary International and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) combines the business skills and community leadership of Rotary’s volunteers with USAID's technical expertise and government relationships around a sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program in developing countries. 
 
Rotary and USAID have committed $2 million each to increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation, foster improved hygiene practice, and support community management systems and advocacy for environmentally sustainable, locally appropriate, and effectively financed water and sanitation services in Ghana, Uganda and Madagascar.
 
Rotary International is looking for clubs and districts to be sponsors for this exciting project and contribute towards the 10% ($200,000) Rotary needs to raise as part of their $2 million commitment.
Rotary International and USAID Partnership MOK 2018-10-29 04:00:00Z 0

Spanish Rotarians Build Well in Guatemala

Posted by JJS
Spanish and Guatemalan Rotarians create bonds through Water and Sanitation Project 
Rotary Clubs in Spain and Guatemala are working together to construct a water well in the village of Patzún, Guatemala. The well will be 1,200 feet deep. It will require a pump, distribution tank, chlorination system, pumping system for distribution and distribution network. Its estimated cost is $114,000 USD. Maintenance has been coordinated with the municipality.
 
This water system will benefit 500 families (approximately 3,000 people) who live on their crops of broccoli, peas and sweet pea, corn and fruit trees such as peaches, apples and plums.
 
The clubs are using a Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation to undertake this important project in an underserved area of Guatemala. 
Spanish Rotarians Build Well in Guatemala JJS 2018-10-29 04:00:00Z 0

Clean Water for the Young and the Old

Posted by ABM on Oct 26, 2018
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WASH for the Young and Old
The Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar Kalinga, District 3262, after making a detailed study, adopted a school and an old age home at Nimapada, of District Puri, where 210  special abled children and 30 elderly men and women are staying.
 
Where the students and the elderly were staying had minimal water and sanitation facilities. Now, after three years, the students and the elderly have beautiful washrooms. handwashing facilities, and clean water. In addition, the club provided the students with equipment so they could learn new skills and for the elderly improvements to improve their quality of life.
 
 
Clean Water for the Young and the Old ABM 2018-10-26 04:00:00Z 0

WASH in Guatemala

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Lack of clean water and decent sanitation facilities result in diarrhea and other water-borne diseases in children resulting in school absences.  The impact is po or education    and challenges for a better future.  This is the “status quo” in rural parts of Guatemala with a significant indigenous population.  The Rotary Foundation, through its initiative known as WinS – Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) in Schools, is intervening to improve education quality and access – particularly for girls.  The idea is to leverage off from water and sanitation-related efforts and connect them with health, hygiene and education. 
WASH in Guatemala NMJA 2018-09-25 04:00:00Z 0

Latrines of Hope

Posted by SDembele
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Latrines of Hope
The construction or renovation of the 5 units composed of 19 latrines in the village of Dialakorodji, Mali, has been sounded all over and beyond the village because of their timing and their adequacy in meeting the urgent needs. A school benefited with the construction of three units, consisting of 12 latrines and local market benefited with one unit consisting of four latrines.
Latrines of Hope SDembele 2018-08-24 04:00:00Z 0

Pure Water in Haiti 

Posted by JHill
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Pure Water for Haiti
For the past five years, the Rotary Club of Vermillion, Ohio, with the passion and drive of John Hill, they have focused on bringing clean water to communities in Haiti.
 
In 2013, the Club, with the assistance of others within District 6600 and 14 other clubs scattered across the US, partnered with Pure Water for the World to put 324 bio-sand water filters in 76 schools in the Mirebalais, Haiti area. This effort brought clean water to approximately 24,000 students and also the local community.
 
With a very successful project completed, the Vermillion Club decided to take on an even more ambitious project of bringing bio-sand water filters to 1,100 homes in Limonade, Haiti. The first accomplishment was getting all 63 CLubs in District 6600 to contribute to the project.  The project gained momentum and became a multi-DIstrict project with District 6290 and the Elk Rapids Rotary Club. The multi-phase project is underway with the Rotary Club of Cap-Haitien being the host partner.  
Pure Water in Haiti JHill 2018-08-24 04:00:00Z 0

Small District Grant has Big Impact

Posted by HSM
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Small District Grant has Big Impact 
This spring, the Rotary Club of Columbus/ Fall River, WI recently completed Project WASH ( Water, Air, Sanitation  & Hygiene) where they provided sustainability education related to a grade three class and to two Interact Clubs in their community. 
 
The Rotary Club partnered with the international sustainability education group, Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF) to provide the curriculum materials for the students. 
 
In addition to in-class education, the project involved students going on field trips to a water treatment plant, water facility, solid waste recovery facility, and the river in a local park.
 
The students from the two Interact clubs involved in the project, having learned more about the water quality in developing countries, raised money to provide water-purification systems for schools in Kenya.
 
Small District Grant has Big Impact HSM 2018-08-23 04:00:00Z 0

Operation Toilets

Posted by MBalla
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Operation Toilets is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central in Melbourne, Australia. The first project was completed in 2015 impacting on the lives of around 500 children in one school in the Indian city of Nasik.  We have another underway near Delhi and two more currently in development, one of them in India and the other in Ethiopia. A small project has already been completed in Ethiopia as well as a number of small projects in India alongside the Global Grants and we are partnering in a new project in Ghana and exploring opportunities in East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Central America.
Operation Toilets MBalla 2018-08-21 04:00:00Z 0

Mike Webb elected WASRAG Chair

Posted by MWebb on Jul 24, 2018
Mike Webb elected WASRAG Chair
 
Having been a member of the Rotary Club of Mendip, UK, since 1976, Mike has served in many roles in Rotary. He is a Rotary Foundation Trustee (2017-21), Chair of The Rotary Foundation Finance Committee and the Rotary International Investment Committee. 
 
Mike was elected Chair of the WASRAG Board at the  2018 WASRAG Annual Meeting held in Toronto.
Mike Webb elected WASRAG Chair MWebb 2018-07-24 04:00:00Z 0
World Water Day Competition Entries wwdc 2018-07-23 04:00:00Z 0

Most Innovative - Rotary Club de Suzano

Posted by Rotary Club de Suzano on Jul 18, 2018
MOST INNOVATIVE
The Rotary Club of Suzano, Brazil, tackled a huge project to make a difference along the watershed of the Balainho Creek. They did an excellent job to involve the community and professionals in a variety of areas. 
 
They developed an exceptionally well-documented report on their activities.  
Most Innovative - Rotary Club de Suzano Rotary Club de Suzano 2018-07-18 04:00:00Z 0

Most Impactful -  23 Tons of Garbage

Posted by Club Rotario De La Piedad
MOST IMPACTFUL 
This River Clean Up was done on March 23 in La Piedad Michoacán México, there the Rotarians involved students from three Universities UNIVA, CONALEP and University of Michoacán, Rotarians from USA D5130, México D4140, Ecuador D4400 participated in the Clean Up.
 
This particular Clean Up was very emotional for me because in 2013 we started the River Clean Up project with the purpose that someday we would begin the River Clean Up of Río Lerma and this is the Rio Lerma, one of the longest and most contaminated rivers in México.

In here we had over 350 participants in the Clean Up and collected close to 25 metric tons of garbage out the of the river
Most Impactful - 23 Tons of Garbage Club Rotario De La Piedad 2018-07-18 04:00:00Z 0
Cleaning the Cuale River Puerto Vallarta Sur 2018-05-11 04:00:00Z 0

Making a Difference in Mexico

Posted by MCalvert on Mar 12, 2018
Making a Difference in Mexico
The sustainability of water and sanitation projects must meet the needs of the local community. It also requires enthusiastic support and participation of the Rotary districts involved,  but also the cooperation of the local governments.
 
A group of Rotarians in Mexico realizing the need to get local government support for water projects forged a long-term agreement with government agencies before starting on their pilot projects. Four years, after a Program Planning and Performance Team from Rotary and WASRAG visited Mexico and started the process, the pilot projects are nearing completion. 
 
With 23% of Mexico's population living in small villages of under 2,500 people, most without access to clean water, there is a lot to do.
Making a Difference in Mexico MCalvert 2018-03-12 04:00:00Z 0

Clean Drinking Water in Sri Lanka

Posted by RStoner on Mar 12, 2018
Rotarians bring Clean water to Sri Lanka and Save Lives
Water pollution from water run-off agricultural fields has contaminated drinking wells in Sri Lanka. An epidemic of people suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease has overwhelmed local hospitals and hundreds die every year.
 
Eight Rotary Clubs in NW Ohio, District 6600, worked together to get a Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation to construct reverse osmosis systems for the communities most impacted.  
 
 
Clean Drinking Water in Sri Lanka RStoner 2018-03-12 04:00:00Z 0

Viable Sewage Treatment in Rural Brazil 

Posted by HFC
Sewage Treatment in Rural Brazil
By Hemerson F Calgaro
The Rotary Club of Lins partnered with the Rotary Club of Flower Mound to obtain a Rotary Foundation Global Grant to construct 69 septic tanks for 75 families living in rural Lins.  This proper management of water will provide humans and animals with safer water to drink, but allow irrigation of fruits and vegetables to be done with water absent of contagious contamination. 
Viable Sewage Treatment in Rural Brazil HFC 2018-03-06 05:00:00Z 0

Clean Water Renews Hope in Eastern Uganda

Posted by Peter Kasango on Nov 09, 2017
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Life has been renewed for the community members of Buffujja and Naluhonjohe by two back-to-back water, sanitation, and hygiene projects coordinated by the Rotary Club of Bweyogerere Namboole (E. Uganda, Africa) and the Rotary Club of Bellingham (Washington State, USA).  The people of Buffujja (population 6,000) and Naluhonjohe (population 10,000) now wake up every day with assured access to safe drinking water thanks to Rotary. These two impactful projects were funded by grants provided by the Rotary Club of Bellingham, District 5050, and the Rotary Foundation (GG 1417543 and GG 1743510).
Clean Water Renews Hope in Eastern Uganda Peter Kasango 2017-11-09 05:00:00Z 0

H2OpenDoors in Nicaraugua

Posted by MAB on Nov 06, 2017
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The Rotary clubs Woodside/PortolaValley, San Mateo Sunrise and Peninsula, working through the H2Opendoors organization installed a water purification system for a rural hospital in Nicaragua.  
 
H2OpenDoors in Nicaraugua MAB 2017-11-06 05:00:00Z 0

Everything Begins with Education

Posted by Avner Fuchs
An international water and sanitation symposium, recently held in Tel Avv, Israel, brought together representatives from around the world. The focus was on the importance of education as an important first step in dealing with the WASH issues the world faces.
 
The speakers at the conference agreed that the water crisis is not due to lack of resources, but is due to poor management of the existing resources.
 
"Rotary Hands Across Water" was an interesting component of the symposium. Junior high school students exhibited various projects on the efficient use of depleting water resources.
 
 
Everything Begins with Education Avner Fuchs 2017-10-09 04:00:00Z 0
Ask The Experts - Storing Rainwater 2017-09-27 04:00:00Z 0

WinS in Nigeria

Posted by Nancy Gilbert
WASH in Schools (WinS)
After a full needs assessment, five schools in the Niger Delta have been selected for a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene project. Clubs can provide the complete funding for a project or work together with other clubs to jointly sponsor a project. 
WinS in Nigeria Nancy Gilbert 2017-09-11 04:00:00Z 0

International Partners Needed for Significant WASH project

Posted by Ramesh Agrawal
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District 3054 that covers the area of Rajasthan, India has undertaken a Signature Project of Providing Wash, Sanitation, and Hygiene facilities in 500 Government Schools.
 
They are seeking International Partner to assist with this significant WASH project. We have designed six projects for these 500 schools each having a budget of around $150,000. We would welcome International Partner who can contribute around $30-40 thousand out of their District Designated Funds. Smaller contribution are also welcome. We are looking for two to four partners for each project.
International Partners Needed for Significant WASH project Ramesh Agrawal 2017-08-08 04:00:00Z 0

Education and Training Alleviate Crisis

Posted by Avner Fuchs
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On September 14, 2017, an international symposium organized by the Israel Rotary District's Water and Sanitation Committee, chaired by WASRAG Ambassador PDG Avner Fuchs, will focus on the Global Water and Sanitation Crisis - Alleviation by Education and Training. 
 
Next to this symposium will be the Rotary Hands Across Water Cross Culture Education program, where exceptional students will present their innovative solutions to the global water crisis.   
 
Education and Training Alleviate Crisis Avner Fuchs 2017-07-25 04:00:00Z 0

Laying Pipe in Rural Africa

 
By Bob Wubbena, Jim McGill and Greg Bucove
 
The first piped rural water systems in Livingstonia Malawi was constructed 100 years ago by Dr Law. In 2006, a group of Rotary Clubs working with Central Church of Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) and village leadership completely rebuilt and expanded the system.  The totally gravity flow water system now serves 10 villages and the commercial center of the Livingstonia Plateau, which includes the rural University of Livingstonia and  a hospital. The system provides water to about 20,000 people.
 
The water supply is a "high elevation two spring supply" that flows at low flow with about 20 litres per second.  The watershed is protected by village rules and the entire area and system is under the over site of the Central Church of Africa Presbyterian.  The two springs were redeveloped with two screened intakes that flow into a five chamber concrete settling basin--the only treatment of the water.  Future plans call for some disinfection, however the water is of very good quality.  The water flows from the Settling Chamber about two miles down through a valley and back up to the Plateau to several storage tanks.  One of the ten villages is served off of this transmission line.  The other nine villages and the Plateau are served from the terminal storage tanks on the Plateau.
 
Laying Pipe in Rural Africa 2017-05-25 04:00:00Z 0

Clean Water in Lebanese Public Schools

By Jamil Mouawad
 
Rotary Clubs of Lebanon Mega Project - "Securing Clean Water in Lebanese Public Schools"
 
The mission of our Organization is to invest in meaningful and innovative services, which encourage the cooperation of multiple clubs in the district in general and Lebanon in specific.
 
Water Filtration for Public Schools in Lebanon has been identified as a Mega project aiming to encourage cross-cultural understanding, fellowship and goodwill.
Clean Water in Lebanese Public Schools 2017-05-24 04:00:00Z 0

Going "Bateys" for Filters

By Bob Chagrasulis, Rotary Club of Rotary Club of Farmington Maine USA  RD 7790
 
In the eastern Dominican Republic, sugar cane cutters and their families, largely Haitian immigrants, live in very primitive conditions and have many health concerns, including prevalent waterborne illnesses.  A recent Global Grant from Rotary International sponsored the purchase of 1560 Kohler Clarity water filters to provide potable water and to launch a new not for profit business to continue this WASH initiative in these communities.          
 
In March 2017 a team of US Rotarians travelled to the Dominican Republic to begin implementation of work approved in the Rotary Global Grant to provide Kohler CLARITY water filters to residents of “bateys” – sugar cane villages.  This was the first use of the new filter in the Dominican Republic, a grant funded program that will provide an initial 1560 filters to sugar cane cutters and their families. To learn more about the filter, visit:  www.clarity.kohler.com
 
Going "Bateys" for Filters 2017-05-23 04:00:00Z 0

WASH in Guatemala

By Narayan Murarka, Suzanne Gibson, Mary Holcomb, Mark Gibson, Jorge Aufranc and Francisco Viau
 
The Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club, District 6440 in partnership with Club Rotario Guatemala Sur, District 4250 has been engaged in global grant projects in Guatemala since 2012-13.  We concentrated on the needs of people in one geographical area called “Sumpango,” Sacatepecaquez Department, all throughout these years and carried out the several major initiatives which expanded over time in both breadth and depth.  One of these initiatives is related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in schools and focused on disease prevention and treatment of children and improving hygiene conditions within the community.
 
Outcome and Impact:               
Nine elementary and seven secondary schools in Sumpango municipality, Guatemala are being provided clean (chlorinated) running water; 24/7 availability with local storage tank; drink and wash stations; gender specific flush toilets; septic tank; drainage improvements; repaired leaky roofs; upgraded kitchens with running water, sink and drainage; new stoves with ventilation to eliminate smoke in the kitchen and more.
WASH in Guatemala 2017-05-23 04:00:00Z 0