swamp to collect water for their daily needs, such as washing their clothes and bathing. But on many occasions, they would have to drink this water from the swamp stream, which was the same water used to wash their motorbikes. This caused bad stomach upsets and skin conditions. A Rotary Global Grant was applied for with funding from Saltash and a Canadian Rotary club and after five years of perseverance, in 2021 the college now has a water pump that is powered by Solar Panels. This pumps water from a small stream (not the swamp) which is filtered and then stored in a huge water tank. The project also included a flushing toilet block with a shower. The Rotary Club of Saltash Rotary Club received a letter of appreciation from the College Principal telling them how this project has transformed the lives of the students and staff. The electricity bill has been cut by 45% due to the Solar Panels.
Ambassadors – Opportunities – What’s a WASH Rotary Action Group Ambassador? The WASH Rotary Action Group Ambassadors are a corps of knowledgeable members who provide support and promotion of the WASH goals of WASH Rotary Action Group and The Rotary Foundation. Among other things, they may help fellow Rotarians in the following ways: 1. Provide speakers for club meetings and other events. 2. Share information/needs assessment data with others to enhance the quality, relevance and sustainability of projects undertaken in their region. 3. Provide local Rotarians with access to professionals worldwide who may address their district's need for expert advice in areas such as technology, sustainability, monitoring and evaluation, etc. 4. Liaise between their district and others to create partnerships that will facilitate project development and enhance funding opportunities.
Qualifications of Ambassadors Ambassadors are volunteer members of WASH Rotary Action Group and have a passion of WASH programs. They maintain a five-year membership in WASH Rotary Action Group. They must be able to communicate easily and be respected by Rotarians within their District.
Activities of Ambassadors Ambassadors are charged with promoting effective and sustainable Rotary water, sanitation and hygiene projects in their regions. To this end they may engage in the following activities as well as others relevant to the goals of the corps. • • •
Encourage and facilitate WASH Rotary Action Group memberships Develop and promote a “Speakers’ Bureau” to provide speakers for club meetings and district events. Encourage local activities within their region that will promote the objectives of WASH Rotary Action Group and WASH initiatives.
November 2021 , 2020
Page 17
