INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

Projects that involve efforts from Rotarians in more than one country

Director – John Paul Delgado 

PROMOTING EDUCATION IN SIERRA LEONE

We are working with the Rotary Club in Bo, Sierra Leone to support three “at risk” primary schools through providing training for the teachers, latrines, school supplies and furniture, and solar electricity.  We are partnering with an NGO (Healthy Schools International that has worked in the Bo District to provide latrines and electricity to a hospital, and we are continuing to seek support from other Rotary Clubs. Check out our Facebook page for the project.  POC – Bill Krist

POLIOPLUS - POLIO ERADICATION

Each year the West Springfield Rotary Club donates a minimum of $2,000 to Rotary International to help end Polio in the world.  Since Rotary International’s effort to eradicate polio began in 1979 over 2.5 billion children, have been immunized against polio.  Only two countries are left where polio is endemic: Pakistan, and Afghanistan.  Rotary and our partners, which include the Gates Foundation, international, national, and local health agencies, are committed to eradicating polio, but the effort for the last “few” cases is extremely expensive.  For example, from 1988 to 2014, $11.5 billion has been spent but from 2013-2018, it is anticipated that another $5.5 billion will be required.  

RISE AGAINST HUNGER 

Our club has supported the international hunger relief agency, Rise Against Hunger, by packaging meals and donating to the needy.  Since 1998, the agency (formerly called Stop Hunger Now) has coordinated the distribution of food and other lifesaving aid to children and families in countries all over the world.  The program perfected the assembly process that combines rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a flavoring mix including 21 essential vitamins and minerals into small meal packets, which transport quickly and has a shelf-life of two years. 

SHELTERBOX - EMERGENCY SHELTER

Rotary has regularly provided ShelterBoxes to needy people around the world whenever there has been an emergency, such as a typhoon, flooding or earthquake.  Each ShelterBox contains a tent that can accommodate ten people, food to last for several months, medical supplies, and other emergency equipment such as flashlights.  Our Club contributes $2,000 every year to Rotary International to support his program.  POC – Robin Erskine