Guest Speaker PP Mike Berman from the Rotary Club of Ascot presented a case study showing how to apply for a Global Grant from Rotary Foundation.
Guest speaker Mike Berman from Rotary Club Ascot presented a case study Project in Timor Leste which his Club together with Global Grant assistance have made possible. The Project involved improvement to water resources and sanitation which fit into the Rotary Ethos of sustainability. Initially Mike went out to identify the need, how things work or not work. He met the local Hardware storekeeper to see what supplies could be used locally and liaised
with local Rotarian to get things moving. End result was the installation of two different sized Water Tanks 10,000 L and 5,000 L to supply water and improve toilet facilities. Local labour was used to build a filtration system which made the water drinkable. They also build dry toilets and washing areas with on/off taps. The main outcome of this was a reduction in hospital visits due to improved hygiene as a result of easier access to clean water.
Mike stressed the importance of Clubs contributing to Foundation in order to access funding for Projects as this enables the Club to apply for extra funding extra which can double or triple the initial amount set.
Info on Global and District Grants are on R. I Website.
RAWCS [Rotary Australia World Community Service] which manages volunteering in International Projects was mentioned. Again links to RAWCS website for more info.