The month of October is dedicated for Economic and Community Development. Projects that will help to make a difference in this area of focus are encouraged
“Rotary supports investment in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvements in their lives and communities”.
Rotary’s Goals:
• Building the capacity of entrepreneurs, community leaders, local organizations and community networks to support economic development in impoverished communities.
• Developing opportunities for productive work
• Reducing poverty in underserved communities
• Supporting studies for career-minded professionals related to economic and community development
Projects that will help make a difference in this area of focus are encouraged. In our district, many clubs have already done projects and are participating in helping people help themselves.
During our visits Rosa and I saw sewing machines used to teach people skills that will help them make a living, Training Centres for nurse’s assistants, training in the electrical field to teach skills that can improve young people’s lives. Courses to prepare young men and women to earn a certificate as lifeguards are given by a Rotarian who is a professional scuba diving instructor. Sponsored by Rotary clubs she offers these young people an opportunity to find a job in this field.
Water wells are dug in communities to help grow crops and clubs have given equipment to transform the agricultural products into flour and other products which are sold for profit in the market. In a few clubs, chickens were given to people to help them to start a small project and help them develop it into a small economic and development effort. Rotary Community Corps (RCC) are being
formed in some communities which empower members to take action. RCC members are in a unique position to identify barriers to the community’s economic progress and develop sustainable solutions.
Fellow Rotarians, our clubs are working hard already and I am sure new projects, similar or different, will be undertaken to celebrate Rotary Making a Difference in developing economically our communities. Rotary International wants us to participate to improve lives with sustainable and long lasting projects which impact our communities.
Presidents and members of Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 7020, let us continue to reinforce our Clubs to Grow Stronger -Serve Better so we can work on Making A Difference in our communities by changing people’s lives.