Meeting 25 March
President Rhys welcomed members and guests – Jenny Foster from Rotary E-Club of Changemakers and Paul Rake from Rotary Club Chadstone East Malvern.
He also congratulated Rob and Paul for the work they undertake through World of Difference (WOD) and commented on the positive impact it has in Cambodia.
Rob then introduced Paul and handed over to him to speak on the projects.
This being Water and Sanitation month the theme of the talk today was Washroom Toilets in Cambodia.
Paul started by saying that without the cooperation and collaboration of the 18 clubs in 10 districts allowing for maximising of matching grants and application for Global Grants they would not be able to deliver projects of this nature to developing countries.
Providing a washroom toilet, something we take for granted, to developing countries in remote areas where the drinking water is often contaminated by faeces etc, makes a huge difference to communities. It provides the infrastructure necessary for maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of disease, including access to safe water, proper sanitation, and hygiene practices.
WOD works with NGOs in Cambodia, and it is important to have this connection so that the money raised gets to the communities. By employing labour from the local community, the project also supports them financially. All funds are managed through Australian bank accounts.
To date Cambodia Clean Water and Toilet Projects have built 1,245 washroom toilets.
Recently a relationship has been developed with the Reece Plumbing Foundation which resulted in nine plumbers assisting on a project in Cambodia. They are looking at more ways of working together.
They continue to look at opportunities to cooperate with other organisations, particularly local partners and to transfer skills to local companies. They are already building a relationship with Lions Clubs in Siem Reap.
A number of questions were asked:
What method of water purification is used? – A variety however some are not successful as the locals do not understand how to maintain them. Currently talking to Reece Foundation about large scale water filters.
How long to complete a unit? 3 days
How much does a unit cost? The structures and labour cost approximately US$800 each and one is provided to each home in a village.
The manual digging process seems difficult. Cost of getting mechanical equipment out to the areas where the units are being built is very expensive and maintenance would be difficult. However local labour is affordable and helps to create local expertise.
How does the water get to the washroom/toilet tanks? Some communities have electric pumps in others it is carried by hand. Most communities have bore water and that is the source.
An excellent presentation and a good example of how funds can be maximised to do more through The Rotary Foundation.
President’s announcements
Windsor Hotel has been booked for Paul Harris Breakfast on 18th November, capacity 200.
Reminded members to encourage younger members to apply for sponsorship to attend either the District Impact Summit or the World Convention in Calgary.
Members’ announcements
Neville John advised that the Collingwood BBQ held on the weekend raised just over $1250, and with the Port Melbourne BBQ held earlier in the month, the March total fundraising was $3,200.
