I appreciated Niranjan, from the Beecroft club, attending our meeting last Monday. It is always pleasing to see the end result of a project we have contributed to. In this case the installing of toilets in the Indian village of Mewat. Even more pleasing was the fact the project was under budget, so they are now adding an additional 30 toilets! (See details below). Well done to Ian who co-ordinated on our behalf.
Most important event this week was the board meeting. Board members look forward to updating all members at next Monday’s meeting, but I would like to mention a few of the highlights. 1. We have agreed to again be a platinum sponsor for the Neuroblastoma Sienna’s Gala dinner. As well as the usual promotions/adds with our logo, we also will take up the opportunity to speak at the dinner. 2. Our final draft of the 2018-19 financial statement was tabled, and will be circulated to members prior to the AGM – Well done Owen. 3. PR director Tom tabled a list of his plans for the year. 4. We agreed to volunteer to run the BBQ at the Crows Nest Community Centre’s Children week event on October 24th. 5. Despite many hurdles we have made progress on 3 of 4 international projects (School water treatment system - Maliana, Timor Leste, MEWET Toilets, Water project for school in East Pokot, Kenya. 4th project in Zimbabwe is on hold until the local Host club (Victoria Falls) can raise more money. 6. Thanks to Sue we have District grant approval for the IT lab in Phoenix house which Philip is overseeing. 7. As mentioned last Monday Sue’s D-Cafe project continues to bubble along in the background. 8. Our marquee at the Crows Nest fair on October 26th is locked in – Harold, with Bruce’s help, is overseeing this one. 9. Philip is co-ordinating attendees for Summer RYPEN & following up with PCYC after their visit.
Looking forward to many of you returning from holidays next Monday.
Next Meeting Monday 23rd September2019 - Board Directors Updates / Club Discussion.
There was a board meeting on Wednesday 18th, and the directors will supply an update on their activities.
Great chance for members to understand club activities and ask questions.
Last Mondays Meeting the 16 September 2019, our Guest Speaker was
Niranjan Deodhar from the Beecroft Club, who gave an update, and summary of the Toilet building project, in Mewat,India.
The project was hosted by the South Delhi Metro rotary club, and as well as Crows Nest & Beecroft it included rotary clubs from New Zealand and New Jersey, USA. Niranjan had visited Mewat, and was able to pass on he personal experiences in overseeing the project. Whilst there were delays due to Monsoons and construction freezes (due to pollution), the project did finish UNDER budget. The spare money is currently being used to construct an extra 30 toilets, and the project will complete by December this year. Another key issue handled by South Delhi Rotary was the successful engagement of local government officials.
Niranjan enthusiastically answered all our questions, and we appreciate his update. Just to RECAP on the project
This new project aims to provide sanitation and dignity to communities in Mewat, India. We estimate that up to 3,000 people a day will benefit from the availability of private toilet facilities and free compost this will provide. We also believe that this project will prove to have significant multiplier effects with health and welfare.
Most of the schools and houses in Mewat do not have toilets or other private sanitation facilities. There is strong empirical evidence that the lack of sanitation facilities or long distances between school or home and private sanitation is a direct cause of violence against women, school drop out rates for girls, poor maternal health, and infant mortality. Conservative religious practices make it almost impossible for girls to attend school where sanitation facilities are unavailable.
We will provide equitable community access to safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene; Strengthen the
ability of communities to develop, fund and maintain sustainable water and sanitation systems; Support
programs that enhance communities’ awareness of the benefits of safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
Rotary Health - Mental Health Day - Thursday Oct 10th
End Polio - Train Ride - Thursday Oct 24th
Crows Nest Community Centre - Childern's week BBQ Thursday 24th October
Crows Nest Fair - Sunday Oct 26th
District Conference 20-22 March 2020 - A reminder that you and your partner are invited to attend the 2020 combined Rotary District 9685 & 9675 “Reasons” Conference. Early Bird Registration is $200.00 per person. Theme for the Conference is ‘Reasons’and will give Rotarians a chance to focus on questions like:
· Why are we Rotarians?
· Why did we become Rotarians?
· What keeps us serving our communities?
The District Conference will be held in Wollongong at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre on Friday 20th March to Sunday 22nd March 2020 – a wonderful venue right on the beach: what more Reasons do you need to attend?
ROTARY: 2019-20
This new project aims to provide sanitation and dignity to communities in Mewat, India. We estimate that up to 3,000 people a day will benefit from the availability of private toilet facilities and free compost this will provide. We also believe that this project will prove to have significant multiplier effects with health and welfare.