International service has funded a number of projects during the first half of the Rotary year. Early in the year we provided funds to Caring Hands for Children to help a blind child in India with his schooling and special needs. Again, we supported Days for Girls in Los Angeles. This organizations makes and packages female hygiene supplies for girls and women in remote and underprivileged areas of the world.
We once again supported Patricia Essilffe who started the Boys and Girls Club in Ghana. She said the aim is to be a lifeline or learning coach to school children and to provide them with tools to learn and the freedom to grow. The organization began building school facilities in remote areas of the country so children could attend school. They replaced buildings that did not have roofs, so when it rained or it was scorching hot, the children suffered. Because of the current situation, many of the students were forced to drop out before getting to high school. This group really does need much more than we are capable of providing, but we had an angel in our club who contributed privately to this project as well.
There have been severe food shortages around the globe, especially in rural Africa. Member Penny Leon runs a non-profit, Florence for Youth in Action in Uganda, and we were able to provide her with some funds for food for her organization.
About 80% of girls in Zambia are currently unemployed. There are two contributing factors—a lack of training in an employable skill and secondary education. The costs associated with schooling is beyond the means of most families, and if funding is available, boys are the priority. The Lushomo Trust is an organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable young girls in Zambia. They provide some funding to the Grace Centre so that girls can finish high school. Our club sponsored a girl who will be evaluated yearly and if does well she will continue her schooling.
We supported the Greater Contribution project which establishes micro loans to hard-working women, so that they can develop small, sustainable businesses to lift their families out of poverty. Borrowers receive business training, mentoring and peer support, and are provided with the necessary tools to work their way out of extreme poverty. They process also build their self-confidence.Team Rubicon’s mission is providing relief to those affected by disasters or crises, no matter when or where they strike. By pairing the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders, medical professionals, and technology solutions, Team Rubicon aims to provide the greatest service and impact possible. We were very happy to support this organization.
We will certainly be able to support more organizations this year. We definitely want to be able to help our own Rotary Family members that have their own foundations. Please let us know if you have any ideas or projects for us.