Rotary International is well aware that in small rural communities especially we must improve the role of the women of the village, one of these ways is of course by providing piped water and wells which then reduces the severe burden that a lot of women are under in carrying water long distances.
We are also mindful of the fact that many young girls are not able to be taught for any great length of time in school classrooms or sometimes not at all because of the lack of toilet facilities for females, that has been one of our priorities, certainly with these facilities it allows both boys and girls to be educated on a similar basis.
Hopefully, Rotarians are beginning to see water as a means to an end, and not an end in itself, and that water means an opportunity to enhance the quality of life and livelihood for all both male and female in the community.
We are also now endeavouring to provide a community based strategy "think global, act local", that strategy leading to an emergence of "one community at a time" in respect of projects. This approach allows us to:
 |
To strenuously focus on the apparent need of that one individual community |
|
To develop a strategy for future sustainability of that community |
|
A greater opportunity to seek local "buy-in or ownership" of the strategy by the local people or sponsors or support agencies of those people |
|
A greater opportunity to involve the women of the community |
|
To ensure there is a greater ability to choose the appropriate technology for that particular region |
|
A product would include both sanitation and hygiene to ensure a continuance of good practice, and of course in this the women of the village would play an important role |
|
With a contained community, to provide an opportunity for greater emphasis on life and livelihood for the future. |
Amongst other things, this "one community at a time" philosophy would depend on a strong local Rotary commitment on a continuing supervisory basis, and involvement of the local community to ensure continuity throughout the following years.
Rotary's intention before committing to this type of programme would be to carry out an initial assessment, check the economic base and potential for economic improvement of the village, consider educational needs and potential for the village, and clarify the health profile.
Without a doubt, Rotary is learning as we grow into this mammoth task concerning water or lack of it, but be assured that the health and welfare of the fairer sex, is certainly a strong incentive."
The Politics of Water
Another critical issue that Rotarians need to be aware of is the politics of water. Potential conflicts between regions and countries are considered a greater threat to peace than conflict over oil.
261 watersheds cross the political boundaries of at least two countries
International basins cover 45% of the earth's surface and affect 40% of the world's population
Mexico and the State of Texas are in disagreement over withdrawal of water from the Rio Grande.
Demand for water in Milwaukee's western suburbs will pit the needs of the people against those concerned with protecting the Great Lakes system.
Who has priority over the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates-upstream Turkey or downstream countries Syria, Iraq and Iran?
How should the waters of the Nile be shared among Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia-all desperately short of water, all with growing populations, all facing food shortages.
Rotarians are seeking Partnerships to solve Water-related issues.
Solving the water problem is much more than Rotary can do alone. But, we can play a significant role in conjunction with other organizations which bring a complementary capability.
Sustainability requires more than the design and installation of technology. It often requires social marketing and training in both technology and in personal health and hygiene.
|
Engineers without Borders |
|
CARE |
|
CARE-CDC Health Initiative |
|
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (USA) |
|
UNICEF |
|
Water Aid (UK) |
|
International Water Association (UK) |
|
Water for People |
|
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) |
|
Center for Global Safe Water (USA) |
|
Center for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (Canada) |
|
Emory University (USA) |
|
Wasser und Siedlungshygiene in Entwicklungslaendem (Switzerland) |
|
Oxfam (UK) |
|
Practica Foundation (Netherlands) |
|
SWL Consultants (UK) |
|
SIMAVI (Netherlands) |
|
Pure Water for the World |
Create Awareness
|
Organize a watershed walk (lake, river or stream)-look for deleterious conditions dead fish, leaking oil barrels, pollutants etc |
|
Sponsor a "Watershed Festival" |
|
Find a watershed organization in the community, volunteer to help |
|
Organize volunteers to monitor water quality. |
|
"Adopt a River"-organize a regular clean-up of the local river or wetland |
|
Sponsor essay or art contests on the watershed |
|
Organizing seminars on water conflicts |
Rotary Foundation Grants can help Rotary clubs achieve their goal of helping communities develop a sustainable supply of safe water.
District Simplified Grants
Individual Grants
Matching Grants
Health, Hunger and Humanity (3H) Grants
| PP Kevin Ritchie (Ann) Rotary Club of East Shepparton Environmental Water Management Committee, District 9790 (P )(03) 5826 5434 (M) 0407 354 602 Email: kevin.ritchie@dse.vic.gov.au |
