Rather than waste time, energy, and funding to develop own separate International projects, the Rotary Clubs of Keilor and Keilor East chose to become partners in an existing International Project. The two adjoining clubs became partners in RAWCS Project No 114-2005-06 Tonga Dental Health Project, which also utilizes the quality material available from our Donations In Kind Store. This is an excellent option for many Clubs as it allows them to be involved at a level that suits the Club.
With help from the RAWCS Tonga Volcano Eruption and Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund and wonderful support from our local dental community, this year our combined clubs purchased a 40’ container and shipped a further two 40’ containers, filled with requested items to Tonga. The container purchased will become the new maintenance workshop for the Vaiola Hospital. The shipment included 9 dental chairs. Three of these are being used to furnish dental surgeries in the three main high schools in the country, including the Apifo'ou College shown in the accompanying photo. The dental surgeries will provide care for the 1,000+ students and staff at each of the schools, and the local community. They will also provide students who are interested in a dental career with some hands-on practical experience.
Also included in the shipment was:
- medical equipment to upgrade the first aid rooms in the three schools, which will provide better care and be used for vocational training.
- medical equipment to create a 16-bed isolation ward in the Apifo'ou College. This will be used by the Health Department as required.
- shelving and books for the new library at the Queen Salote College.
- six dental chairs have also been donated to the Ministry of Education.
In August/September 2022, one of our members will be part of a 12-member self-funded RAWCS Volunteer Team who will visit Tonga.
IMAGINE your Club being a partner in a project like this. For more information contact David Dippie marketing@rotarydik.org RAWCS: www.rawcs.org.au
For details on the goods shipped, read more https://rotarydik.org/tonga-disaster-initiative/