Through a WASH project, Rotary Passport Melbourne and Rotary Club of Kathmandu (RPM) (in partnership with the Rotary Foundation) recently completed construction of gender specific toilets at the Shree Sunali Public School in Lumbini Province, Nepal which enabled young women reaching puberty to remain at school.
Nepal is a hotspot for human traffickers who take advantage of those living in poverty and living remotely in rugged, isolated terrain. Anti-trafficking was the theme at a fundraiser held in March 2020 In when Rotary Passport Melbourne hosted a Nepali Carnival for over 120 guests including many from the local Nepalese community, along with the Nepalese Consul. As a result, many are now more aware of Rotary as an organisation and our ability to assist in Nepal.This project to construct the toilets was covered in Nepalese publications, sharing the great outcome of the project on the ground. Education is an important focus towards stopping trafficking.
If there are no safe, private, or clean toilets, as they begin menstruation, many girls drop out of school due to discomfort and embarrassment. The 26 female students and teachers at Shree Sunali Public School can finally enjoy functioning WASH facilities as well as implement safe hygiene practices. Good menstrual health and academic achievements are linked to the standard of amenities available for girls.
As Rotarians we understand that good sanitation and education can assist communities out of poverty. The project goals included enabling young Nepalis to remain in school, continue their education and avoid situations that may result in them being sold as a commodity.
This WASH project was a true partnership as all stakeholders worked closely together with Rotary Passport Melbourne as the sponsor club and Rotary Club of Kathmandu as host club.
The Rotary Club of Kathmandu’s proposal, supported by a comprehensive needs analysis was assessed by the RPM International team. As a result, a partnership was formed between the two clubs. In line with Rotary Best Practice, our Care for Nepal RAWCS Account transferred funds to the Rotary Club of Kathmandu.
Due to the strong relationship between RPM and the Rotary Club of Kathmandu, Rotary Passport Melbourne was successful in an application for a Rotary Foundation District International Grant. We are especially grateful for the role played by our colleagues in Kathmandu. The in-country project manager, Raj Gautam is a very active Rotarian at the Rotary Club of Kathmandu. Raj has a reputation for his experience and professional approach to project work. With the support of the Rotary Foundation, two clubs were able to change the lives of a rural community in Nepal. How wonderful it was to “Imagine Rotary”, to take action and make this successful international project.
If there are no safe, private, or clean toilets, as they begin menstruation, many girls drop out of school due to discomfort and embarrassment. The 26 female students and teachers at Shree Sunali Public School can finally enjoy functioning WASH facilities as well as implement safe hygiene practices. Good menstrual health and academic achievements are linked to the standard of amenities available for girls.
As Rotarians we understand that good sanitation and education can assist communities out of poverty. The project goals included enabling young Nepalis to remain in school, continue their education and avoid situations that may result in them being sold as a commodity.This WASH project was a true partnership as all stakeholders worked closely together with Rotary Passport Melbourne as the sponsor club and Rotary Club of Kathmandu as host club.
The Rotary Club of Kathmandu’s proposal, supported by a comprehensive needs analysis was assessed by the RPM International team. As a result, a partnership was formed between the two clubs. In line with Rotary Best Practice, our Care for Nepal RAWCS Account transferred funds to the Rotary Club of Kathmandu.
Due to the strong relationship between RPM and the Rotary Club of Kathmandu, Rotary Passport Melbourne was successful in an application for a Rotary Foundation District International Grant. We are especially grateful for the role played by our colleagues in Kathmandu. The in-country project manager, Raj Gautam is a very active Rotarian at the Rotary Club of Kathmandu. Raj has a reputation for his experience and professional approach to project work. With the support of the Rotary Foundation, two clubs were able to change the lives of a rural community in Nepal. How wonderful it was to “Imagine Rotary”, to take action and make this successful international project.