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The Abesu Housing Project Zambia

Visit to the Abesu Housing Project in Zambia by member Laurence Wilbraham


Abesu Women’s Housing Co-operative, Zambia

In 2014 the club purchased a flat bed ‘Canter’ truck for the Abesu project. In August Sue and I took our first trip to Zambia to see the work of the co-operative and the truck in action. Nelson, Memory and Melanie for the People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia (who are now partnering Abesu) took us to their offices and gave us a presentation explaining the support they provide to co-operatives across Zambia. They then took us to the Abesu compound and after a rapturous welcome of singing and dancing we met with the ladies of the project in the resource centre. Following introductions all round they explained to us the difference the truck had made to their lives. This includes not only the ability to buy materials in greater bulk, with consequent cost savings, but also to transport sand from the river valley to the building site without having to carry it by hand, transporting people including those who are ill and need more specialist medical care than can be provided at the health post. The nearest village, Chongwe, is a two and a half hour walk away which is impractical for anyone who is ill.  A guided tour of the Abesu compound and some of the completed houses followed. It’s very humbling so see how little the families in the co-operative have but how cheerful, optimistic and full of drive they all are. For anyone visiting in the future make sure you visit the ant hill cave, a partially underground house carved out of a large disused termite mound complete with statues!
On our return to Lusaka PPHPZ took us to another project they are assisting in the suburb of George. Particular thanks to Travers and PPHPZ for organising our visit.

Laurence and Sue Wilbraham

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In June 2022 our club was a hundred years old. In celebration of this the club initiated a centenary project in conjunction with Rugby Borough Council and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to upgrade a section of the Great Central Way in Rugby.

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Installation of an Hydro Electric Power Supply in the village of Chepel, Nepal

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Rotary Memorabilia

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History of Rugby

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3 Rotary Clubs - of Rugby, Rugby Dunsmore, and Rugby Saturday Breakfast organise a Music Bursary Scheme for the children of Rugby (Under 18s) which is run in conjunction with the County Music Service.

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Exchange visit October 2022

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Planting crocus bulbs for the Rotary International Purple 4 Polio Campaign, and admiring the results!

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The Rugby Rotary clubs help Rugby Sport for the Disabled Association run an annual Sports Day

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Day out for Rugby children

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A pack of dog walkers, with trusty four legged friends - ready for the off

The Rotary Club of Rugby organised "Dog Walk 2018" to raise money (over £1000) for the charity "Dogs For Good".

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Visit to the Abesu Housing Project in Zambia by member Laurence Wilbraham

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International links, Aabenraa, Russelsheim

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Members of the Rotary Club of Rugby planting crocus bulbs with the villagers of Brinklow, Warwickshire

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The Rugby Santa Run organised by the The Rugby Rotary Club and the Rugby and Northampton Athletic Club, December 2018. 800 people took part this year. Great fun as always.

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The Rotary Club of Rugby annual cultural Trip

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