International

Working overseas is incredibly rewarding as it affords unique opportunities to learn about other cultures and develop personal skills. Firm and lasting friendships are formed through sharing skills and helping to make a difference to other people's lives.

The international nature of Rotary offers great opportunities for partnership working with clubs both in our own area and further afield. Sharing skills and expertise greatly enhances the scope of a project, as well as relieving pressure on fundraising. Working with local clubs in the project area is essential to ensure the success and sustainability of any project. 

Our biggest project to date has been the building and equipping of a Science Block at the Agona Swedru School in Ghana.  This has resulted in the facilities being used by many children in the surrounding area, and pupils at the school have received national awards for their newly acquired skills.  In addition, the school has become sought after for many teachers in the area, due to it's fantastic facilities and praiseworthy achievements.

At the moment, we are sponsoring a boy at the Bombolulu School in Mombasa, Kenya.  Raphael is 13 years old and for just £20 per month, we are able to ensure that he receives an education with all the books he requires, together with a school uniform and two meals a day.

Free education in Kenya stops after primary level, and so the Bombolulu School was founded to take in only the poorest children, who have a thirst for knowledge.  Raphael's sponsorship will continue until he is at least 18 years of age and could possibly continue after that if he can achieve entry to university.

Note from Rotarian Judy Webb:  Having had the honour of visiting both the Agona Swedru School, and the Bombolulu School, I have been very humbled by how appreciative the children are of the help which they receive, and at how keen they are to do their very best to be able to give something back to their own community.