International Projects in Central America

World Community Service in Latin AmericaA Selected Review of International Projects

Why are International Projects and World Community Service an emphasis in Rotary.– The Fourth “Object of Rotary” – the Foundation of

the Rotary movement.– Rotary Foundation Emphasis is serving the less

fortunante in the world – humanitarian service– Service to the most needy in the world leads us not

only to the less fortunate in our community but those areas of the world where the extremely poor live.

Why do Rotarians do international projects?– Many motivations, but some stand out:– About being a ‘Good Rotarian’ – living up to the

values of Rotary, and the ‘Objects of Rotary.’– An impactful way of doing Rotary Service – one can

see the impacts and the changes in poor people’s lives.– A rewarding way to do Rotary Service – the impacts

and the experiences and friendships created. – Creates friendships in other cultures, in other countries– Enriches our clubs – more interesting mix of service

Why Central America projects:– Basically, high needs, convenient and inviting – Close to US. Airfare $700-800 – easy one day flight– Central American Rotarians are good partners: used to

working with North Americans, eager for partners.– C.A., while mostly Spanish speakers, often

understand English and some speak it well.– The two Central American Rotary District are

organized to work with us, and eager for North American project partners. Some very skilled.

Our Clubs Early History.– First significant international projects began in

Central America in 2000-2001. - Club Funded the purchase of a River “School Boat”, to

shuttle school children from their villages to their schools along the Rio Dulce in Eastern Guatemala. About $2000 was provided. Faciliated by some yachers from Bainbridge, who observed the need and sought assistance. John Walker orchestrated our club’s response.

- About a year later, with the first “school boat’ a success, the club funded a second boat. Similar amounts and conditions.

Our Club’s Early History– First Rotary Foundation Matching Grant was sought

and obtained in 2001-2002.– Partnered with the Rotary Club of Castelar, in Buenos

Aires – Project involved the equipping and furnishing of a

basic dental clinic, in a very poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

– Project was successful.– Provided valuable experience to several of us,

allowing us to encourage and train others in Club.

Some Criteria Guiding Central American Projects– Strive to address the basic humanitarian needs.– Focus on the poorest in the world.– Create and work with strong Rotary partnerships in the

host country. Create explicit partnership agreements. – For all except very small projects, obtain Rotary

Foundation grants, so to obtain ‘multiplier effects’ of club’s monies.

– Stress good project design and develop written implementation plans.

The Multiplier Effects of Rotary Foundation Global Grants.– Each partner must contribute: customarily int’l

partners contribute most of the club monies.– Each District matches each club’s contribution,

usually on a 1 to 1 basis, up to $15,000.– Rotary Foundation matches the clubs monies on a

.5 to 1 basis, and District monies on a 1 to 1 basis.– Project must comply with Foundation’s areas of

emphasis, and with “Terms and Conditions”.

The Multiplier Effects of Rotary Foundation Global Grants.– Typically Central American projects range in size

from $35,000 to $55,000.– Many of these projects include other club funding:

we organize funding from international partners.– Often, our club contributes $7000 to $12,000: other

clubs contribute $3000 to $8000. – Thus our club funds are multiplied 3.5 to 8 times– For example, our club $8000 could create a

$53,000 project.

Central American Projects in the Early 2000s– Shipment of Medical Equipment to Peru. Collected

selected used medical equipment.– Shipment of Medical Equipment to Hospital

Cuidad Pacifica, near San Miguel, El Salvador. Rotarians collected, selected, and packed out Full Size container. Our club paid for transportation. RC of San Miguel received, and unloaded at hospital.

– Shipment of 2nd Shipment of Medical Equipment to Hospital Cuidad Pacifica, and the Maternity Ward of the San Miguel Hospital. Similar arrangement.

Central American Projects in the Early 2000s- School Support for poor community near San

Salvador, El Salvador, partnering with RC of Cuscatlán. Grant provided for school equipment, furnishings, books.

- Providing Equipment, furnishings and materials for Boca Chica Village School in Panama. Rotary Grant.

- Provided High Capacity Van for poor elderly home in San Ignacio, Belize. Partner clubs: Rotary Club of Belize and several South Carolina clubs.

Current Central American Projects:– Quetzaltenango, Guatemala - Third in a series of

Microfinance Projects, with Microfinance Institution Solidarity and Development. Partnership: Rotary Club of Quetzaltenango and 8 District 5020 clubs.

– Rio Dulce/Lake Izabal, Guatemala – Second in series of water, sanitation, and nutrition projects for very poor Indian villages in the Eastern lowlands

– Last month Rick and Cathy Golden spoke to the club about these two project series.

International Projects in Central America

Central America Project FairJan 2009 Belize City, Belize

Each year the Clubs of the seven countries and two Rotary Districts of

Central America host a Central American Project Fair in late January

Friday afternoon thru Sat night ‘trade fair’-like format plus interest group sessions, entertainment and meals

Central American Clubs set up booths and displays

Meeting Old Friends and Collaborators

Sessions on Clean Water, Sanitation, Microfinance, Health and Medicine

Small Group Meetings

Dinner and Evening Entertainment

Some “Gringos” from our District

International Projects in Central America

San Ignacio Belize Project Rotary Foundation Grant 2007-2008

Partnership with RC of San Ignacio, South Carolina Club

Purchase of a large van, about $35,000, to transport the residents of an elderly home, which is supported

by charitable contributions

Visit to Elderly Home, San Ignacio, Belize

Feb 2009 Visit to San Isnacio, Belize Wright Home for the Elderly

Our Club helped purchase a transport Van, through matching grant

Travelling Group with our Driver and host Rotarian - Rotarian is 3rd from Rigth

International Projects in Central America

Boca Chica, Panama Village School Upgrade, Furnishings and Text Books

Partnership with RC of David, PanamaRotary Foundation Grant about $40,000

2006-2008

Boca Chica, Panama School Upgrade 2006-2008

Boca Chica is near David Panama, in the West side of the country, near Costa Rica

Boca ChicaVillage Panama

Donna Skinner, Howard Hanners, RC of David Rotarians, and Brent Jan 2006

July 1, 2008