A Message from the Foundation Chairman

Posted 
on May 04, 2011
 

May, 2011

But, in 2005, a California Rotarian founded the Myanmar Orphanages Safe Water Management Project. Rotary districts 3360, 5230, 6580, and 6740 have each provided support. The project system consists of a compressor and pump placed atop a required proven, existing tube well at any given orphanage site, providing simple access to water for three vital applications: food preparation and drinking, personal bathing and laundry, and sustainable crop irrigation. To date, 18 systems have been completed, and 14 more are in the pipeline – the latter due to five Special Initiative Grants by The Rotary Foundation.

 

The clean water also provides better health for the children. For instance, skin diseases disappear with the access to clean water. This water system project covers several of Rotary’s emphases – health, hunger, and water and sanitation.

There is today a cautious optimism in Myanmar. Changes will not occur overnight. However, this might be a prudent time for Rotary to explore the possibility of reentering Myanmar. It will take time, but everyone who wants to harvest a crop knows that the seeds will have to be planted well in advance, and now may be an opportunity for Rotary to plant those seeds. 

I believe we have the connections, both inside and outside of Myanmar, to start making contacts for the purpose of bringing Rotary back. A Rotary club once again in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) would make a super example of Rotary Building Communities – Bridging Continents through Service Above Self.

Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar                                                                                                                                                                  Foundation Trustee Chair