Rotary Club of Senlac - April 25

An illustrated presentation was entitled Children of Kerala, India, Fund, supported by members of the speakers Club which commenced from learning of the needs surrounding the international work of Rotary International which opened the door to visit the District Governor elect of the Changanachery District, Kerala.

Visits to various Rotary clubs commenced, the first being, Rotary Club of Ranni, where villagers desperately needed a water supply as the only source was rainwater from plastic protecting rubber trees.

The old well no longer worked!

Further observations revealed that funding was necessary to care for terminally ill children. Visiting the Rotary Club of Mallappally resulted in November, 2007 to providing a generator to provide electricity to pump water. Children visited proved to be incontinent. Visits to Kerala had taken place on several occasions.

Through contact with Rotary Club of Vaicom, it was possible to obtain Foundation funding to provide fifty wells in the Vaicom area, assisted by Brighton Rotarians to provide fresh water. A visit to Sherthallal revealed the need for sewing machines.

Through obtaining a Matching Grant (half total project cost), from Foundation, Rotary International, seven training centres were financed by Rotary International to promote trained persons to work and produce garments.

A playground project, following 2004 visit to Rotary Club of Changanacherry commenced and was completed during 2006/2007. Needy children were provided with wheelchairs.

Anu, a talented oil painting artist, was supported and sent supply of art materials followed by tutorial lessons (paid for by local Rotary club).

Through contact with the same Rotary club it was possible to implement a hearing aid project.

Such a visit by Elaine was marked with a farewell Hindu ceremony, the surrounds being decked with an array of flowers. Maidstone Riverside Rotary Club, through Rotary Club of Vakathanam, provided finance for a much-needed well. Current project is for clean drinking water and rain water harvesting together with a district centre; also funds for local village school desks, chairs and classroom equipment - for this need in 2008 all paperwork is now complete for forwarding to Rotary International, Evanston for a Matching Grant. The prosthesis centre is for fitment of artificial limbs due to amputations.

The Children of Kerala Charity supports street children, aids victims and mental problems. Past President and Rotary Club of Senlac Marich Project, Kenya Leader, Rotarian Eddie McCall, in offering the Vote of Thanks, mentioned the tremendous achievements through efforts of Maidstone Dawn Patrol members and such dynamic leadership by the Charity leader in pursuing Matching Grants from Rotary International.