Jim Goodrich, President, Rotary Club of Groveland, CA

Transforming a Community: Safe Water in Kenya

Ron Denham, ChairWater & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group

United Nations - November 2011

The Background:• 1.2 million people in the Rift Valley

region around Nakuru lack access to safe water during the dry season.

• Women and children trek up to 6 km several times a day carrying polluted water for their families.

Less poverty

and hunger

Less disease, Better health

Better education

Lower child

mortality

Safe Water & Sanitation

This lack of safe water has profound implicationsfor the community

It also helped start a micro-bank to fund tank construction and small businesses:

Then they receive materials to build the rainwater collection and storage cisterns:

Rainwater harvesting freeswomen from the chore of hauling water; the micro-bank lends them money to start small businesses!!!

Elizabeth, who once spent all day hauling water, now grows cabbages:

And her husband, who she describes as a “drunkard”, now minds the goats

This program is not merely providing water, it is enabling the community to improve life and livelihood:• Women are creating economic value. • Micro-banks give people confidence and hope. • Crops and livestock flourish.• Food supply is assured, poverty reduced.• Children are healthier.• Women are sending their children to school.

This program is successful because it is owned by the community: • The Nakuru Rotary club invested in the people,

not in technology. • The Rotary Community Corps extended the club’s

reach into the smallest villages. • Rotarians made a multi-year commitment. • The club trained and employed skilled people. • Households committed money and labour!!!

Wasrag can help your club achieve similar sustainable outcomes.Click on:www.wasrag.org