Aireborough Rotary - happy girls at Mnyakanya High School with their sanitary kits

The Global Grant funded Computer Suite at Mnyakanya High School relied on partner Eshowe Rotary Club in South Africa for the annual report. When open during the pandemic, the suite was extensively used and the introduction of CAT (Computer Applications Technology) as a subject will help pupils’ future job prospects. 

The Yorkits sewing team producing sanitary kits for girls, including those at Mnyakanya has been on hold but there is plenty material to make the pads and shields once production re-commences. 

The micro loans project continues to perform well within the current global situation. Six loans totalling $450 have been made to budding entrepreneurs in Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and India. Enterprises include a restaurant, farming, livestock, fishing and motorcycle transport. With the fishing loan already repaid, recycling the initial funds has begun.

Aireborough is a partner with New Zealand’s Takapuna Club in a Global Grant project called ROMAC. This provides life saving and/or dignity restoring treatment to children under 15 from developing countries not available in their own country. On hold because of the pandemic, this crucial work will resume as soon as is possible.

 With the change to contents meaning more items, including the life saving water filters, now need providing by Aquabox itself, it is likely eight Aquaboxes will be the last the Club will transport to Wirksworth ready to be shipped to disasters around the world. The Club is indebted to Geoffrey and Heather Barton, both Paul Harris Fellows, for the dedication, application and ingenuity they have shown over more than 40 years. They will continue as Aquabox ambassadors whilst the Club will instead make planned financial donations to this irreplaceable project. 

After welcoming as speaker Dr Sharad Pendsey from the Pendsey Dream Trust the Club decided to sponsor two young girls in India with type 1 diabetes whose parents cannot afford the four times daily insulin injections. Both girls receive a three monthly supply of insulin and syringes. In addition Ridhima (11) was provided with a school bag and contents and a glucometer. In addition Purvi (6) has received economic support for her family through the Covid fund as well as a bicycle. Letters, mailed regularly, will keep both girls in touch with the Club. 

Following ‘the Time is Now’ and Supporting the Environment, Aireborough Rotary sees both of these as presenting both a challenge and an opportunity in the quest for new members. Looking for linked causes and potential projects within our community is now high on the list of reactions.