On May 21 to May 26, Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors came together in Kitui, Kenya to build 2 solar-powered shallow wells for irrigation in Nyumbani Village, a 1000 acre village for more than 700 AIDS orphans and 70 caretakers (grandparents. The project was funded with funds from Rotary District 6220 District Simplified Grant kitty applied for by the Rotary Club of Greater Portage County in Wisconsin (RCGPC).
Rotary Club of Greater Portage County in Wisconsin invited the Rotary clubs of Karen, Kenya and Machakos, Kenya District 9200, to take part in the implementation of the project. The 2 Kenyan Rotary Clubs mobilized the Interact Clubs of Lukenya and Nyumbani Village, and the Rotaract Clubs of Muthaiga, University of Nairobi, Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Machakos, to come together to implement this great project. The Rotary family together with Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar for the year 2010/2011 from Winnipeg, Canada helped dig the shallow wells, took part in the installation of the solar pumps, and planted the fruits, vegetable and trees on the farm.
The 2 shallow wells and solar pumps will be used to drip-irrigate fruits and vegetables intercropped with trees. The fruits and vegetables are for daily sustenance for the more than 700 residents of Nyumbani Village while the trees will improve the microclimate of the immediate environment. The solar powered shallow wells will provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of irrigation water to grow food for the residents of Nyumbani Village which is located in the arid climate in Kitui, Kenya. The solar pumps will help reduce fuel costs (one of their largest expense) for Nyumbani Village which previously relied on diesel to pump water to the farms.
The project helped everyone experience a truly great Rotary moment: having Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors working hands-on on one project. It really helped make real the Rotary journey for the young Interactors whose energy was contagious to say the least. Together, we pulled water, sand and rocks from the bottom of the well and did it with sweat, smiles topped with a mud fight for break! It reminded all of us that FUN is the name of the game in Rotary. FUN keeps adults and youth alike engaged and coming back for more. FUN and SERVICE ABOVE SELF go hand in hand.