Westlock Rotary Club
Partnering for a Brighter Future in Ethiopia
2003:
The Westlock Rotary Club partnered with the Alberta Wildrose Foundation to construct a dormitory facility for Karayu girls at Dhebiti, Fantelle. The project was undertaken with the aims to enable the girl children of pastoralist communities to continue to attend school even when their families relocate for water and animal fodder, to encourage pastoralists to send their girls to school, and to psychologically and socially empower girls. The hostel would provide tutorial classes to enhance the academic competence of the girls, provide workshops on gender equality and harmful traditional practices provide instruction in home economy, nutrition, agriculture and income generating activities. Food, clothing and educational materials will be provided and the project will be sustained through income generated by vegetable and poultry production, craft making animal fattening and beekeeping. The project was completed in 2004 and Rotary members visited both during the construction and after completion and as of the last visit in 2008 this facility has fulfilled all expectations and made the difference in the lives of hundreds of girls, their families and communities.
2006:
Westlock Rotary Club, Whitecourt Rotary Club, Alberta Wildrose Foundation and Rainbow for the Future partnered construct an underground cistern, latrines, an office building and a dining hall for the Karayu students at Dandi Gudina Secondary school in Metahara. The work was completed in 2007 and Rotary representatives visited the facilities and report that they have made a great deal of difference in the efficiency and health status of the school and community.
2008:
Westlock Rotary, Alberta Wildrose Foundation and Rainbow for the Future partnered again to provide The Gudina Tumsa Foundation to provide 3 underground cisterns, 2 grinding mills and grain stores, and income generation women's cooperatives for 3 Karayu villages. Direct beneficiaries include 130 women and indirectly 1000 families and 5000 Karayu men and women will benefit from the availability of potable water, income generating strategies and increased food security. The projects will be completed in 2008 and Rotary representatives plan to visit the completed projects in 2010.