Rotaract members are committed to preventing diseases

By Jessie Dunbar-Bickmore, RI Programs staff

Rotaract clubs around the world are dedicated to making their communities healthier. Here are just a few examples of how Rotaract clubs are improving their communities through disease prevention and treatment projects:

The Breakfast Revolution

As a club of doctors and medical students, the Rotaract Club of the Caduceus in India leveraged their core skills with the support from Rotary clubs, partner Rotaract clubs, community organizations, and local governments to address the growing problem of malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, and anemia among children. They provided highly nutritious, affordable, and good tasting meals through a sustainable supplementary food program including regular medical check-ups for beneficiaries. Fundraising, corporate partnerships, and innovative supply chain management has allowed the club to cover 75-85% of the cost, making the program affordable and highly accessible within the community.

Rotaract East Africa Impact Project (REACT 2014)

Diarrheal diseases are spread through contaminated water and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality especially among children under the age of five. The Rotaract Club of Kisumu in Kenya brought together more than 100 Rotaractors from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda to attend their workshop dedicated to health and hygiene. Together they learned to train community health advocates who educate about modern water purification methods, train kids and families to practice good hand washing techniques, and distribute reading material related to hygiene and sanitation.

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Cena a Ciegas

The Rotaract Club of Tijuana Nueva Generación in Mexico pioneered a fun, educational, and inclusive culinary experience called “Blind Dinner” at local restaurants to raise awareness and money to support the visually impaired. Working together with the PRISMA organization, Rotaractors fundraised to provide access to education materials, eyeglasses, and donate canes to the blind or visually impaired. The club worked closely with restaurants and community members to host the project regularly and improve the quality of the experience every time. New businesses are eager to get involved in this fun opportunity to that gives back to the community.

These projects were regional winners of the 2014-15 Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards. Tell us about your club or district’s high-impact, sustainable project aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus. Share your success and get recognized for your outstanding service. Complete the nomination form by 1 February.

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