Service in Action

By Erika Emerick, Rotary Programs for Young Leaders Staff

Every year, Rotaract clubs around the world develop innovative solutions to community challenges. Rotary International recognizes these high-impact, sustainable projects with the Rotaract Outstanding Project Award.

Through 1 February 2018, Rotarians and Rotaractors are invited to nominate their best Rotaract project from the past year for an award. One club and multi-club group receiving top honors will each be awarded US$1000.

Last year, over 300 projects were nominated across 52 countries. Get inspired for your award nomination by learning more about outstanding projects from 2016-17.

Single-club and multidistrict winners:   

• Single club: The Rotaract Club of the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka launched a three-year project to improve lives in the rural community of Ranugalla. During the first year, the club opened a library and science lab for the local school and helped prepare students for college entrance exams and careers. The next phase of the project targeted infrastructure, bringing clean water into homes and building bridges. In order to stimulate economic growth, the club also opened a weaving cooperative for female entrepreneurs.
• Multidistrict club: Rotaract clubs in 34 districts in Brazil united around a single cause: to combat hate crimes in their online communities for World Rotaract Week 2016. Over 1,000 Rotaractors raised public awareness, educated clubs, and leveraged social networks to spread messages of diversity, inclusion, and peace.

Top regional projects:

• Asia Pacific: The Rotaract Club of ePerformax in the Philippines developed a curriculum to support young people’s emotional and physical well-being. Club members not only trained young people to recognize bullying that could become dangerous, but also created a school garden to keep them active and healthy.
• South Asia: The Rotaract Club of Lote in India built a small dam and turbine-operated power plant to provide electricity to the entire village of Gavathan, including 61 newly installed street lights. Additionally, they connected pipes from the dam to irrigate farming sites so farmers are no longer dependent on the rainy season to water crops.
• Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia: The ongoing conflict and refugee crisis in Syria has affected nearly everyone in neighboring Turkey, including schoolchildren. The Rotaract Club of Izmir Ekonomi in Turkey hosted two children rights workshops for Syrian and Turkish children to help students overcome their differences and focus on their shared human rights.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: The Rotaract Club of Cotonou Phare in Benin created a clean, sustainable water solution for a local orphanage. Rotaract members drilled a well to provide water in the kitchen and bathrooms. Club members also worked with their sponsor Rotary club and other service organizations to refurbish the toilets.
• Latin America: The Rotaract Club of Pau dos Ferros in Brazil developed a comprehensive service project to benefit the rural community of Vareza. Over the duration of the project, club members helped establish internet connectivity, provided medical examinations, offered childhood education classes, and organized community vocational training.
• USA, Canada, and Caribbean: The Rotaract Club of University of Lethbridge in Canada raised US$36,500 to update kindergarten facilities in Mazatlán, Mexico. By collaborating with the local government and Rotary clubs, Rotaractors ensured the funds purchased new plumbing and classroom spaces for over 70 students.

Project submissions are evaluated on impact and sustainability, alignment with Rotary’s six areas of focus, collaboration with Rotarians and community organizations, innovation, and involvement of Rotaract club members. Learn more about award criteria and submit your nomination!