(Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Ripple Effect Program

Melfort Rotary Club recognized for charity work done in Guatemala

Sep 26, 2023 | 5:46 PM

The Melfort Rotary Club was recently acknowledged by a nationwide committee for its international efforts.

The local group has been a part of the Ripple Effect program for the last number of years, which is committed to reducing poverty and building peace in Guatemala.

So far, they have built classrooms, kitchens, and washrooms, as well as provide scholarships for middle and high school students, as well as those studying education at the university level.

“We donate annually to the project, lots of times to specific schools,” explained Melfort Rotary Club member, Gailmarie Anderson.

Last week, the club had two individuals come up to Melfort to present a certificate of appreciation, as well as show a presentation regarding the Chuchuca School.

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Melfort has contributed to two classrooms, ventilation, desks, computers & whiteboards there, which was done over a five-year period and was recently completed, while also including visits by a couple of local members.

Meanwhile, as for the new washrooms, wash stations, and training in hygiene and menstruation, Melfort’s district supplied the first $15,000 worth of funding, which later grew into a pool of over $300,000, thanks to additions from Rotary International, and several other Rotary districts and clubs.

That project is expected to be completed early next year.

“Our mandate in Rotary is service above self,” Anderson added. “A lot of our fundraising goes towards local projects and local needs in our community, but we also share with the international community and their needs. It’s very nice for us to have such positive and immediate feedback about where our money goes.”

The northeast club has also contributed to Hernaldo Beltran Jr. School which remodeled an existing structure to create a classroom and a multi-purpose room with a stage, as well as building three classrooms at El Boqueron School.

As for the previously mentioned scholarships, kids in Guatemala have to pay for school beyond grade six, which many of them can’t afford.

Currently, 28 middle school (7, 8, 9) and 15 high school scholarships are provided yearly, which costs about $15,000 Canadian.

Scholarships cover registration fees, school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and in some cases transportation.

Obligations of scholarship students include attending classes, behaving properly, performing well academically, performing community work, and maintaining a spirit of collaboration.

Anderson told northeastNOW it’s very fulfilling to see the difference being made and the appreciation they feel, and that Melfort Rotary will continue to be involved in new projects that come forward.

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