Despite almost impassable terrain and the outbreak of a violent civil war, Rotary clubs in South Sudan and Wisconsin, USA, are determined to bring clean water to one of the most remote areas of the East African country.
The Rotary Clubs of Wausau, Wisconsin, USA, and Juba, South Sudan, are developing a sustainable source of water for 10 rural mountainous villages in Tennet Boma, Eastern Equatoria. The two clubs secured a $47,000 Rotary Foundation global grant to drill a deep borehole and install solar-powered water pumps, a 5,000-gallon reservoir, and six to 10 spigots. The water source will benefit almost 14,000 people.
This year marks 30 years since Rotary launched PolioPlus, its campaign to rid the world of polio. Beginning on Rotary's anniversary, 23 February, Rotary members worldwide will be holding events to celebrate three decades of polio eradication progress.
Since 1985 Rotary and its partners have helped reduce the number of cases from 350,000 annually to fewer than 400 in 2014, and they remain committed until the disease is eradicated. Rotary has contributed more than $1.3 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than 2 billion children worldwide. In addition, Rotary's advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by donor governments to contribute over $10 billion to the effort.
