View as Webpage

Erica Gwynn Presents at WWS16

In late 2023, Rotary International went through a Strategic Planning process to determine Rotary's focus in the WASH area in the future.

Erica Gwynn, Area of Focus Manager for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene will speak at World Water Summit 16 on the results of the process.

The Summit theme is "We Can't Wait" which underlines the critical importance of sustainable sanitation in community health, economic growth, food security, and the alleviation of poverty.

Other speakers include:

Jack Sim, World Toilet Organzation

Ann Thomas, UNICEF

Aziz Memon, The Rotary Foundation

Kate Harawa, Water for People

Mark Balla, Rotary Club of Box Hill Central

How will You celebrate World Water Day?

In an increasingly challenged water world, where the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6 – Ensure Availability and Sustainable Management of Water & Sanitation for All – is still in the distant future, there is much to be done. WASH-RAG is hoping that your club is planning to get involved!

First, remind your Club of the realities of the global water situation. 

• 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water.
• 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed countries.
• 81% of species dependent on inland wetlands have declined since 1970

The UN’s theme for this year is “Water for Peace”, focusing on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world. UN Water has a wealth of resources that can be adapted for a small or large event in your community. Go to World Water Day 2024 Resources for some great ideas. Please write and tell us what YOU did to raise awareness of the role water plays in our lives. 

Colorado WASH Symposium - Mar 7 & 8

Since 2012, a small group of students of Colorado University - Boulder have organized a world an annual world-class WASH event.

This two-day event on March 7 and 8, 2024 will feature WASH themes of:

• Climate Change, Resilient WASH & Adaptation
• WASH in Emergency Settings
• Sovereignty & Justice
• The Future of WASH

Modular Approach to WASH

The eClub of WASH is implementing a unique modular approach to providing water, sanitation, and hygiene to the Wau area of South Sudan, which is one of the poorest areas in the world.

Local artisans are trained in SMARTechs (Simple, Market-Based, Affordable, Repairable Technologies.)

By combining small tube wells, with locally produced drill sets and hand pumps, the cost of the well, water filter, and training in production and maintenance averages $1,500 / well.

A well provides water to an average of 50 people. All families receive training in hygiene, sanitation, and safe water storage in the home.

The goal is to provide 40 wells to serve 2,000 people. The club has raised $18,000 of the $60,000 required. Due to the modular approach, every time $1,500 is raised, using District Grant funding, another well can be dug.

The eClub has an excellent one-page flyer, with a clever infographic that describes the project and how Clubs and Districts can get involved using Club and DDF funds.

Scholarship Trains Water Professionals

The strategic partnership between The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and IHE Delft Institute for Water Education aims to tackle the world’s water and sanitation crisis by increasing the number of trained professionals to devise, plan, and implement solutions in developing and emerging countries. The IHE Delft Institute is the world’s largest international graduate water education facility. Since 1957 the Institute has provided graduate education to more than 23,000 water professionals from over 190 countries, and is a flagship institute in the UN-Water family.

Through the Rotary partnership, scholarships are awarded annually for graduate students at IHE Delft’s campus in the Netherlands. These scholarships are designed to promote long-term productive relationships between Rotarians and highly skilled water and sanitation professionals in their

communities. Since the inception of the partnership in 2012, over 165 scholarships have been awarded.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Rotarians and Rotaractors. Click here to go to IHE Delft Scholarship for more details on how to apply. Deadline is April 1, 2024.

WASH-RAG has worked with IHE Delft professionals for many years. The Institute is willing to offer technical support on WASH projects/programs. For more details, contact [email protected]

Calendar of Events