Bajo Bonito Project 06-07
Water-related diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and intestinal helminthes claim the lives of millions of children and adults around the world each year. The World Health Organization reports that as of 2002, 1.1 billion people lacked access to quality water sources, representing some 17% of the world’s population.
In March 2007, 11 members of the Rotaract Club of Chicago traveled to Panama. Rotaract Chicago teamed with the Rotaract Club of Panama to tackle the potable water issue for one Panamanian village and its many families. We raised funds and directed the implementation of a sustainable clean water project for the rural village of Bajo Bonito, located 2.5 hours outside of Panama City.
CURRENTLY:
The funds purchased materials for a 3,000 gallon water cistern and other associated infrastructure. The citizens of Bajo Bonito are midway through constructing the base for the cistern and supporting infrastructure.
The Panamanian Ministry of Health (MINSA) is providing guidance, quality evaluations, and instructing with technical expertise.
The Rotaract Club of Panama (http://www.rotaractpanama.org) is purchasing and transporting materials for the next construction phases and for the filtration systems to complete the project. The club serves as the “on the ground” logistics partner and will ensure the sustainability of the project. The members make quarterly trips to meet with the citizens and communicate with MINSA.
The Panama trip also involved the service activities of: teaching English to Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders; painting an orphanage and hosting a fun-day for the children; and an activity day at a juvenile detention center. The capstone of trip was celebrating the Rotaract Club of Panama’s 30th anniversary.
This collaboration created a rich friendship and the fellowship continues. Our clubs continue to demonstrate how small the world can be by meeting and interacting at the Salt Lake City International Conference and hosting visiting Panamanian Rotaracters in Chicago.
If you have any questions about this project please contact Holly Greniuk