Bobs Blog 25 '07

Bob’s Rotary Africa Blog 25

June 2, 2007

Greetings from Livingstone, Zambia. My son Aaron and a fellow architect, Kathy Falwell from Tulane visited during the Rotary District Conference. They helped shepherd the Youth Exchange students at the conference and worked on conceptual drawings for other potential Rotary fountains at the Royal Livingstone, Zambezi Sun and Protea Hotels. The conference committee thank Aaron and Kathy for all their help. They visited Johannesburg, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and stayed in Rotarian owned lodges. We went on two game drives and two boat/game cruises plus they viewed the falls from both countries. Aaron got a chance to play in the Rotary Golf tournament held at the 100 year old Livingstone Golf Club. This photo is on their departure. The photo of the wishing well I built in memory of Jean Selinger was dedicated with the President of the Livingstone Rotary Club, Margaret Whitehead. All funds collected will be donated to orphanages in the Livingstone area.

The RI President’s personal representative Ray Klinginsmith & Past & present District Governors from America, Scotland & Africa & spouses were also in attendance. Three incoming GSE teams from the USA, Scotland and South Africa also were in attendance along with their outgoing counterparts. The Scottish have a very dry wit and were constantly trying to match wits with the South African team. The USA team from upstate New York had just arrived and were getting acclimated to the African culture. Over 300 people attended the convention and the Livingstone Rotary Club with 30 members did a bang up job. The African-Hawaiian shirts sold out at the conference and were a great success. The KWA ladies are working to get the shirts ready for the convention in Salt Lake City.

There are numerous new projects that need sponsorship for 2007-2008 year they include: A. 20 boreholes (wells) in the Kolomo District of Southern Province where the Norwegian Response network has established community schools. $120,000 which can be shared by a District or an amalgamation of clubs. The Choma, Zambia Club will be the host. Orange and Laguna Niguel, CA clubs are considering sponsoring this project, please join them.

B. Two boreholes near Mwandi Mission House and one in the bush along with a tank and demonstration vegetable garden for $ 24,800. The Bonsall, CA is partially sponsoring this project. C0-sponsors needed. Choma club host C. The Old Peoples Home in Victoria Falls, a Rotary and British Foundation project with Rotary building the center building of bath rooms, showers, tubs and clothes washing facilities. The Scottish GSE team visited the site and were so moved bought food for the home and volunteered partial sponsorship of this $25,000 project. US clubs participation will make this a three continent project. Vic Falls will be host.

D. A unique self help Urban Park in Livingstone including an ablution block, lighting and play equipment needs a Co-Sponsor along with the San Ramon/Sycamore California club and possibly the Wilmington, Delaware club for this $25,000 project. The Livingstone Club will host.

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E. The Sichili Mission Hospital Project continues with the Redwood City CA Club in an effort to Update the equipment and facilities at the hospital for the second year. Major costs include packing, containerization and transport by sea and truck to the remote area of Western Province, 200 miles from the nearest paved road or electricity. This $150,000 project needs Co-sponsors. Livingstone Club Hosting

F. The St. Joseph Hospice and rehabilitation Center in Livingstone is a $250,000 project which can be broken up by individual clubs or done jointly. Movable patricians, beds, furniture, a kitchen, much needed medical equipment and more. This program will take a combined effort of numerous Rotary Clubs and outside foundations and NGO’s to open the first AIDS/ HIV Hospice serving the Southern and Western Provinces for over 400 patients at a time. The Livingstone club will act as host.

G. Borehole 37 Demonstration Community garden. Yes villages are named after the Boreholes drilled by government. This project in Zimbabwe will cost $11,000 and will be hosted by Vic Falls. This community empowerment project will be fenced and have both drip and conventional watering.

H. 10 boreholes in the Northwestern Provence, this underserved area has no Rotary Clubs; the Rotary Clubs of Lusaka have agreed to act as host clubs and Rotarian Kingsly Esau of Livingstone will assist. This $61,000 project is in need of US Club or District sponsorship for this “Water for Schools” project. The Novato Sunrise and Marin Evening CA clubs are considering this project for sponsorship.

I. Rehabilitation of community park in Choma, Zambia is another needed project. This abandoned kids Park has nor been maintained for five years. New equipment for the ablution block and well existing water supply as wellas much need playground equipment and sports supplies. The Choma Club will host.

J. The Lushomo Trust in Livingstone needs completion of the dorm facilities (supplies, furniture and fans) for abused girls. This $12,000 project will be for the only nurturing sanctuary for abused girls in two provinces. The Livingstone Club will host La Habra Rotary CA is considering this project.

K. Wheelchairs for District 9210 in Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi, My home club, Newport/Irvine, CA has committed itself to send a container of wheelchairs to Africa in 2007-2008. Each speaker at the Club meeting will have a wheelchair donated in his/her name and the hope is to have the project funded and paid for prior to New Years. The Club will look at all options for the best wheelchair for this part of the world at the Rotary Convention in Salt Lake City. This project will be in the $25,000 range. A Mozambique club will host.

L. Science Lab teaching materials for a High School in the North Western Province. Teaching aids in the realm of High School science are a true luxury in Zambian schools. In order for students going into medicine, nursing, chemistry, biology, metalurgy and numerous other professions a college prep lab is mandatory. This program would provide for trunk sized containers to hold the equipment and books and manuals to be able to be able to accommodate at least two high schools in North West province. A nearby host club is being recruited and an international sponsor is needed. This project would be approximately $18,000.

M. The Sons of Thunder farm orphanage, school and agricultural training program This years project is boreholes. Hosted by the Livingstone Club, sponsored by the Lincoln Nebraska Rotary Club. This has been an ongoing sponsorship for some time.

Approximately $19,000.

There are numerous additional projects and opportunities to sponsor school children to go to school etc.

If you have a passion about a specific project we can match you with the need. Just let me know.

Please contact Bob Selinger at Rdselinger@aol.com or call at 949-887-3266 in USA or 260-0955-898901 in Zambia. Thanks for all your support.

Bob Selinger Rotary Volunteer