A PARTNERSHIP between the North Worcestershire Rotary Club and a charity has enabled the completion of new school toilets in Africa.
The renovated toilet block at Isyalikila Junior School in Malawi marks the third collaboration between Rotarians and The Bwengu Project, a rugby-based charity.
The charity funds and runs various educational and community projects in the world’s poorest country.
Tony Melia, who is leading the Bwengu project, said: “The project involved the complete refurbishment of the girls’ toilet facilities at the school, which not only improved hygiene but also encouraged many more young people to visit this very disadvantaged part of Africa on a regular basis .
“The existing toilets in all schools in Malawi are not nice places, hence this is a major reason for the high absenteeism rate of older female primary school children.
Before the facilities were upgraded.
“Our work includes adding women’s washrooms, which in turn has impacted attendance and exam pass rates. Rotary’s support has transformed the lives of thousands of children and adults alike.”
Other Bwengu projects, ranging from renovation and construction to providing school furniture, teaching supplies, and equipment, have also received support from Rotary clubs across the county.
Graham Mackenzie, vice chair of the Rotary Club of North Worcestershire Charity Committee, said: “As a club, we wanted to focus our efforts on the most disadvantaged and underdeveloped countries where the need is greatest, such as Uganda, Malawi and Rwanda.
After the facilities have been upgraded.
“We prefer to work with small and hands-on charities that don’t incur as much overhead as some of the larger charities.”
Isyalikila Junior School Principal Dawin Sikwese said: “We sincerely appreciate this great gift to the people of Isyalikila, it has really changed their lives. They can now read, write and do basic math, but more importantly, they know their rights.”