Bob Gravino, an Ipswich Rotarian, was our Speaker this past Monday. Bob presented information about an exciting Global Grant project in Zambia, Africa. The project, Healthy Kids/Brighter Future., is in Lusaka, Zambia. In this project, Rotary has worked to develop an innovative model of school based healthcare, which improves the health and learning of school children by dramatically improving their access to healthcare. Selected teachers are trained as health workers and work to connect schools to the national health system. Ipswich Rotary is taking the lead to raise commitments of $60,000 from Rotary Clubs, which will yield, when matched in the Rotary grant matching funds to yield $200,000 in funds for the project.
In three years of Health Kids/Brighter Future health centers have reported a dramatic increase in visits to health care workers which has caused a 44% reduction in disease incidence, 48% increase in de-worming and vitamin A coverage and 22% improvement in student knowledge of health.
To become a full partner in this project, our Club or any other will need to donate $1,050.00 (which covers the $1,000.00 contribution and processing fee to the Foundation).
Thannks to Bob for coming and sharing such an inspirational project. Mike Bonsey is interested in visiting this project in the future. Any other takers?