A RAWC (ous) time in Tonga
Speaker for the evening was the Club’s very own Ian Symons who spoke about his time in Tonga on a project for Rotary Australia World Community Service. (RAWCS)
Ian became involved whilst a member of the Rotary Club of Cranbourne and was undertaken in collaboration with a Rotary Foundation Grant of $50,000.
The project came about almost by an incidental contact, when a Rotarian actually went to Tonga to repair the hospital roof and it became apparent that there was so much more that could be done especially in the provision of a clean and reliable water supply.
All up there have been four trips to Tonga in 2008, 2010, 2014 and the most recent in 2016. Each trip involved work on different projects and centred on the Hango Agricultural College.
Ian became involved whilst a member of the Rotary Club of Cranbourne and was undertaken in collaboration with a Rotary Foundation Grant of $50,000.
The project came about almost by an incidental contact, when a Rotarian actually went to Tonga to repair the hospital roof and it became apparent that there was so much more that could be done especially in the provision of a clean and reliable water supply.
All up there have been four trips to Tonga in 2008, 2010, 2014 and the most recent in 2016. Each trip involved work on different projects and centred on the Hango Agricultural College.
In 2008 the project was to refurbish the student dormitory which was badly in need of repair. The 2010 project involved a team of 10 and they re-roofed and lined interior of community building / church (the centre for the College community).
They also repaired cyclone damage to boys ablution block and in the process identified a need to improve supplies of potable water that was reliable and secure in times of severe weather events, which became the 2014 project.
Other tasks completed on this visit were to construct 2 x 1 room staff residences, establish two sewing rooms, some general maintenance work of buildings and equipment, as well as a thorough clean and reconditioning of the student ablution facilities.
A further visit in 2016 replaced and enhanced the reticulation system, constructed two more small staff residences, provided corrugated iron to re-roof two existing residences, established an irrigation system for productive farm areas, provide new sewing machines and lessons in using and maintaining them, delivering medical supplies to the clinic/hospital as well as undertaking more general maintenance.
The water supply is also available to the nearby village where residents are able to fill containers to use domestically. This is particularly important in times where other water supplies are damaged or contaminated as a result of severe weather events such as the recent cyclone. Ian believes that projects such as these have a multitude of outcomes.
To the Recipients A reliable and plentiful water supply. New knowledge and skills acquired. Increased production and income earning capacity.
To the Broader Community A water supply when normal supplies fail (twice now) for 6000+ people.
To the Team Members A better appreciation of life and culture in a developing country. We have much to be thankful for.
A further visit in 2016 replaced and enhanced the reticulation system, constructed two more small staff residences, provided corrugated iron to re-roof two existing residences, established an irrigation system for productive farm areas, provide new sewing machines and lessons in using and maintaining them, delivering medical supplies to the clinic/hospital as well as undertaking more general maintenance.
The water supply is also available to the nearby village where residents are able to fill containers to use domestically. This is particularly important in times where other water supplies are damaged or contaminated as a result of severe weather events such as the recent cyclone. Ian believes that projects such as these have a multitude of outcomes.
To the Recipients A reliable and plentiful water supply. New knowledge and skills acquired. Increased production and income earning capacity.
To the Broader Community A water supply when normal supplies fail (twice now) for 6000+ people.
To the Team Members A better appreciation of life and culture in a developing country. We have much to be thankful for.
