Safe Water in Schools and Homes (S.W.I.S.H.)

Misamis Oriental—A project to provide clean, potable water to schools and barangays is underway courtesy of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier.

In July 2017, the beginning of the Rotary year, RC CDO Premier members discussed the possibility of expanding Rotary International District 3870’s impact for water and sanitation. The goal was to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene so that locals, especially children, can lead healthier, more successful lives. On Friday, 8 September 2017—two months later—the club installed the first water filter.

The mission, entitled Safe Water in Schools and Homes (S.W.I.S.H.), launched in Waterfall Elementary School in Barangay Waterfall, Balingasag. Premier converted a disused handwashing station for their purposes. School faculty, local officials and volunteers joined club members at a simple turn-over ceremony that morning.

While clean water is the project’s main objective, the club hopes that the impact of S.W.I.S.H. will extend to improving education and alleviating poverty. This project was only the first step in the implementation of a very wide idea.

“Clean water leads to less diseases,” said project chair Rotarian Maybelle Abogado-Quilnat. “If children stay healthy, they remain active in school. This will hopefully lead to better education.”

The club hopes to continue with this program at different communities in the years to come.

The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier, chartered in 2015, is one of the youngest clubs in Rotary International District 3870. Members are young business persons and professionals who meet weekly on Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. at Sentro 1850, Don. A. Velez Street in Cagayan de Oro. For information on the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier or ways to work with Rotary in your community, contact the club at rccdopremier@yahoo.com, or use the contact form on its website, www.rotarycdopremier.org.

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