Nick and Christine Hurley addressed Rotary members highlighting the activities of 9940 District International Services Committee and introducing an exciting new international project.
The aims of the committee are
To act as a centre of excellence for clubs in the lower North Island, providing advice and information on international matters.
To promote support and collaborate on sustainable development projects, mainly in the Pacific.
To promote Rotary NZ emergency response kits for disaster relief.
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Christine and Nick Hurley with Graeme Titcombe (centre)
There are six areas of focus for international projects.
Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
Disease prevention and treatment
Water and sanitation
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Economic and community development
Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
Disease prevention and treatment
Water and sanitation
Maternal and child health
Basic education and literacy
Economic and community development
The committee works closely with other organisations such as VSA and MFAT and with other Rotary organisations in New Zealand and Australia. These partnerships include the global project Stop Polio Now and the SkyHydrant water filtration system to provide clean drinking water. Currently the committee has assisted the Mobile Medical Health Centre in the Cook Islands, helping to secure a Rotary Foundation Global Grant. The MMHC will be oficially handed over by the Prime Minister on June 18.
Emergency response kits contain more than 60 non food items to assist with survival immediately after a natural disaster. The ERKs include such items as tarpaulins, spade, fishing tackle, cooking and cleaning materials, clothing and mosquito nets. Most importantly the ERKs have been pre positioned in the Pacific Islands for immediate response. Since 2007 5,588 ERKs have been distributed. Restocking ERKs calls for an ongoing need for Rotary funds.
Christine introduced a new ground breaking and unique partnership, Project Vision. To celebrate the centenary of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand Rotary in partnership with Unicef and the Asian Development Bank will support the introduction of 3 new vaccines in the Pacific region. Immunisation rates in the Pacific are poor. In Kiribati nearly 1 in 18 children die before their fifth birthday.
The vaccines are for
Rotavirus
Pneumococcal Disease
HPV (Cervical Cancer)
Rotavirus
Pneumococcal Disease
HPV (Cervical Cancer)
Funding requirements are estimated at $US3.5m over a 3-4 year time frame. A digital campaign is planned, visit EveryChildAFuture.com for information and to donate. To achieve our goals we will need local and district support, Rotary Foundation support and matching grants from corporations and philanthropists. The later provides an opportunity to promote rotary.