Rotary is helping to provide clean water and sanitation around the world.
2.1 billion people around the world are without safe drinking water in their homes. One of Rotary International's priorities is to provide clean water, and Ottawa River Coalition Coordinator Beth Seibert told us that since 1990 over 2.6 billion people have gained access to improved drinking water, and that if we continue to work at it, the rest of the world could have safe drinking water in our lifetime. The Lima Rotary Club has contributed to the effort with water and sanitation projects like the one we just completed in Honduras. When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families. World Water Day is March 22, and Seibert encouraged all of us to unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Also at Monday's meeting, the winner and runner of up of the Four-Way Test Speech Contest presented their winning speeches. Winner Riley Iiames from Bath High School encouraged people to use the Four-Way Test to honestly assess their insecurities and improve their self esteem. Runner-up Xylon Payne-Greeno asked us to use the Four-Way Test to determine whether we are contributing to global warming. Xylon will present his speech at the district competition in Van Wert Saturday in place of Riley who is unable to attend.
