Champions – In Haiti and Beyond: A Rotary Collaboration for Potable Water
In the heart of the Caribbean lies Haiti, a nation of vibrant culture, enduring spirit, and immense potential. Yet, it faces significant challenges, one of the most pressing being access to clean and safe drinking water. For millions of Haitians, the daily struggle to find potable water is a harsh reality, one that impacts health, education, and economic opportunity. This is a challenge too great for any single community or organisation to tackle alone.
Enter the Rotary Clubs—global champions of humanitarian service. In a powerful demonstration of unity and purpose, Rotary Clubs in Haiti and the United States have joined forces to address this urgent need. These partnerships exemplify the Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self,” transcending borders to create lasting change.
Champion Rotary District 5060 & Rotary Club of Cap-Haitien
District 5060 is an international district, comprising 60 clubs, spread through central Washington in the U.S. and south central British Columbia in Canada. The Rotary Club of Wenatchee, which had a history of aid in Haiti dating back to the earthquake in 2010 was the catalyst for District action. After helping with immediate and short-term aid, they were interested in a project that had sustainable impact and that could eventually be maintained by Haitians, not by Rotary, over time. They were involved in the first discussions of the formation of HANWASH – forming relationships which were key to their involvement. While the initial contact with the HANWASH founders started with this club, no action would have been possible without other District 5060 clubs. They put together a short video clip and informational materials, and representatives visited and gave presentations to nearly every club in the District, asking for their support of the application for a Rotary grant. They were able to inspire clubs to join the large group of donors for this very large grant project for a well in Ferrier.
District 5060 has constantly promoted this project both before and after the grant was accepted by Rotary in 2019. They maintain communications through newsletters and by informing incoming governors. Over 21 Rotary Clubs from 5060 have donated funds.
Host Rotary Club of Cap-Haitien is the on-ground liaison for the Ferrier prject and will work with local communities, commune leaders and other participating organisations to ensure that the project moves forward to change the lives of all residents in Ferrier. The club has worked tirelessly for several years to improve the lives of their fellow Haitians, both with the Hanwash initiative and many others.
Ferrier
Ferrier is in north-eastern Haiti bordering the Dominican Republic. People earn a living through agriculture, livestock, cross-border trade, and small family businesses. This is low-lying land on the Caribbean coast and many groundwater sources are infiltrated by seawater, so residents pay for water from delivery trucks or fetch it themselves from unsafe sources. Where there are streams, people may use them for laundry and bathing.
The Ferrier project will ultimately provide sustainable water and sanitation for 15,000 residents. By 2030 the first phase will serve 5,000 people, with initial demand of 60,000 gallons.
Together
This collaboration is more than just a logistical endeavour; it’s a story of hope, resilience, and empowerment. Together, these internally based Rotary Clubs are working to design and implement sustainable solutions that bring potable water to underserved communes in Haiti. From installing water filtration systems to educating local communities about hygiene practices, their efforts are transforming lives one drop at a time.
In a world where clean water is often taken for granted, these Rotary champions remind us that access to this essential resource is a fundamental human right. Their work highlights the incredible impact that collective action and shared vision can achieve, proving that when communities unite, no challenge is insurmountable.
Kudos is given to several District 5060 Rotarians, with special mention of DG Tom Tochterman, PDG Sherry Chamberlain and Carin Smith for their input.