Rotary clubs in Kerala are seeking to forge partnership projects with clubs in Great Britain and Ireland as the state rebuilds from the worst flooding seen in a century.
Sunil K Zachariah is a past District Governor for 3201 in south-east India, who has been heavily involved with the relief efforts.
Now that the worst is over, and the refugee camps have almost all been cleared, there is much work ahead.
“I understand that Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland has been raising funds for flood victims in Kerala. Can you kindly connect me to the concerned Rotarians please?” he asked.
“We want to invite them to partner with our Rotary Foundation Global Grant project to rehabilitate the flood victims.”
The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Project 1980057 is to help flood victims in Kerala who have lost their livelihoods.
For example:
- A micro-enterprise making cotton beds had its equipment fully damaged in flood. They need a micro grant to buy equipment to restart.
- An auto-rikshaw driver, whose wife is a cancer patient. Water submerged their house completely and his vehicle was fully damaged. He desperately needs a grant to buy a second-hand vehicle.
- A mobile phone store entrepreneur needs a grant to restart his business.
We want to invite Rotary clubs in Great Britain and Ireland to partner with our Rotary Foundation Global Grant project to rehabilitate the flood victims.”
This Global Grant project fits into Rotary’s six area of focus – Economic and Community Development.
Many homes in Kerala have been submerged in water, destroying people’s possessions
Sunil K Zachariah explained that the projects would create measurable and enduring economic improvement in the lives flood victims and communities by:
- Strengthening the development of local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished flood ravaged communities in Kerala
- Developing opportunities for decent and productive work for underprivileged flood victims in Kerala
- Helping mini, small and micro flood-effected enterprises in Kerala to restart their means of livelihood.
- Rebuilding of a school or college
The initial capital required is $300,000 (£229,500) which would be contributed by benefactors from around the world.
And the project beneficiaries will be from different parts of Kerala.
The local club at the heart of the project is Rotary Kalamassery in Cochin, in the Indian Rotary District 3201, with Rotary Kandy in Sri Lanka serving as the international partner.
The principal contact is Narayana Menon.
Phone number: +919645750442
