Six Rotaract Clubs in Metro Manila – Rotaract Club of Manila, Rotaract Club of De La Salle University-Manila, Rotaract Club of STI College Pasay-Edsa, Rotaract Club of Valenzuela, Rotaract Club of Valenzuela East, and Rotaract Club of Valenzuela West – led by our principal proponent and sponsor, Rotary Club of Manila came together for a impactful project called WASHed, focusing on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) education.
The project kicked off with a seminar led by Atty. Raoul Creencia, Dr. John Cutter of the Rotary Club of Manila and MACY Consultants. Dr. Cutter, an expert in WASH behaviors, emphasized the importance of clean water, proper hygiene, and good oral health. He also equipped the Rotaract members with valuable skills on disseminating WASH information and teaching proper hygiene practices within communities.
From Learning to Action
The knowledge gained from the seminar translated into action through three phases of Project WASHEd:
- Phase 1: Knowledge Building (September 16, 2023): Held at Midas Hotel in Pasay City, Rotaract clubs participated in a seminar led by Dr. Cutter.
- Phase 2: Sharing the Science (December 9, 2023): Rotaract members visited Mithing Pangarap in Balut, Tondo. Here, they interacted with children, teaching them about WASH basic principles and oral health. They also demonstrated proper hygiene habits and distributed hygiene kits and gifts as part of a festive Christmas program.
- Phase 3: Sustainable Solutions (February 15, 2024): The culmination of Project WASHEd took place at Lakandula Elementary School and F. Benitez Elementary School in Gagalangin, Tondo. The Rotary Club of Manila, as the project’s main sponsor, provided these schools with advanced water stations. This initiative came after the students received WASH education, including the importance of proper hygiene and oral health.
Project WASHEd serves as a shining example of how Rotary and Rotaract clubs can collaborate to create positive change within their communities. By equipping themselves with knowledge and then sharing it with others, these young leaders are making a lasting difference in the lives of Tondo residents.
