By José Handal Bográn
Rotary projects begin with the best of intentions, and are generally born from observing community needs. In a sense, Rotarians are like that knight-errant who sought to undo wrongs.
However, the saying goes that while trust is good, control is better. And the Cadre Technical Team fulfills part of that oversight function, but it also brings benefits to the projects.
On one occasion, PDG Armando Simesen de Bielke was assigned to visit a drinking water supply project for rural communities in Peru. The project involved an investment of $250,000 and would benefit approximately two thousand families, or ten thousand inhabitants, including more than 1,300 children under the age of four.
Before the visit, a certificate of origin was requested for the chemical that would be used to purify the water, but due to delays by the supplier, it was not delivered on time. It wasn’t until Armando explained the problem that such an absence would entail that the document appeared immediately, as it was indeed a globally-recognized brand.
Armando concludes with this thought: “It’s a great journey to go into, and there’s no better way to experience it. The more we do, the more committed we become.”
Meeting with the mayor and members of the project’s collaborating entity.
Going up to the first reservoir with members of the construction company and the club.
Observing the chlorogene (disinfectant) dissolution equipment.
First house receiving water from one of the reservoirs, by gravity.
Armando, with the parents and project collaborators at a school at 3,700 meters of elevation.
