Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick has launched the Rotary WASH Institute at Nkumba University today, 8th January 2025.
The launch which constitutes part of her Africa tour activities sought to establish an academic institution to provide market-oriented courses and training programs in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
In her address, president Stephanie emphasized the importance of supporting quality programs like the Rotary WASH Institute. “When we support quality programs like this, at quality universities like this, we are creating lasting change. That change is global, that change is local in our communities, and that change will always happen within us, I thank you for your initiative in putting this together, and thank you for wanting to change the world, I wish you continued success.” Said President Stephanie.
Prof. Jude Lubega guides President Stephanie upon arrival.
President Stephanie also highlighted the plight of millions of children worldwide who have to walk long distances to access clean water, affecting their ability to finish school and ultimately, their employability. “So, it affects their quality of life and their health, but today, I’m delighted to commission the Rotary WASH Institute here at Nkumba University.”
The Rotary WASH Institute is a collaborative effort between Nkumba University, Rotary International, and other partners, including PDG Urs Klemm and the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC), which donated 50 computers to support the initiative.
According to Christine Kyeyune, chairperson of the project committee, the institute aims to support Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects.
DGE. Kyeyune also presented a tri-cycle ambulance as supplementary for health services in Nkumba.
The project vision bearer, D9214 Past District Governor, Peace Talemwa revealed that the objectives of the institute include supporting operations of WASH projects and creating partnerships and resource mobilization avenues . “We are looking at capacity building, research involvement, advocacy, awareness, collaborations, monitoring, and evaluation,” said Peace Talemwa, past district governor and project vision bearer.
In his address, Prof. Jude Lubega, the Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University assured partners that Nkumba University will host, manage and strategically ran the institute. “As the host of this global Institute, I want to assure you that Nkumba University is ready to create the magic that will certainly solve problems related to water, sanitation and hygiene serving local and global needs.”
The launch of the Rotary WASH Institute is a significant milestone in Rotary’s efforts to promote WASH in Uganda.
As President Urchick noted, “We are confident that this initiative will inspire learning, research, innovation, and sustainable solutions for generations to come.”
Briefly, Stephanie Urchick is the 2023-2024 President of Rotary International, a global service organization with over 1.4 million members. She is the second woman to hold the position.
A Rotarian since 1991, Urchick has served in various capacities, including as a director, Foundation trustee, and chair of the RI Strategic Planning Committee.
She has also been involved in several international service projects.Urchick is a member of the Rotary Club of Canonsburg-Houston, Pennsylvania, USA.
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