BAYONNE CLUB TEAMS UP WITH STUDENTS FOR CLEAN WATER

 

Clean water is a basic need for human beings. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives. However, at least 3,000 children die each day from diseases caused by unsafe water.

 

For the 10th consecutive year, the Rotary Club of Bayonne has entered into a partnership with the Bayonne Public Schools to raise money to build water wells in countries where the need for clean, safe water is most needed. Dr. Patricia McGeehan, Superintendent of Schools addresses every school yearly, stressing the need for clean water. She asks students to imagine what it would feel like to wake up one morning and find that there is no running water to take a shower and brush your teeth. The Student Council in each school, under the direction of the building principal and Student Council Advisor, raise funds through penny wars, bucket wars, t-shirt day, jeans day, etc. The school system has raised over $54,000 over the past 10 years. This year they raised an all-time high of $7,461.40.

 

Rotarian Rev. Dorothy Patterson has been involved in a water well project in Guyana for the past seven years. She goes there several times a year to assess the needs. On March 22nd, the Rotary Club hosted a Water Well Recognition Breakfast for each Student Council President and the Student Council Advisors.