Out of Africa

A Wonderful Rotary Mission

 

Grinnell Rotarians, Joann and Dan Becker, traveled with a group of 10 Rotarians from central Iowa, to the Limpopo region of northern South Africa in January of 2014.  The group was led by Waukee Rotarian, Lee Holmes, and were hosted by Blessman Ministries.  The group traveled to several villages in this area of Africa to work on service projects associated with agriculture, optical (eye) testing, shoe distribution, and education.   Water projects. for which Lee's club had received Rotary grants. were also a major area of emphasis for the Rotarians.

 

The entire group attended Rotary club meetings in Pietersburg, Waterkloof, and Mokopane.  At these interesting Rotary meetings, the team learned about a wide variety of local projects.  They heard of Rotarian involvement with safe drinking water, HIV prevention and treatment, women's protective shelters, Rotary sponsored orphanages, the use of solar applications in generating power, and education projects.

 

It was an outstanding educational trip for the Iowa group with many service projects also completed during their stay.