Nashua Rotary International Projects in Mexico

On May 21st, Larry Hersh addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding, Nashua Rotary International Projects in Mexico. Larry presented two Rotary International Projects that the Nashua Rotary is coordinating.  Improving the lives of Mexican children is the target of the projects.  Five percent of all Mexican children have neurological disorders.  Two thirds of the children live below the poverty level.  There are business partners in Mexico – one a retired Mexican neurological pediatrician who has discovered a number of unique medical applications. The second project is the hydroponic growing facility.  Sales of the produce on is a source of income for the local people.

Funding partners are Nashua and Merrimack primarily and other Rotary clubs.  Rotary International by approving the project results in tripling the value of the donated funds to total more than $100,000. 

The project provides a portable EEG to assist in treatment of children.  It is particularly useful in providing care in remote locations.  All needed consumables for care are also part of the project’s cost.

Nearly 300 patients have been treated so far. Consumables are provided by a local company that not only has the supplies but maintains other systems as well

 

The hydroponic growing system is 10,000 square meters in size. There have been some design changes in the canopy over the hydroponic area after seeing the damage of a recent hurricane.  The new design withstood a recent earthquake very well. They are now harvesting 2 tons of organic tomatoes and cucumbers every week.  They have grown some onions as well.  The hydroponic set up is profitable at this stage and should be self-sustaining or generate a modest profit. The retired doctor onsite has made significant personal contributions to the project.

 

There are ongoing visits to the site to inspect and keep the project on track.  A local contact has been instrumental in getting the project completed and keeping it running as outlined. Issues that were overcome – getting coordination with Rotary International, getting equipment through custom of donated items, re-design of the structure and handling cost over-runs.

 

Rotary International has signed off on all expenses.  Continued monitoring of production and harvesting is ongoing.  After 2 seasons they feel ready to submit a final report. Our thanks to Larry for seeing this project through to this stage.  This is Nashua Rotary’s first International project that was sponsored and spearheaded by our club.  Kudos to you for a job well done.