The August 11^th Club meeting welcomed long time friend of Smoky Hill, Gary Gilliard, and Dr. Bakary J. Sonko, both with the Gateway Rotary Club. 

 

Gary and Bakary are champions of a proposed global grant project in Bakary's home village of Sika, Gambia.  The project would create a women's community garden for use by the women of the village.  The project objectives are to provide proper fencing materials for the garden, two borehold wells to reliably supply water for irrigation, modenr drip irrigation watering system for the garden, a good management team to oversee the project during construction and insure future sustainability Bakary described the need for effective fencing, deeper, more durable, efficient wells, and a modern drip irrigation system, which will increase crop yields.  The increased crop yields would increase women's income and earning power for the women.  The increased earning power will enable women to significantly improve their lives and that of their children.

 

Bakary's presentation included history and background of Gambia.  Gambia was colonized by Great Britain for approximately 200 years, and gained its independence in 1965.  The country is a multiparty democracy, with the President as head of state.  Gambia is a very small country (barely visible on a map),in  western Africa.  it is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. Gambia is ranked among the world's poorest developing countries, with a GDP per capita of roughly $760.00 per year. 

 

Bakary and Gary have done a tremendous job developing the application for the global grant, analyzing community needs as required by the Rotary Foundation, arranging for a local Rotary Club as the host club, and recruiting a nonprofit(s) in the region to assist in implementation.  They are currently seeking financial partners for the project.  The Club's international committee has reviewed the project and has committed $1,000 from our international budget.  We are pleased to be able to support a sister Aurora club in this venture.

Bev Edwards

 

One of the people Smoky Hill Rotary Club sponsored this year to RYLA was Henry Stanley from Smoky Hill High School. PP Craig Essex invited him to speak to the club this last meeting, but Henry was unable to attend because he was scheduled to volunteer at freshman orientation for Smoky Hill. Here is Henry’s written report:

Hi Craig!

Thanks so much for supporting me and sponsoring me to go to RYLA! It was an incredible week, and I wanted to share some of the things I learned: Everybody has their own leadership style, and it is important to work with those. Asking for help is not anything to be ashamed about! And finally, trusting your team can be the most valuable asset of all. I have learned so much this week and I have created strong bonds and new friendships with many people that I will cherish for a long time. I would not have experienced this wonderful week if not for your help and I want to profusely thank you for all of your support!  Thank you again,

 

Henry Stanley

11^th Grade

Smoky Hill High School

 

September 22                             Lloyd Gottman

October 13                                  Jeffrey Kaes

October 27                                  Betsy Jansen