Hugh Campbell introduced guest speaker Dr Elaine Dietsch.
Dr Dietsch has worked in midwifery for many years and currently is an Associate Professor at CSU. She has been going to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a number of years during her “holidays” from her work as a volunteer with an aid organization.
She told of poverty in DRC and the way it is being reduced, pointing out how our children are the most important thing for us and it is no different elsewhere for others. Children could be saved throughout the world with $5b which is the same as we spent on pet care last year. Many other of our luxury and discretionary spending takes as much or more each year, which is a sobering thought.
Dr Dietsch has seen children rescued from soldiery and helped with schools which are being built, there being no government education programs. Education is the big chance for rescue for all people in poverty.
The region she goes to is a resource-rich area of DRC but the nation is poor and dangerous. But despite dangers and setbacks she gave us a story of hope for people there. Sustainable projects supporting self-sufficiency are being initiated by her group and other NGO’s.
She told of the terrible story of a village and its harsh treatment at the hands of rebel militia. Women and children are brutalized and die at appalling rates.
Money being raised has made a huge difference. Irrigation projects and clean water for drinking due to Rotary.make an enormous impact Micro-financing of projects for women, such as cropping, producing mud bricks for buildings such as a school, projects which also aid by employing men who return from captivity or having fled from war. Making blankets, garments and starting a fishing industry for the men also employs and creats real jobs and income.
Elaine thanked us for attending but members were very grateful for being enlightened.
Members asked a number of questions about how government worked, and Elaine gave a grim assessment of its "function" or lack thereof, and the obvious interference from corrupt neighbours.
Elaine goes over for 4-6 weeks at a time each year staying at schools, "hotels", or wherever. The people are very generous even though they have so little themselves; they are extremely grateful to those who go to assist them.
Frank Fuller gave thanks for the riveting and inspirational talk which reminds us how lucky we are here in Australia and the responsibility we owe to others.
Opened by President John, with Col Duff leading Rotary Grace. John welcomes guest speaker Assoc Prof Elaine Doice and husband John.
