Education remains at the heart of community upliftment, and the eClub is actively working to improve literacy levels in Galeshewe.
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THE ROTARY eClub of the Karoo Region, an online extension of the Rotary Club of Kimberley, has been making a significant impact on communities throughout the Karoo region. This initiative enables individuals who cannot attend in-person meetings in Kimberley to engage in meaningful community service.
By fostering a strong partnership with the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek in Frederick, Maryland, USA, the eClub has secured generous grants that have facilitated numerous impactful projects.
Locally, it collaborates with the Galeshewe Youth Network, based at the Mayibuye Uprising Precinct, to bring these initiatives to life.
One of the eClub’s most impactful projects is the distribution of menstrual cups to schoolgirls, promoting menstrual health and hygiene. This initiative has provided 980 reusable menstrual cups, ensuring that young girls can attend school uninterrupted by their menstrual cycles.
The funding came from various sources, including the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek (360 cups), Hope in South Africa (Maryland, USA) (360 cups), and the Anglican Church in Oxfordshire, UK (250 cups).
Menstrual health remains a major challenge for many South African girls, with an estimated 3 out of 10 missing school due to inadequate access to sanitary products. The introduction of reusable menstrual cups addresses this issue, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative.
Made of flexible silicone, these cups can be used safely for years, reducing stigma and improving educational outcomes for girls.
One of the eClub’s most impactful projects is the distribution of menstrual cups to schoolgirls, promoting menstrual health and hygiene.
Image: Supplied
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2021 statement - “Another pandemic is raging in our country - the killing of women and children by the men of our country” - underscored the urgent need to tackle gender-based violence (GBV). Understanding that GBV often stems from deeply entrenched patriarchal systems, the Rotary eClub initiated the “Stop Violence in Schools” programme.
This initiative engaged 80 schoolchildren aged 13 to 16 from Galeshewe schools, equipping them with the tools to prevent violence within their institutions.
The programme follows the "Prevent Violence in Schools" curriculum developed by Save the Children, Unicef, and the South African Department of Basic Education.
By educating youth on GBV and encouraging respect and equality, this project aims to foster safer school environments and long-term social change.
Bicycles are more than just a means of transport - they provide access to education, job opportunities, and economic independence. Recognising this, the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Empangeni and international partners, launched the Community Bicycle Resource Centres initiative.
Through partnerships with NGOs like Bikes for the World and Bicycles for Humanity, used bicycles are collected from the USA, Canada and Australia and shipped to South Africa. In 2024, Galeshewe received a container with 380 bicycles, and another container is en route to Richmond in the Northern Cape.
A local needs assessment identified key focus areas:
These initiatives not only provide affordable transport but also contribute to economic empowerment and community development.
Through partnerships with NGOs like Bikes for the World and Bicycles for Humanity, used bicycles are collected from the USA, Canada and Australia and shipped to South Africa.
Image: Supplied
Education remains at the heart of community upliftment, and the eClub is actively working to improve literacy levels in Galeshewe. With studies showing that 78% of South African Grade 4 learners struggle with reading comprehension, the "Reading Hour" project aims to foster a love for reading and improve literacy rates.
Books are housed at the Galeshewe Youth Network offices, and a prefabricated classroom has been established to facilitate reading sessions. Volunteers, including Rotarians, Interactors from local schools, university Rotaractors, and community members, conduct one-hour reading sessions with groups of 5 to 10 learners.
The project has already secured 84 unique storybooks (5 copies each) for Grades 1 to 3 and 134 titles for Grades 4 to 7.
Facilitators are also encouraged to form book clubs, allowing children to borrow books, read at home, and participate in guided discussions. This approach fosters critical thinking and encourages lifelong reading habits.
Donations of nearly new children’s storybooks are welcomed to expand the collection and reach more young learners.
The Rotary eClub of the Karoo Region, supported by international and local partners, continues to embody the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self". Through initiatives focused on education, gender equality, mobility, and economic empowerment, the club is transforming communities, one project at a time.
By addressing key social issues with sustainable solutions, the eClub is ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for the Karoo region and beyond.