Ripple Effect benefits education abroad

The South Eastman Rotary Club has long known the difference they’re making through The Ripple Effect, a program that involves building or renewing school infrastructure, providing furniture, supplies, computers and playgrounds for primary grades in Guatemala.

With the local donation of $5,000 annually, the club has been involved in four schools.

But a tour in November 2024 gave Rotary Club members Leonard Klassen and George Penner assurance that every penny is well spent.

The pair joined other Rotary delegates on tours of many of the schools, including three of the four the local club helped build.

It’s a relatively new project for local Rotary members who have been involved for five years. But the program goes back much further, beginning in 1999. By the time the local club got involved, Rotary had already built or refurbished over 85 schools.

Penner, a retired Garden Valley School Division superintendent, said their money goes a long way.

He said 20 years ago, he knows how much it cost a school division in Manitoba to add a single portable classroom.

“That would be enough to build five classrooms or more,” he said of the Guatemala impact.

And the local population is appreciative.

During their time in Gualan, Klassen said they were greeted with cheers and hugs while being honoured at various ceremonies.

“We were like royalty there,” he said.

With Guatemala being a functional democracy since 1998, the country has struggled to provide education, but opportunities are slowly increasing.

“They now have public education for all kids to Grade 6,” Penner said.

An emphasis has also been placed on adding washrooms and hygiene facilities to schools.

The Rotary Clubs in Canada work hand-in-hand with Rotary clubs in Guatemala.

“When Rotary dives into projects there has to be another Rotary Club or clubs at the other end, so we know for sure the money is in fact being used,” Klassen said.

At their latest project, Penner took to the stage carefully covered with local pine needles as a form of red carpet to make a speech. The pair were also honoured to unveil a plaque that gave tribute to the South Eastman Rotary Club.

Those who donate to the May 15 Rotary Jailbreak fundraising event can select Rotary District 5550 Ripple Effect Project if they choose.

Funds will also be raised for South East Helping Hands.