Habitat for Humanity

By Rtr. Jasra Saneer

The Rotaract project, “Habitat for Humanity” was a cluster project which the Rotaract Club of CCS was a part of, along with the Rotaract clubs of the alumni-University of Moratuwa, Nallur, Negombo, Kandy, Colombo East and Faculty of Law- University of Colombo.  The project was chaired by our assistant secretary Janeshta Fernando and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Colombo regency comprised of 3 phases.

Phase 1 focused on creating awareness about sanitation and the importance of the consumption of clean water. The clubs, having considered the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in parts of Sri Lanka due to drinking of contaminated water, took to social media to spread the message.

On the 18^th of January, several members from the organizing clubs visited Pusiyankulama Maha Vidyalaya- a humble school in the Anuradhapura district which lacked proper sanitation- to donate a water purifier.

This initiative aimed to prevent the new occurrence of CKD in healthy students and reduce other prevailing chronic diseases among students. This phase of the project deemed to be successful and we at RCCCS hope that our efforts did make a difference.

Phase 2 was about making way for a ‘greener future.’ A stall was organized in the Race Course and Royal College Complex on the 20^th of January to collect E-waste for recycling after informing the public through social media. The clubs were allocated time slots to carry out duties. This phase concentrated on creating awareness on the health problems and environmental pollution due to metal components in E-waste.

It’s a no-brainer that production and consumption of the right food paves way for healthier lives. Phase 3 was conducted with regards to educating farmers on cultivating improved fruits varieties. This included providing plant materials to certain areas with the aid of provincial agriculture authorities and organizing training sessions for farmers. This phase hoped to ensure provision of healthy fruits for consumption in the long run.

We believe that as responsible members of the society, RCCCS has done their bit in contributing for a sustainable future through ‘Habitat for humanity’. The project also sheltered great fellowship as many clubs came together for a good purpose, thereby living up to the Rotaract theme for the year. (#EngageRotaract #RedefineFriendship)