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Worldwide Humanitarian Projects
Honesdale Rotary began supporting a
project that included providing funds to help open the
Himalayan Institute Community Center in the city of Kumbo,
Cameroon, West Africa.
Working with the Himalayan Institute has been beneficial because
they already have a recipe for success and a proven track record
from more than 35 years of Humanitarian projects," said President
Brian Fulp, "The biggest benefit is that we have Honesdale Rotarians
on the ground working side by side with the Institute team and we
can see the full benefit of where the funds are used and those who
receive them."
At the request of Kumbo Rotarians and the Himalayan Institute,
Honesdale Rotary agreed to spearhead the fundraising effort to build
a library in Cameroon, West Africa. The Kumbo Public Library Project
will serve a community of more than 300,000, providing opportunities
and resources that have been previously unavailable.
John Van Horn, Treasurer of Honesdale Rotary says, "A key to the
project was developing relationships with Rotarians in Cameroon.
Honesdale Rotary was instrumental in sponsoring the creation of the
Rotary Club of Kumbo, Cameroon. We also forged relationships with
Yaounde who will be overseeing the Library project as the official
Host Partner. Honesdale Rotarians, Cameroonian Rotarians and the
Himalayan Institute are working side-by-side on this worthwhile
endeavor."
Along with the United States, we've received contributions from
Rotary clubs found in Africa, India, and Japan," said Honesdale
Rotarian Betty Caruth. "Other participants include non-Rotarians who
reside in Bangladesh, Senegal, India, Tibetan Government in Exile
and individuals from around the United States. We've really
succeeded in joining hands with others from around the world to make
this project a reality.
Visit to Library Project Site
As a representative of Honesdale Rotary, President Brian Fulp was
sent to Kumbo, Cameroon in June, 2008 to meet all who are involved
in the creation of the library. The Kumbo City Council, lead by the
Lord Mayor of Kumbo, held a ribbon cutting ceremony where more than
200 Kumbo residents attended. Other attendees were international
guests from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Bangladesh, and the Tibetan
Government in Exile. The Himalayan Institute, Honesdale Rotary and
the Kumbo City Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding
outlining each participant's responsibilities.
Today, we acclaim meaningful partnership, as this day shall not only
witness the inauguration of this gigantic and ambitious venture, but
also the formalization of the partnership between the Kumbo Council,
the Himalayan Institute, Honesdale Rotary and our own Cameroonian
Rotary Clubs," said Lord Mayor, Njong Fonyuy Donatus. "We must
record a minimum of 500 people using this facility per day, or our
efforts and resources will be a complete waste. As the owners and
custodians over such a gift, let us benefit more than any other.
How You Can Help
For more information about Honesdale Rotary's projects or to
contribute to the Africa '08 project use the donation box above. For
up-to-date information about how far we've reached in the project,
visit
Honesdale Rotary's blog
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