Applications are in the process of being submitted to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) for two more Global Grants (GG) to support the funds necessary to purchase materials and supplies for sustainable clean water and sanitation facilities in the Mayan villages of Chajalajya and Simajulehu.  As with the 22 previous projects sponsored by District 7890, all labor will be provided by the men and women in the communities.  765 families (approximately 4,743 people) will benefit from these improvements.
     District Chair for Water & Sanitation Projects Rick Lawrence is gathering the required documents, MOU’s, training templates, pro-forma cost estimates and other information that must accompany the GG Applications.  This information is being obtained from the Cooperating Organization, ALDEA, and the Host Rotary Club in La Antigua, Guatemala.
     District 7890 has been the leader by providing District Designated Funds (DDF) since GG’s were initiated by TRF six years ago. Yearly, close to half the clubs in our District have assisted in the funding and this notice is intended to remind those clubs that their support has been so instrumental in achieving the required funding.
     In March 2019 Rick and his wife, Elin, have scheduled their yearly visit to participate in the completion and dedication of the three villages funded by last RY’s GG’s – Pamezul, Vista Hermosa and San Vicente. Upon their return to New England in late April, they will once again offer to be the guest speaker at clubs in CT, MA and RI in order to show how these projects improve immeasurably the lives of these people.  Any club desiring more information, or to schedule such a presentation, should contact Rick by cell phone (860) 558-2793 or email: elawrlaw@sbcglobal.net.
     Photos show the potable running water and sanitation facilities (improved pit latrines) at each household in the 3 villages visited in March 2018 – Xesajbin, Cojulya &
Pachaj.