One of Rotary International's primary aims is to work with Rotary Clubs worldwide to improve World Health. To this end, one of the annual events in their calendar is the "Global Handwashing Day" on the 15th October.

Diarrheal diseases and pneumonia together kill almost 4 million children under the age of five in developing countries each year. Hands are the principal carriers of disease- causing germs. Based on scientific research and intensively monitored trials at both household and school levels, it is estimated that handwashing with soap could avert 1 million of those deaths. Handwashing can also prevent skin infections, eye infections, intestinal worms, SARS, and Avian Flu, and benefits the health of people living with HIV/AIDS.

While planning an event to participate in this worldwide event, our Breederiver Winelands Rotary Club was made aware that the 'Happy Valley' School in Bonnievale had no handwashing facilities in their Special Needs class.

In typical fashion, our community rallied when asked for help. One of our local builders: Attie Jass & family offered to not only donate a brand new washbasin for the classroom, but also offered to install it on the day, at no cost to the school or the Rotary club.

Pretty, brightly coloured facecloths & towels were also donated by 2 of the Rotary members, David & Sue Hall.

The children were given a short talk on the need for regular handwashing but also readily volunteered answers when questions on the subject at hand were posed. Not only did they regale the Rotarians with some lively singing - with big toothy grins - they also did some imaginative crayon drawings.

"All of the children participated so enthusiastically - it was a most rewarding experience actually", said the group of Rotarians who attended.

In the photo below: Some of the Breederiver Winelands Rotarians, with Attie Jass holding the basin that he donated (centre) and a group of the children of the Bonnievale Primary (Happy Valley) School.