There was a good turnout of crew and visitors on Friday, a pleasure to welcome Anne and Frederik van den Berg (both members of the 2000 E-Club in Switzerland), also numerous guests.
ACT FOR IMPACT – SERVICE PROJECTS
Captain Mymoena asked the Director of Service Projects, Piet Postema, to provide a comprehensive overview of the club’s criteria and strategy for project selection when considering taking on new service projects –
SETTING CLEAR BOUNDARIES
- Targeting Unsafe Areas Effectively: Addressing challenges in communities like Manenberg requires collaboration and well-structured interventions
- Serving communities where there are no Rotary Clubs like Kamieskroon
- Strengthening Club Partnerships: Working with other Clubs in District 9350, such as Rotary Club of Cape Town (Glencairn) allows us to leverage shared resources and expertise.
- District-Level Collaboration: Understanding and aligning with District 9350 initiatives, such as the Peace Pole project, can strengthen our reach and amplify our efforts.
- Measuring Our Impact: To ensure meaningful change, we need a clear framework to assess the value and effectiveness of our contributions to the communities we serve.
CRITERIA FOR PROJECT SELECTION
Piet went on to say that while our primary focus remains within the defined geographic zones, we recognise that some projects outside these areas may be worth pursuing. To determine viability, we will assess projects based on the following merit-based criteria:
- RCW Visibility & Growth: Does the project contribute to expanding our club’s reach and influence?
- Professional Development for Members: Does the project offer skill-building and leadership opportunities for our crew?
- External Funding Commitment: Are there dedicated external funders to ensure project sustainability?
- Collaboration with District & Other Clubs: Can we establish strong partnerships to enhance impact?
Current projects under evaluation using these criteria include:
- Langebaan Project (RCW Member: Les Geater)
- New Solar Project, Swellendam
- Peace Pole Project, Century City (see pics below).
CURENT PROJECTS
CHRISTINE REVELL CHILDREN’S HOME
Great strides are being made with the Well Point, Irrigation, and Food Garden District Grant. As we approach the final stage of planting, we’re calling on club experts to help with the seedling process, which will be done in phases to ensure sustainable harvests.
After assessing the home’s building, along with the management of the home we’ve identified the need to replace the asbestos cement roof. With over 70,000 homes in Cape Town still using asbestos roofing, this upgrade is essential for health and safety. We also plan to upgrade the filtration plant, enhancing ground water quality and sustainability.
To improve indoor air quality, there is a need to install extracting fans in the children’s bedrooms to prevent condensation and mould. These efforts not only protect the children’s health but also create a healthier living environment overall.
These projects align with our commitment to sustainability and will help set a positive example for other communities within the District 9350. Partnerships will be sourced from Rotary Clubs internationally.
GLENCAIRN YOUTH CAMPS
This is a project of the Rotary Club of Cape Town supported by the Rotary Club of Waterfront. The District Grant project for the obstacle course and jungle gym is progressing well and should be completed by early April. There is a schedule of 25 capital projects planned, totalling R4.9 million, due to the camp’s aging infrastructure.
Scripture Union has proposed taking over the camp’s operations, an opportunity Rotary Club of Cape Town is exploring. Additionally, “Guardians of the Deep,” an environmental organization, have agreed to set up an office on-site, promoting environmental projects and potentially boosting occupancy rates.
There is no financial commitment from our club apart from the expertise of Piet Postema and David Bradley, our honorary member.
SALESIANS INSTITUTE YOUTH PROJECTS
As part of repositioning the Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP) for the digital age, we’ve provided governance advisory support to strengthen SIYP’s operations and ensure we remain adaptable to the digital economy.
Key initiatives include the Smart Work Centre, which now offers digital literacy skills as part of the curriculum, enhancing learners’ employability. We also facilitated the creation of a micro-factory for the Stitch Ahead programme, providing a simulated work environment that builds learners’ confidence and prepares them for the workforce. Funding from the V&A Waterfront supported this project, which has already secured orders for the Waterfront Canal Challenge, Global Conferance organised by Derek and Siham, and work on a sustainable shopping bag made from recyclable material for sale at Pick ‘n Pay.
By integrating technology with real-world work experiences, SIYP is enhancing employability and equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in the digital era.
