February 16 - 25, 2024
Idaho Rotarians Head to Peru for Humanitarian Projects
A team of 19 Idaho Rotarians from District 5400 traveled to Peru in February 16 - 25, 2024 to participate in various humanitarian projects, including planting 10,000 trees near a farming village in Apu Ankara, provide support for a children's benefit concert, give assistance for a cancer center, and donations to local hospitals and schools.
The group was made up and funded by members from multiple Rotary clubs across Idaho, including Boise Downtown Club, Pocatello Gate City Club, Pocatello Centennial Club, Idaho Falls Club, and the Pocatello Club.
Rotarians to Work Together to Plant Trees in Peru to Honor Sacred Apu Anccara Mountain
The team worked with the Cusco Rotary Club to plant trees in the high Andes mountains near Machu Picchu, in an effort to combat deforestation and promote sustainable development. In a joint effort to honor the natural beauty and spiritual significance of Apu Anccara mountain, the local Rotary Club organized the tree-planting project in the high Andean mountains of Peru.
Apu Anccara is located in the Cusco region of Peru, not far from Machu Picchu. It is considered sacred by the local people and is believed to be home to a variety of spirits and deities. The mountain is also a powerful spiritual site, often visited by pilgrims who come to pray and make offerings.
"We wanted to show respect both to the local culture and to the mountain," said Rotarian Jedd Thomas, Project Leader. "Planting trees seems like a perfect way to do this while also contributing to the sustainability of the area."
The tree-planting project is carried out in partnership with local community members and environmental experts, who helped select tree species that will thrive in the region and benefit the local ecosystem. The Rotary Club also provides educational materials to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability.
"It is a rewarding opportunity to work alongside the local community and learn about their culture and traditions," says Rich Kirkham, chairman of the Pocatello Rotary Club World Service Committee. "We hope that our small contribution will help preserve this beautiful area for future generations."
PRESERVING NATIVE PERUVIAN MUSIC
During their stay in Peru, the team also lent their support to a children's benefit concert organized by the Cusco Rotary Club at the prestigious National Theater in Cusco. This musical event, held in conjunction with the non-profit organization "Somos Hermanos" raised funds for the Centro de Musica which provides subsidized music education for underprivileged children who have exceptional musical talent. The concert featured an enchanting fusion of traditional Peruvian music and classical symphonic repertoire, showcasing the talents of students from the music school alongside various musicians from the Cusco Symphony.
This event was not only a celebration of musical excellence but also a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of nurturing young talent. By supporting this concert, we can help provide opportunities for disadvantaged children to develop their musical skills and build a brighter future. It's an opportunity to experience the beauty of Peruvian culture while making a meaningful contribution to the community.
THE "RONALD McDONALD HOUSES" OF PERU?
Despite having only one specialized cancer treatment hospital in Peru, a compassionate Catholic priest has taken it upon himself to address the hardships faced by poor families traveling from distant villages for their loved ones' treatment. He sponsors three homes that offer free accommodation to these families during their stay. However, there is a pressing need for support to maintain and improve these facilities. Magalli Sanders, a Pocatello Rotarian and native of Peru, emphasizes the importance of assisting the priest in this noble cause. "The Father's efforts have provided a crucial lifeline for many families, but there is still much to be done," Magalli says. "The homes require basic amenities such as new sheets, pillows, and blankets for their 45 beds, as well as food items and personal hygiene products to refill the pantry."
The Team visited the cancer recovery center to recognize the significance of this project and to donate wheelchairs, food, bedding, and money to provide the necessary support to ensure its continued success. By addressing the practical needs of the families seeking cancer treatment in Peru, we can alleviate some of their burdens and enable them to focus on their loved ones' recovery. This was an opportunity to demonstrate a shared commitment to service and to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Providing a wheelchair in Peru can have a transformative impact on the lives of individuals and their families. Many people in Peru who require wheelchairs cannot afford them, so family members must carry them on their backs, or they are forced to lie on the streets to beg for assistance. By providing a wheelchair, we can restore dignity and independence to these individuals, enabling them to move around freely and participate in their communities. Additionally, wheelchairs can improve health outcomes by reducing the risk of pressure sores and other complications associated with immobility. In short, a wheelchair is more than just a mobility device - it's a tool for empowerment and a means to transform lives.
A small, rural school in the heart of Peru is home to 90 students, each with their own hopes and dreams for the future. The Rotary Club of Lima took it upon themselves to make a difference in these young lives by launching a fundraising campaign to provide each child with a brand-new school backpack for the academic year.
This initiative was about more than just backpacks - it was about giving these students the tools they need to succeed and empowering them to reach their full potential. For many of these children, a
new backpack is a luxury that their families simply cannot afford, but with the support of the Rotary Club of Lima, they can start the school year with confidence and excitement.
This project is a testament to the impact that a small act of kindness can have on the lives of others, and it's an opportunity for the Rotary Club of Lima to demonstrate their commitment to service and community. By supporting this initiative, the team helped these students take a step forward towards a brighter future and contribute to a more equitable and just society.
Questions? Please contact Rich Kirkham, Pocatello Rotary Club, at 208-251-6570 or rich@richkirham.com or contact project leader Magali Sanders