The Rotary Club of Ankeny has partnered with Blessman International in four Global Grants since 2017. These projects have included Farming Skills, Feminine Hygiene, Early Childhood Sanitation, and Phase II - Early Childhood Sanitation and have represented the majority of the Club’s International service projects. We now have the opportunity to be the US lead for an additional Global Grant with Blessman International. The funding from this grant will be utilized to purchase materials, pay women in South Africa to sew menstrual health kits, and fund the distribution. The number of kits to be produced and distributed depends on the number of dollars raised.
In many rural communities in South Africa, the absence of parental care and high levels of poverty result in a significant number of female school children choosing not to attend school during their menstrual periods as they have not been given adequate support in terms of equipment or knowledge. This new project seeks to promote a sustainable, community-based supply and distribution of re-usable FemKits to ensure that these schoolchildren no longer miss up to 25% of their classroom time.
The Rotary Club of Ankeny has a commitment to provide $2,500, and to be the US lead for this grant. The E-Club of Baobab, South Africa will be the local club. Dr. Jim Blessman has offered to personally match our club's contribution and any individual member's contribution towards this project. All contributions will then receive a match from District 6000 and Rotary International. With Doc's and the Rotary matches, each dollar we donate will become more than $5.00. Plus, your contribution is tax deductible, and you will receive Paul Harris Fellowship credit and recognition points for your contribution.
Let Nate Burnham, nfburnham@gmail.com, know by January 6, 2026, if you would like to make a contribution to this project. No payment is necessary until the grant is approved and ready to be funded.
