Rotary Club of Barbados West Contributes to Global Immigration Challenge.
The catastrophe of the 20th century is World War II. One generation later young people were asking, “Why did you allow it to happen? What did you do to prevent it?” The biggest catastrophe of the 21st century might be both climate change and immigration, which inevitably are connected. It is a fact that [rapid] population growth contributes to immigration. Nigeria doubled its population from 100 million (year 1992) to 200 million (year 2019) within 27 years – a big challenge for any country. Countless souls lost their lives in the hope of a better one in Europe. With that said, it is on us today to prepare the answer of the question of our [grand-]kids “Why did you allow it to happen? What have you done to prevent it?”.
Has Rotary an answer?
Yes. Rotary has an answer. A proven one. And here is how it works:
- Hospital improvements with equipment;
- The education of midwives;
- Strengthen the role of the women;
- Establishing and improving data quality.
How has Barbados contributed?
In 2013, under the Presidency of Joseph Steinbok and Nicholas Hartmann’s Leadership, the importance and relevance of mosquito nets, as one piece in a bigger picture of population growth was identified. Believe you me, mothers do know the value of a mosquito net. Despite being small in size, mosquitoes are known to be carriers of a myriad of deadly diseases affecting vulnerable groups, especially mothers and babies worldwide.
The Rotary Club of Barbados West (RCOBW) saw this project as a win-win-win situation, as part of its local efforts to provide mosquito nets to young mothers and improve maternal and child care help as part of an international and widespread initiative in highly affected countries, such as in Nigeria. The big focus was: vaccination against Polio, delivery of mosquito nets and the establishment of a trusted relationship for further monitoring and empowering for both newborn and mother.
The Rotary Club of Barbados West’s contribution allowed the project to reach the fundraising target of 10,000 USD for the purchasing of mosquito nets. Further funding by District and Global matching grants increased and multiplied the budget. In addition, further donations were made, including a donation from the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The total budget reached 680,000 USD. This resulted in the Scaling Up Nigeria project.
These days the story becomes even bigger: the nationwide family planning campaign in Nigeria targets all 36 states and Federal Capital Territory with a total budget of 3 million USD co-financed by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). A proven concept goes nationwide. And Barbados played its part!