MACODEF Logo

In 2006 MACODEF partnered with the Wooster Rotary Club in Wooster, OH, to support clean water projects and several other initiatives in Vigetse and Vigina Villages.  Our pilot project to rehabilitate community springs, install rainwater harvest systems, and construct new latrines was so successful it won the Northeast Ohio Rotary District prize for service project of the year. Building on that foundation and in conjunction with Rotary International’s focus on improving water quality around the world, the Wooster and Vihiga Rotary Clubs then partnered on a $24,000 matching grant to implement these projects on a wider scale in the two villages and to add a tree-planting component. Completed in 2011 under Bob Gorman’s leadership, these projects have greatly improved water security in the area. In addition, several Rotarians and their spouses have accompanied students on the Wooster-in-Kenya Program, and Doug Drushal has served as co-leader of the trip on three consecutive occasions. Moreover, the Wooster Rotary Club has sponsored an Alternative Christmas that benefits MACODEF projects. Finally, the Wooster Club has been instrumental in gaining support from satellite clubs, including annual support from the Alliance Rotary Club for our solar cooking projects. The photos below highlight the many ways that the Wooster Rotary Club has partnered with us to enhance our work in Maragoli.