Springfield Rotarians recently welcomed Susan Burnett, who shared the inspiring story of how a friendship formed more than 20 years ago grew into a series of Rotary projects that are transforming lives in Kenya's Isiolo region.
Burnett highlighted the work of the Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club's Women in Action group, whose efforts began when bead artist Wendy Ellsworth traveled to Kenya with a $5,000 grant and befriended a local woman named Nakaochum. Their friendship endured through the years, and Nakaochum later named her daughter Wendy in honor of her American friend.
When Nakaochum lost her home in a fire in 2020, Bethlehem Rotarians Ray and Donna Holton helped organize support. As they learned more about the community's challenges, Rotarians saw an opportunity to create a broader impact through Rotary Foundation grants and partnerships.
A community assessment in Isiolo revealed significant healthcare needs and helped lead to the formation of a new Rotary Club in the region. In 2022, a team that included Past District Governor Janet Kolepp, Holly Sachdev, and Wendy Ellsworth traveled to Kenya to meet with community members and identify priorities.
Their efforts resulted in an $85,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant to improve maternal and child healthcare at the Ngaremara Health Dispensary. The project includes solar power, computerized medical records, new latrines, and an electric fence to keep wildlife away from the facility.
The team also supported local schools by purchasing desks and painting blackboards, while the Hope Center Orphanage received a large water storage tank and food supplies.
Burnett shared several powerful examples of Rotary's impact. "Little Wendy" is now attending a private Catholic boarding school thanks to Rotary support. Her younger sister, Christine, was rescued from a child marriage at age 14 through Rotary connections and is now pursuing her education.
Another project grew from a chance introduction to a school in need of major repairs. Rotarians funded improvements including a new roof, electrical upgrades, solar power, foundations, windows, tile floors, and exterior painting, creating a safer and more welcoming learning environment for students.
Burnett noted that the work continues through the dedication of the Bethlehem Morning Star Women in Action group, which regularly seeks Rotary Foundation grants and other funding opportunities to address healthcare, education, and economic needs identified by local residents and Rotary partners in Isiolo.
What began as a friendship between two women has evolved into an ongoing international partnership that demonstrates Rotary's ability to create lasting, sustainable change. The presentation offered Springfield Rotarians a compelling example of how personal relationships, local leadership, and Rotary's global network can come together to improve lives around the world.
The Springfield Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at noon at the SAPCC Workforce Development & Training Center and welcomes guests interested in learning more about Rotary and its service projects both locally and internationally.
