A Transformative Project of International Service
The Rotary Club of Fredericksburg is proud to announce the successful completion of a major sanitation and hygiene project at the Omurusimbi Primary School in Karagwe, Tanzania.
Students at Omurusimbi Primary School now have access to 40 new toilets and a dedicated handwashing facility. This marks a staggering improvement in quality of life for the school’s population of more than 1,000 students.
From Scarcity to Sustainability
Prior to this initiative, the school faced a dire sanitation crisis. More than 1,000 students were forced to share just four toilets, with no facilities available for handwashing. The lack of infrastructure posed significant health risks and created a difficult learning environment for the children. The new facilities provide a safe, private and hygienic space, ensuring that students can focus on their education rather than their basic needs.
A Two-Year Journey of Collaboration
The $40,000 project was the result of two years of meticulous planning, fundraising, and construction. This achievement was made possible through a powerful coalition of Rotary District grants, local churches, generous individual donors, and donations from other area Rotary clubs. Rotary Club of Fredericksburg worked closely with the Karagwe Rotary Club throughout the planning process and execution of the project, and a member of the Rotary Club of Karagwe served as construction manager.
The Rotary Club of Fredericksburg would like to extend a special "Thank You" to our partner clubs whose contributions were vital to reaching our goal:
• Fredericksburg Morning Rotary Club
• Fredericksburg Nimitz Rotary Club
• Ballinger Rotary Club
• Canyon Lake Rotary Club
• Del Rio Rotary Club
• Downtown New Braunfels Rotary Club
• Pleasanton Rotary Club
• Uvalde Rotary Club
• Fredericksburg Nimitz Rotary Club
• Ballinger Rotary Club
• Canyon Lake Rotary Club
• Del Rio Rotary Club
• Downtown New Braunfels Rotary Club
• Pleasanton Rotary Club
• Uvalde Rotary Club
This project is a perfect example of Rotary’s "Service Above Self" in action, proving that when local clubs unite, we can solve global challenges.
Looking Ahead
With the facilities now fully operational, the impact will be felt for generations to come. Improved sanitation is linked to higher school attendance rates, particularly for girls, and a significant decrease in waterborne illnesses. The Rotary Club of Fredericksburg is honored to have played a part in securing a healthier future for the children of Karagwe.
Riding the wave of its extraordinary accomplishment, the Rotary Club of Fredericksburg has begun fundraising for its next school project. The Ruhija Primary School is in the Muleba District south of the city of Bukoba. Ruhija School needs a water tank and 12 toilets. Rotary Club of Fredericksburg will be working with the Muleba Rotary Club on this project.