An International Mission Accomplished

Posted by Robert W. Maule

on Nov 5, 2012

We have recently learned that final formal report on the successful multi-Club Etta Project was approved by the Rotary Foundation. Thus our Club has another international effort to be proud of. Let’s review what the project was all about.

Etta was a delightful, enthusiastic teenager from Kitsap County who embarked on an academic year Rotary Exchange to Bolivia. She was an extraverted, fun-oving girl, known for her ability to relate to others. She was known for loving, people, sports and animals. In Bolivia she quickly made an impact, showing immediate understanding of an empathy for the people of an impoverished area. Tragically she was killed on a bus trip on one of Bolivia’s notoriously dangerous mountain highways. The driver fell asleep at the wheel and the bus plunged over a cliff.

Soon there were successful efforts to develop an on-going project in her name and honor. Etta Project now has an enviable record. It has established and monitors multiple projects in Bolivia, providing safe water and teaching sanitation, health, nutrition and leadership.

This year Poulsbo Rotary informed us of a vital Etta need. Managers monitor these projects and must travel thousands of kilometers over wretched roads in a vehicle that was falling apart. Our Club was able to immediately use reserve funds to contribute $1,000 to a joint project. Soon a new four wheel drive crew cab pickup truck was purchased and placed in service. As of the last report, the truck, the crew, and the projects are all doing very well. Once again, your hard work in the golf tournament and the beer garden tent have paid off.. Additionally, we have learned how effective multi-Club projects can be.