The indefatigable Pennye Nixon made her annual visit to Kingston North Kitsap Rotary Club Mar 5. Who is Pennye? She's the Founder and Associate Director of Etta Projects.
Etta Projects "Empower Bolivian Communities," by improving water, sanitation and health in rural Bolivia. They work in ten municipalities in indigenous villages in Bolivia's Santa Cruz State.
Pennye focused her remarks on the contraception work being done there to help ward off domestic violence. If a young girl does not become pregnant she has a much better life, not confined to working in the fields. Sex often begins in Bolivia at 12 years old. Etta Projects, working through hundreds of two-year trained Community Health Promoters, introduces young girls to two types of contraception, implants and intra-uterine devices. Implants, small beads inserted inside the forearm, provide four years of contraception. IUD's provide fifteen years protection. The goal is to get girls comfortable with seeking this type of contraception, and to use it.
Many, many Kitsap County Rotary Clubs, including ours, and many elsewhere, support Etta Projects. Nixon is currently working on a $96k Rotary grant. She reminded members, "this is your work; this is Rotary's work."
Much of the Rotary grant money comes from the Rotary's Foundation, into which members are encouraged to donate. Prior to the presentation, member Bill Beaudoin was presented a two-gem-red-studded pin, commemorating yet another milestone of his giving to the Foundation.
Making the presentation was Rotary Club co-president David Winn (left). This award marks Beaudoin's gifts to date of $7k.