The Mararison Solar Panel initiative was made possible through the efforts of District 3850 Rotary Club of Antique's Past President Markus Helber (RY 2017-2018), who secured a full grant of $10,000 from Rotary Clubs of Fort Atkinson, Waunakee, and Stoughton in District 6250 Wisconsin, USA, to install at Mararison Elementary School in Antique, Philippines, for lighting and water supply.
This partnership stemmed from their connection during the 2nd batch of Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) in 2016-2017, led by then D3850 RFE Chair and Team Leader Megs Lunn. There were several visits between the Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson and the Fort Atkinson Interact Club (D6250) to strengthen this relationship.
Unfortunately, the area has faced the destructive impact of typhoons and storms, while the pandemic hindered our monitoring efforts. This year, as an expert in solar panels, PP Markus, now a member of the Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo (D3850), secured a smaller grant from our international sister club Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson, to repair the battery. Recently, he, along with some members of the Rotary Club of Antique led by Past President Anne Tacogdoy, visited the site and successfully installed the new battery.
A special thanks goes to PP Jim (Atkinson) and PP Dwight (Changemakers) for making this project a reality. Previous project collaborations include, community Toilet and Handwashing Facility with Reservoir of spring water supply from 300 meters below the mountain, Literacy and Swine Livelihood Projects (Tobias Fornier Aeta Community in Hamtic, Antique), Handwashing Station & Literacy Project (Osman, Malinao), and donation of kitchen items to the Philippine Red Cross Aklan Chapter. Likewise, a community toilet with RC Victorias, Global Grant Water with RC Kalibo, and laptaps donation to Roxas, Antique, Iloilo, Aklan, and Negros through the first batch of RFE RY 2015-2016. We would like to also acknowledge, Fort Atkinson High school former Interact Adviser Ms. Lori Warren and D6250 PDG Edwin for their vital contributions to all collaborations from past to present. Fort Atkinson Interactors involved were - Holland, Riley, Eli, Ben, Ernest and Emmalee.
We are called to be the light of the world, not for ourselves, but for others. We are called to live another day, not for ourselves, but because these children need us.
