The Rotary Club of Redlands Bayside’s Biodigester Project is helping a school in Nairobi, Kenya, become more sustainable by recycling grey water from the kitchen to irrigate the school’s farm.
The Sunrise of Africa School in Kenya was co-founded 20 years ago by Corinne and George Corvin, parents of Michelle Maher from the Rotary Club of Redlands Bayside, Qld. The school educates almost 450 students, many of whom would not receive a good education without being able to attend the school.
PICTURED: The biodigester donated to the Sunrise of Africa School in Kenya recycles and purifies grey water from the school kitchen onto the school’s farm, which produces fresh vegetables to provide nutritious meals for the students and staff.
Sadly, George passed in January 2024. In his memory, the Rotary Club of Redlands Bayside organised a Swimathon to fund a biodigester (septic tank) at the school to recycle and purify grey water from the school kitchen onto the school’s farm, which produces fresh vegetables to provide nutritious meals for the students and staff. The farm is also used to teach the children about agriculture, self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Michelle and fellow club member Gordon Lawrence visited the school in September 2024 and saw just how successful the project has been.
“As with many long-standing Rotarians, I have been involved with fundraising projects, both locally and overseas. The water purification system installed at Sunrise of Africa School has probably given me the most satisfaction of any,” Gordon said.
“Visiting the school recently, I saw first-hand how important it was in the eyes of administrators, teachers and students alike.
PICTURED: Rotary Club of Redlands Bayside member Gordon Lawrence visited the Sunrise of Africa School in September 2024 and saw first-hand just how successful the biodigester project has been.
“Many of the students partnered with us in the fundraising by cleaning up public areas in tandem with our Swimathon, which raised the funds. A 10 out of 10 experience!”
The school’s agriculturist, Joseph Barasa, is very grateful to Rotary and its supporters for the biodigester, which is making a big difference to the success of the school’s farm, which he manages. He says they can now reuse and recycle kitchen grey water instead of using the precious fresh water from the borehole.
“We say thank you to those who brought the projects because it has been useful to us. Thank you very much,” Joseph said.
Due to the immense success of the project and its alignment with Rotary’s WASH program, the Rotary Club of Redlands Bayside is raising funds for the next phase of Project Water at Sunrise of Africa school.
This includes a much-needed additional amenities block with adjoining septic tank, water harvesting from the school buildings, and an underground water tank. The club is applying for a global grant but requires committed Rotary District Designated Grant funds to proceed with the application.
If your club would like to partner on this exciting project, or would like to donate, please contact Michelle Maher via [email protected] or call on 0403 884162. More details about the project can be found at bit.ly/3P2u9hi
PICTURED: Happy students enjoy nutritious meals prepared from the school garden, which is watered with grey water purified by the biodigester.