Beth Medved Waller joins Rotary International and visits Rotary Clubs and service projects in Uganda

Beth Medved Waller, President Elect of the newly chartered Rotary Club of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, “The Area ONE|ders” has just returned from Uganda, a country she has visited 7 times since December 2017 as an individual trying to make a difference but lacking the connections to maximize her efforts. Rotary now binds her with the power of 1.2 million+ like-minded members to collaborate with on projects in Africa, in Virginia and around the world. Rotarians stand united in their vision that “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”

This trip was Waller’s first trip to Uganda as a Rotarian.  Though she only has been a member of the service organization for approximately one month, her trip to Africa with District 7570 Governor George Karnes (of the Warren County Rotary Club) enabled her to have already accumulated years worth of unforgettable Rotarian experiences. She was embraced beyond belief at meetings of The Rotary Club of Kampala Metropolitan and the Rotary Club of Mengo and met members from more than 20 clubs throughout the trip.  During two meetings, she was invited to speak about her work with the Ugandan based non-profit she has partnered with since 2017, Light up Life Foundations. Additionally, the Warren County Rotarians attended a presentation by members of the Rotary Club of Kampala North at the development site of the future Sam Owori Rotary Vijana POA Village. The village is a vocational campus being constructed to train the next generation of Ugandans in green energy, computer technology, agriculture, plumbing, electrical skills and more.

Waller and Karnes were also blessed to be able to attend the March 31st kickoff of the enormous “Sam F. Owori Memorial Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Project” in Tororo. The late Sam Owori (of the Rotary Club of Kampala) was an internationally renowned Rotarian who was to be Rotary International President this year (prior to his unexpected tragic death).  When construction is complete, nearly 20,000 Ugandans will have a safe solar-powered municipal drinking water system and hygienic sanitation facilities. In addition, through the project nearly 40 individuals have been extensively trained to install micro-flush sanitation systems. “Benefits of the Micro-flush toilet are no smell, flies or mosquitoes.  You build it once instead of every 2 years. The Micro-flush toilet is cheaper and better than a pit latrine,” according to Walter Hughes who was also on the ground in Uganda representing District 7570. Internationally beloved Rotarian Hughes spent time sharing with Beth helpful insight from his vast experience with dozens of successful service projects all over Africa. In March, Waller’s nonprofit, WHAT MATTERS, funded a pit latrine at the school she and Light up Life Foundation constructed in the remote village of Bunyade. Had she had Hughes advice along with the power of Rotarian wisdom behind her then, she would have instead installed a more affordable and more environmentally sound micro-flush system.

As a part of the Owori Memorial Grant, one such toilet system has been installed adjacent to a maternity ward  (where 50 children per month are brought into this world).  A 1000 liter water tank will also be brought to the birthing facility that currently turns away women if they are not able to provide 200 liters of water prior to admission. When visiting the less than ideal medical facility, Waller noted a tattered paper sign taped to the wall that shares the Tororo District’s vision, “To have a healthy, productive and prosperous people living in a clean environment within 10 years.” The community is now many steps closer to fulfilling that dream thanks to Rotary International.

District Governor Karnes was the lead for the Tororo Owori Memorial Grant, a project which united the entire organization and nearly every continent in the world by raising more than $228,000. George and Rotarian James Serugo (of the Rotary Club of Kampala) worked tirelessly on this project that was identified in 2016 and has involved more than 48 Rotary Districts across the world (and over 60 clubs), ranking as the largest singular international grant to date.

Norah Owori, in her comments at the kickoff ceremony in Merekit on Sunday, March 31st, eloquently shared, “I’m very grateful for the Rotarians from around the world because they have given the people of Merekit a new relief of life. I’m especially grateful to DG George (Karnes) and Rotarian (Walter Hughes).This project was promised to my late husband by his Rotary friends when he was elevated to Rotary International President Elect. The fact that you worked so hard and made this project a reality even after Sam has passed on is a great testimony to Rotary’s service to humanity.”  Waller and Karnes were kindly included in a lovely intimate breakfast and a community lunch hosted by Mrs. Owori at her home. They were also fortunate to have been able to pay their respects at the graveside of Sam Owori and attended a beautiful service at the Owori family church.

Waller met countless friendly and inspirational Rotarians and was hosted in the home of esteemed Rotarian Sarah Odongo, of the Rotary Club of Kampala, who has pledged to be a mentor in Beth’s Rotarian work as Sarah has served in many Ugandan and Rotary International leadership capacities.  Rotarian Emmanuel Sabiti of the Rotary Club of Bunga, has kindly offered to help Beth find Light up Life Foundations a new location for the Maisha Home for Children (since they were forced to vacate their prior rental). Many other kind Rotarians have expressed an interest in working with Beth and her club in future projects.

This trip was neither Waller’s nor Karne’s first experience as the beneficiaries of Ugandan hospitality and friendship.  This visit was DG George Karne’s third trip to Merekit, the community that will benefit from the Owori Memorial Grant.  Waller was shocked when she first learned that another local citizen frequented Uganda and of Rotary’s remarkable service in what has become her “home away from home” country.  Prior to this trip, which was their first time in Africa together, she heard DG George speak of the Owori project and recorded his presentation about it at the Rotary District 7570 Conference in April.  Tears streamed down her face in anticipation of their upcoming trip as she listened to Karnes describe the project.  But even at that time she never dreamed their trip would be as heartwarming and life-changing to her as it was.  She most definitely concurs with George’s words in that presentation when he shared, “Rotary has changed my life. Having the ability to do something like this project has made a huge difference in me. Rotary makes you a better mother, a better father, a better employee or employer. It makes you a better member of your community…Rotary helps us become the people we were meant to be.”

Upon return to Virginia, Beth shared with fellow members of her club, “I feel as if we have truly become a part of a new international family of like-minded humanitarians.  I’m looking forward to being able to make more of an impact in Uganda as a Rotarian and will be immediately working to identify a partner club in the Kampala area to start developing a Rotary International Grant to benefit the children I have grown to love there. The friendly Rotarian welcome I received in Uganda has also inspired me to help to coordinate a Friendship Exchange between District 7570 and District 9211 in the near future.”  James Serugo (of the Rotary Club of Kampala) says of the Friendship Exchange Program, “Rotarians from one district visit Rotarians in another district to become friends and extend service through friendship to their communities.” Waller hopes that Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike interested in working her on Ugandan projects, or joining her on a future trip to Africa, will reach out to her through her Facebook page, Beth Medved Waller or beth@whatmattersw2.com.