International Projects

Through our ongoing partnership with Engineers without Borders (EWB), the Rotary Club of Milwaukee continues to make a difference and build connections in the highlands of Guatemala.  Highlights include:

• Construction of a roughing filter for the municipality of Joyabaj, Guatemala, which relies on mountain streams as the main source of water for its 25,000 residents. The project was designed to reduce sediment contamination and improve the town’s overall water quality year-round, especially during the rainy season when the water becomes highly contaminated by runoff. Hospitals have reported lower incidence of disease since the filter was installed.
• Construction of two pedestrian bridges over the Rio Arco in the nearby communities of Patio Bol and Saltire, to provide better year-round access to markets in the city of Joyabaj. This project includes training in agricultural practices to assist locals in making the most of their improved marketplace access.
•  Construction of a three room grade school in Village of Chitom.
• Planning is underway to build three more pedestrian bridges and a major water system for a community that currently lacks clean water.

Recent projects also received support from Rotary International, the Rotary Clubs of North Shore, West Allis, Wauwatosa, Waukesha, Middleton West and Vista Hermosa in Guatemala.

Rotarian Visit to Guatemala

Milwaukee Rotarians annually travel to Guatemala to visit our projects and deepen relationships in Seoul.  This trip provides an opportunity for members to build fellowship and to witness the effects of RCM support abroad.

Polio Plus

Rotary International’s signature program, Polio Plus, was established in 1985 and has since been dedicated to eradicating polio around the world. Since its inception, more than one million Rotarians have volunteered their time and personal resources to protect more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries from polio. With only three endemic countries left, the campaign continues.