During his time as chairman of the International Service Committee in Great Britain and Ireland, Drew and his colleagues have been busy encouraging Rotarians throughout the British Isles to support these valuable water projects.

At present women and children have to walk over eight hours daily to collect water which is often from unclean and unsafe sources, contaminated by animals and parasites.

Children in many cases are unable to go to school so their education suffers and the women do not have time to work to support their families.

Rotary clubs in Great Britain and Ireland, including Barrhead, are funding a simple, sustainable solution pioneered by the charity Excellent Development - the building of sand dams.

As Drew explains, this region of Kenya has an annual rainfall similar to the West of Scotland but unfortunately it falls in short periods of time and either evaporates or finds its way to the Indian Ocean.

Sand dams are a cost effective way of capturing and storing this rainfall. Water is now available where people need it all year round. Local community self-help groups build their own dam, with the help of the Africa Sand Dam Foundation, and maintain it, meaning it’s their dam.

Drew was delighted to report that as a result of the Rotarians’ combined assistance, the communities now have year round water close to their homes, for drinking, for their livestock and for agriculture. With each rainfall the water table rises, allowing plants and trees to grow naturally helping to reverse the effects of climate change and desertification.

The time saved by not having to travel to collect water allows children to go to school and play with their friends. Food production is improved by a five year programme in which their partners the Africa Sand Dam Foundation supply the self-help groups with drought resistant seeds, to improve crop yields. Men and women now have time to work in the fields to produce quality fruit and vegetables and are able to sell any excess improving the economy of the area.

Drew added: “It’s humbling to be able to work with these groups as they are so appreciative of our help. They are helping themselves, providing clean water which we take for granted here in Barrhead.

“It is a ‘win win’ situation where communities have water all year round close to their homes, children are educated, health improves not just from clean water but as they grow their own nutritious food and the economy of the area improves. Most importantly the dams are built by the community - it is their dam and it’s sustainable.” If you’re interested in finding out more about the Rotary Club, contact Drew Hughes at barrheadrotaryclub@va-virtualangel.co.uk