International Community
International service is helping local communities in overseas locations but can also mean a more substantial approach to supporting humanitarian needs around the world, and the promotion of world understanding and peace.
In District 9920 we cover the largest maritime area within Rotary that includes the following Pacific nations: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa and Tonga. As a result the district has a strong Pacific focus where there are many opportunities to assist the development of needy communities without necessarily looking further afield.
The following are some of the more specific initiatives but Rotarians can engage in International Service through club projects (their own or others), Rotary Action Groups or other initiatives such as Polio National Immunisation Days held in polio at-risk countries.
Rotary New Zealand World Community Service
All the New Zealand-based districts have joined together to form a company for the purposes of economies of scale and representation to the New Zealand Government in the development of sustainable international projects. Rotary New Zealand World Community Service Ltd is best known for its ability to work with the New Zealand and Pacific Governments to provide disaster relief in times of disaster, especially through the provision of Emergency Response Kits.
For further details see: www.rnzwcs.org.
Many clubs partner with other clubs internationally to provide humanitarian projects using the Global Grant structure of The Rotary Foundation and based of the Areas of Focus. These are usually organised with the assistance of District Rotary Foundation Committees who provide expertise in complying with what is a robust process.
While most clubs develop a wide range of projects many participate in / support the following:
Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC)
Provides within Australia and New Zealand, medical treatment for children 15 years and under, from developing countries, f life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery not available to them in their own country.
For further details see: : http://charityforchildren.org.nz/
Interplast
Interplast Australia and New Zealand provide surgical and allied health services in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region by providing both free medical treatment and training.
This is a Rotary supported programme – Rotary was involved in the establishment of Interplast in 1983 with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Interplast is supported by Rotarians in clubs and districts throughout Australia and New Zealand.
For further details see: https://www.interplast.org.au/
Emergency Response Kits (ERK’s)
Helping survivors get through the first days of a disaster Emergency Response Kits contain basic equipment so that a family can construct a simple shelter and clothe themselves. In most cases these kits are the first aid received into disaster areas via the local Rotary club members.
For further details see: www.rnzwcs.org
Shelterbox
ShelterBox is Rotary International’s Project Partner in disaster relief. They provide emergency shelter and lifesaving equipment for people who have lost their homes due to weather-related disaster, war, or conflict. To date they have supported over 2 million people after 300+ disasters in more than 100 countries. For further details, see: http://www.shelterbox.org.nz/
Vocational Training Teams (VTT)
The Rotary Foundation Trustees have taken the original premise of Group Study Exchange (GSE) and added a formal training component to create Vocational Training Teams (VTT). VTTs foster the transfer of knowledge and skills in an effort to help communities in need for the long term. VTTs also offer an opportunity to interact socially and advance cross-cultural understanding.
Vocational training align with one or more of the six areas of focus, have a measurable impact on communities in need, and provide training that is essential to ongoing efforts. The teams must consist of at least two members (either Rotarians or non-Rotarians) with at least two years of professional experience in the designated areas of focus and a Rotarian leader who has expertise in the area of focus, international experience, and general Rotary knowledge. There are no restrictions on the age of participants. VTTs may also be a component of a larger humanitarian project.