Collaborating Across Borders - the story of Mama Respond
That’s the theme Erin Hegarty chose for her recent presentation to Applecross Rotary but the Back Story is also really important - the use of a Rotary Foundation Global Grant to fund life changing facilities for children with disabilities at a school just outside Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
As Chris Whelan explained in a presentation a few weeks ago, the Rotary Foundation has funds sent from every Rotary Club in the world to return to those clubs to support Rotary's causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. Mama Respond focuses on improving health for a better education of children with disabilities and the funds to achieve this have come from Rotary Districts in three countries - Australia, the USA and Kenya, of course.
There’s a plaque on the wall at the school that acknowledges this and the support of the Australian High Commission in Nairobi. Erin is pictured here with two members of the local Rotary Club of Embakasi and Mike Smith from Applecross Rotary.
Erin outside the school with Lewis Hurst, Second Secretary at the Australian High Commission.
The main success so far is the building of an Ambulant Toilet Block, a Special Needs Unit (funded by the Australian Government), and preparing for the introduction of an Art Therapy program.
The special needs unit block comprises three classrooms, a therapy or assessment room, a teachers and administrators staff room, a home economics/life skills room, and a disability-friendly dining and common room. It includes ambulant and accessible disability-friendly washrooms.
Apart from the physical structures, of equal importance is the Medical Advocacy program which is breaking down barriers to access hospitals, and Strong Mamas, a network of 85 mothers whose shared experience includes a 16 week mental health course that enables them to desensitise the traditional stigma of having a child with a disability.
Some of the Strong Mamas
Erin’s plans for the future of the project includes assisting 24 other schools to create inclusive classrooms and toilets by 2027.
Meanwhile, back here in Perth, Erin is looking to enlist volunteers with skills in financial services including accounting, to assist this growing project, Mama Respond to, well, respond! Next time you’re talking to your accountant, mention there’s an opportunity for them to help create a better world for children with disabilities, and they won't have to join Applecross Rotary to get to do this.
For those who were able to attend Lorri’s ‘Farewell Celebration, with Hearty Thanks’ on Friday evening—and most of us did—it was an evening filled with camaraderie and heartfelt appreciation. The event truly embodied the spirit of long-term, selfless volunteerism that defines our great Applecross Rotary family, especially as we celebrated someone who has dedicated over 20 years to shaping who we are today.
During our Changeover 2024 event, Lorri was presented with Honorary Life Membership of Applecross Rotary, and Friday evening was the perfect culmination of that recognition.
Lorri was the epitome of the ‘quiet achiever,’ never seeking the spotlight. Her mantra was always, "just let me do my job!"
She led the way with our breakfast and special function arrangements, setting a standard of excellence.
When our Exchange Student Valentin needed support, Lorri stepped up without hesitation and did a fantastic job.
Lorri broke new ground as the first female to join our Applecross Rotary, which caused quite a stir for some. Incoming President at the time, Tony Jacovich, reminded me of the resistance he faced for backing her membership application.
Who could forget Lorri’s ‘rent-a-crowd’ support at fundraisers, her fabulous morning teas, special birthday cakes, and the coveted 'Secret Santa Christmas' cakes that everyone wanted to take home!
Her dedication to Starick, supporting domestic violence survivors and their children, especially during their Christmas parties, was truly inspiring.
And, of course, her ever-present smile around Applecross Rotary — whether managing money at JacFest, working through dust, heat, rain, or chill at PMM, or ensuring breakfast orders were in good hands—Lorri was always there with a smile.
We won’t dwell on her unwavering support for the Dockers, even though another of their ‘we promise you a flag’ seasons may have come to an end!
Lorri, thank you for your years of dedication to the fabric of Applecross Rotary. You will be deeply missed. We look forward to seeing you whenever it suits you; you will always be welcome!
Broome with Jamie and Leonie Kelly 01.08.-08.08.2024
Before I start to write my report about my amazing trip to Broome, I want to speak out my gratitude towards you Jamie and Lee Kelly who made this trip possible for me. For me it was another opportunity to see and explore more of the Australian people, nature and culture.
