Applauds life-changing school WaSH and Blood Bank Projects in Arusha
The Rotary Clubs of Tanzania, part of Rotary District 9214, were honoured by the official visit of Rotary International President-Elect, Mario César Martins de Camargo, from 12–14 May 2025. He was accompanied by Rotary International Director, Daniel Tizazu.
This distinguished visit reflected Rotary International’s strong commitment to the region and underscores global recognition of the transformative work being carried out by dedicated Rotarians across Tanzania. It presented a unique opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Rotary and the power of partnerships that drive sustainable impact.
During their time in Tanzania, President-Elect Camargo and Director Tizazu engaged with local Rotarians, visited key Rotary-led community service projects in both Dar es Salaam and Arusha, and met with national and local dignitaries. These engagements strengthened collaborations, highlighted successful initiatives and explored new opportunities to advance Rotary’s mission in areas such as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), health, education and economic development.
The visit also coincided with the historic 10th District Conference and Assembly, which marked a century of Rotary service in the region. It was a moment of pride for Tanzanian Rotarians, offering an opportunity to showcase their unwavering dedication to the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self” and the profound change it brings to communities.
ARUSHA IS SET TO BECOME THE FIRST CITY IN EAST AFRICA WITH 100% WASH COVERAGE IN ALL GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
Rotary Club of Arusha – School WaSH Project
Toilets. Water. Sanitation. Hygiene. These aren’t just infrastructure needs—they are life-changing tools for education, dignity and public health.
In 2018, the Rotary Club of Arusha began its WaSH initiative by fundraising to build toilets, handwashing basins and water connections, launching a bold vision of safe hygiene for children. What began at Themi Primary School in Arusha has since grown as a support force for government primary schools across the region. The entire initiative has been supported by over 10 Rotary Clubs across the world, Dutch water operators Vitens and its foundation, Water for Life (WfL).
Building on this success, the dream has continued to grow and scale beyond Arusha. The Rotary Club of Arusha has become Rotary Global Grant host for 10 Tanzania school projects, impacting over 15,000 children and staff with access to safe, clean water, better toilets and effective handwashing facilities. The model has now received backing and funding from over 16 partner Rotary Clubs and The Rotary Foundation, as well as organisations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United States and Italy.
In March 2024, the Rotary School WaSH project received an “Outstanding Achievement Award” from the local WaSH coordination team. In April 2024, the model was also honoured in an official report by the Tanzanian Embassy in The Hague. Additionally, it received the Best Innovation and Design at Dar es Salaam’s Engineers Day 2024. Multiple recognitions have placed the focus on scaling this model now recognised as critical for its wide-reaching value to the lives of children.
Batengas (third right), Past District Governor Sharmila Bhatt (second right) and Past District Governor Bibi Young (right) at Themi Primary School in Arusha.
THE ARUSHA BLOOD BANK
During his recent visit to Arusha on 13th May 2025, the Rotary International President-Elect, along with other Rotarians and officials, laid the foundation stone for a new state-of-the-art Blood Bank. The project is carried out by the Rotary Club of Arusha Mount Meru (RCAMM) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Mount Meru Hospital and other stakeholders.
RI also applauded RCAMM with the construction of the blood bank, whose capacity will be to store 600 pints and will be equipped to process, test and issue blood. The project is expected to cost Sh 680 million and will take 10 months to complete.
The fundraising event, on Sunday 18 May 2025, will include the launch of a 5/10 km walk and run, which will start and finish at Gymkhana Grounds in Arusha, in support of raising funds for the project.
