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What is Rotaract Overseas Projects (ROP)?

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Rotaract Overseas Projects

The first Rotaract Overseas Project (ROP) took place in 1995 and since then teams have travelled to Bulgaria, Romania, Ghana, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, and Benin in each case doing a similar sort of job: decoration, refurbishment, construction. The team endeavours to keep close ties with all the recipients in these countries so that they can feed back to their supporters, both financial and otherwise, how their work continues to be appreciated. The aim of the projects is to promote teamwork and foster good working relationships between Rotarians and Rotaractors by carrying out a worthwhile overseas task satisfying the Rotary ideal of service above self.

What are the tasks?
Importantly the task for the team is to construct what the local people want, i.e. a valuable resource to the community either by way of education (classrooms), health (medical/health clinic) or culture (community centre).

Project planning
The team leader, or the local Rotary club if available, ensures that the basics are in place for the team to hit the ground running so that the project can be completed in the allotted two weeks. All materials are purchased locally. This helps the local economy and ensures that any repairs or improvements needed can be completed using locally produced materials.

Workers/helpers
The team always employs local craftsmen, labourers and cooks. This provides individuals with work and, more importantly, means that the team is not taking a potential source of employment away from the local population.

Accommodation
The team live as villagers in whatever conditions are available – with the addition of their own sleeping bags, mosquito nets, etc.

The team
In the main, each team comprises one or two Rotarians and around ten Rotaractors from all walks of life and of varying practical aptitudes, but all possessing enthusiasm and a keen sense of humour. Everyone must be capable of surviving for two weeks on the contents of their rucksack (the majority of the contents are left in the village on the team’s departure).

Costs
Each team member has to pay around £900, this includes everything except personal expenses. In addition, each team member is expected to help with the fund raising towards each project – in the region off £12,000 - £19,000 per project. Additional monies raised can be used to buy books, school equipment, medicines, etc.

Past projects
From Eastern Europe to deepest Africa, the Rotaract Overseas Projects teams have fearlessly ventured to help those less fortunate than themselves. For more information on any of our projects, follow the links.