Bellevue Eastside Rotarians Travel to Africa to Support Community Schools
Rotary District 5030 recently made international headlines with a heartwarming feature in the Times of Zambia, showcasing the compassionate work of the Rotary Club of Bellevue Eastside. Their service trip to Zambia, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lusaka Metro (District 9210), brought critical educational support to six underserved community schools in Lusaka and Livingstone.
The May 22nd feature article in Zambia’s national newspaper celebrated Rotary’s global impact, calling special attention to the emotional and practical importance of the donations made by the Bellevue Eastside team.
During their visit, Rotarians provided:
School uniforms to students at The Other Side Foundation Community School—many receiving uniforms for the first time.
Textbooks and learning materials to Charity Education Centre, where a student named Charles Banda expressed his excitement about receiving a math book to help prepare for exams.
Building materials and uniforms for Positive Lives Specialised School, which serves children with autism, deafness, blindness, and Down syndrome.
Sewing machines to Olive Tree Learning in Livingstone, enabling skills training for parents and staff.
Uniforms for every student at Rare Rose Academy School.
Support for classroom construction at Lovely Open School.
The story, titled “Rotary International Changes Pupils’ Lives,” also featured interviews with delegation leader Curtis Cummings, who shared how his prior work in East Africa made this Zambian opportunity a natural fit. “The needs around education, food, and sanitation align directly with our mission,” he said.
District 9210 Governor Tom Kamwendo emphasized the significance of Rotary’s work in regions where education, healthcare, and environmental needs are greatest. The visit underscored Rotary’s international reach and the power of partnerships in creating lasting change.
This recognition in the Times of Zambia not only honored the Bellevue Eastside club’s service but also highlighted Rotary District 5030’s commitment to international outreach and global goodwill.
As Rotarians, we are reminded of Gandhi’s words: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This project—and the international acknowledgment it received—serves as a shining example of how District 5030 clubs are answering that call.
