Riverina Water and South Wagga Rotary combine to grow Nepalese education hub

Jun 15, 2020

It may seem like a world away at the moment, but a small village in rural Nepal is thriving thanks to Riverina Water and the South Wagga Wagga Rotary Club.

Earlier this year, the organisations combined to help expand the Sindhuli Community Technical Institute.

Riverina Water provided a $5000 donation to the project, as well as sponsoring one of its industrial electricians, Stephen McIntyre, to work for two weeks on the ground in Nepal.

Mr McIntyre, Rotary and a team of volunteers were constructing the multi-storey nurses teaching block and the ground floor of a hostel, which will provide accommodation for 32 nursing students.

“Working alongside very motivated, passionate and charitable people who give their time up to help out communities in need was a rewarding experience,” Mr McIntyre said.

“On paper, the project looked almost unachievable within the timeframes, resources and conditions, but we worked together and helped each other.

“The highlight for me was knowing my time and effort went towards helping others to be educated; and remembering to appreciate things we take for granted such as basic education, power, running water, internet and a roof over our heads.”

South Wagga Rotary Club President Bruce Duffy thanked Mr McIntyre and Riverina Water for their contribution to the Nepal project.

“Our club has been working on projects in Nepal for more than two decades and Riverina Water has been a fantastic supporter of our work over the past few years,” Mr Duffy said.

“South Wagga Rotary helped establish the institute in Sindhuli, which began with engineering students and is now expanding into nursing and other courses.

“Last year we were fortunate to bring two engineering students from the school to Australia to undertake work experience at both Riverina Water and Wagga Wagga City Council.”

Riverina Water Chairperson Councillor Greg Verdon thanked Mr McIntyre for his contribution.

“From the feedback we have received, Stephen proved to be an excellent choice to represent Riverina Water and his experience and skills proved invaluable,” Clr Verdon said.

“Supporting projects such as this one in Nepal is one of the many ways Riverina Water gives back.

“We are a corporate supporter of Water Aid, which enables the world's poorest people to gain access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.”