Global Grants are not simply financial tools—they are engines of transformation. They take bold ideas rooted in service and elevate them into sustainable, measurable change across the globe. They represent Rotary at its very best—where collaboration meets compassion, and where local action becomes global impact.
That impact came to life during our recent Rotary District 7910 Global Grant trip to Guatemala, where eight Rotarians from Leominster, Nashoba Valley, Northborough, Southborough, and Westborough came together for a week that would leave a lasting mark—not only on the communities we serve, but on each of us.
After arriving in Guatemala City, we made our way on a four-hour journey to Panajachel—our home base for the week. From there, each day unfolded with new opportunities to serve, learn, and connect.
WASH: More Than a Basic Need
Our experience reinforced a powerful truth: Clean water is not a privilege—it is a foundation for life. Working with Water4Life Guatemala brought this reality into focus. From assembling and distributing water filters to working directly with families and community leaders, we saw firsthand how access to safe water transforms daily life.
On Day 1, we crossed Lake Atitlán by boat to San Marcos before traveling up the mountain to a local school. There, service took many forms. While some of our team went and taught students how to assemble and use Foldscopes, others joined students in cleaning the surrounding community—collecting more than two dozen bags of trash and recycling in just a few hours. It was a reminder that meaningful impact often begins with simple, collective action. Later that day, we partnered with local teams to improve a gray water treatment site and support Vetiver planting—root system to prevent soil erosion and remove soil toxins.
The following day in Santa Lucia, we assembled water filters and worked side-by-side with families learning to use them. Community leaders shared not only instructions, but also their traditions—explaining the meaning behind their clothing and the importance of preserving cultural identity in a rapidly changing world. We visited a home utilizing a biodigester system—an innovative, oxygen-free system that converts organic waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. While this project was not included in our current grant, it opened our eyes to new possibilities for future sustainable solutions.
Foldscopes: Unlocking Curiosity, One Lens at a Time
While clean water protects health, education fuels the future. At multiple schools, we introduced students and teachers to Foldscopes—simple, paper-based microscopes capable of revealing an entirely new world. For many students, this was their first glimpse into the microscopic universe. Watching their reactions—curiosity turning into excitement, excitement turning into discovery—was unforgettable. Teachers embraced the opportunity as well, learning how to integrate these tools into their classrooms and create new learning experiences with limited resources. We didn’t just deliver 500 Foldscopes—we left behind curiosity, confidence, and the tools to explore. Thanks to Christine Narcisse and the Rotary Club of Southborough for adding this initiative!
Sustainable Impact: Seeing Rotary’s Work Come Full Circle
On day three, we traveled to San Pablo, where we saw Rotary’s long-term impact in action. Part of our group visited a school that had benefited from a previous District 7910 Global Grant with clean-burning stoves installed in 2019.
After the school, we were welcomed into a couple of homes where residents informed us on how the stoves have benefited them over the years. Hearing just how those stoves had changed their daily life was powerful. One gentleman shared that what once required 3 to 4 long trips each week to gather 200lbs of firewood had now been reduced significantly—freeing up time, reducing strain, and improving quality of life.
Meanwhile, the rest of our team continued assembling water filters—completing over 250 units during our time on the ground, with additional 200 units to be assembled by our partners after we left. This is what sustainable partnership looks like—impact that continues long after we return home.
Moments That Remind You How Connected We Are
Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that stay with you the longest.
While waiting for our boat, we met Amanda—a Rotaractor and former exchange student from Pennsylvania. After learning she had lost her Rotary memorabilia in a house fire, we were able to present her with a district pin. In that moment, thousands of miles from home, Rotary felt incredibly close. Throughout the week, we experienced the richness of Guatemalan culture— learning about the ancient city beneath Lake Atitlán at the Underwater Mayan Archaeology Museum, exploring the markets of Chichicastenango, and visiting the Iglesia de Santo Tomás.
At Casa Botran, a renowned rum distillery, we met our guides—Wendy and Carlos—who, to our surprise, were both Rotaractors. Even there, Rotary connections continued to surface, reminding us just how far-reaching and deeply connected this organization truly is. We also had the opportunity to attend a meeting of our host club, the Rotary Club of Quetzaltenango—sharing stories, explaining projects, exchanging pins & banners, and strengthening the partnerships that make Global Grants possible.
The Heart of the Experience
On our final evening together, I found myself reflecting on the week we had just experienced.
The conversations. The laughter. The shared moments that turned into lifelong memories.
But beyond our group, what stayed with me most were the people we met along the way:
The students—eyes wide with curiosity—discovering something new for the very first time.
The teachers—committed, resourceful, and eager to bring new opportunities into their classrooms.
The families—welcoming us into their homes with warmth and gratitude, reminding us how meaningful even the smallest act of service can be.
You could feel the impact in those moments—not in numbers, but in human connection.
I’ve worked with many members of this group before—but this week was different. It created a bond that only comes from serving side-by-side and fully embracing the experience together.
And it’s the little things I’ll never forget…
Jorge confidently saying, “I will tell you right now…”
Paulette chiming in “I believe that to be true”
Chuck’s misfortune with chewing gum
Christine making it clear— she still doesn’t like flan (and it’s not the flan’s fault)
Evangeline making sure she got her beauty sleep
Leslie reminding us to “RTFS”
And of course—the unforgettable celebration of Steve’s “75th birthday” (which, for the record, is neither accurate nor in March!)
Jorge Yarzebski, Steve Sager, Leslie Harrison, Christine Narcisse, Evangeline Graves, Chuck & Paulette Caragianes, Juan Carlos & Mario, Jenna MacEwen & Water4Life—thank you.
Thank you for your time.
Your energy.
Your leadership.
And your unwavering commitment to service.
This Global Grant was successful because of you.
But more importantly—this experience was meaningful because of you.
I cannot thank you enough.
A Call to Action
Rotary Global Grants allow us to do more than serve—they allow us to transform.
They challenge us to think bigger.
To collaborate deeper.
And to create sustainable solutions that last.
But none of this work is possible without The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
It is TRF that fuels these projects.
It is TRF that turns vision into action.
And it is TRF that allows us to continue making a difference around the world.
If you believe in this work—and believe in creating lasting change—please consider supporting TRF: Donate Here
Because when we invest in the Foundation, we invest in a better world.
This is Rotary in action.
This is how we Unite for Good.