Tools of Change

Workaid is empowering lives in east Africa

How you can give a helping hand to Workaid's efforts transforming communities through the donation of hand tools.

For decades, this remarkable charity has been quietly revolutionising communities, one tool at a time. Supported by dedicated partners, Workaid is uplifting lives, empowering individuals, and fostering sustainable change across the region. It does this by refurbishing donated tools and equipment and shipping the items to countries in East Africa in order to provide long-term practical assistance to people needing help to escape poverty.

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This video, featuring Benjamin Mwine, Workaid’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in Uganda, gives a sense of the impact of Workaid.

Is it time to hand over your
hand tools?

Woking Rotary Club is collecting tools in any* condition on behalf of Workaid.

The club will be pleased to receive any gardening or workshop tools currently tucked away in your shed, garages and lofts and for which you have no further use. Knitting and sewing machines are also particularly welcome.

To find out more about how you can support this good cause visit workaid.org or contact Woking Rotary Club.

* We do ask that any mechanical items are in good working order.
Garden electrical items should display a CE mark.

Please share the PDF leaflet below with anyone you know that might be interested in clearing out their toolbox.

Mizens Kids Day Out

Miniature railway, maximum fun: Rotary Woking's Mizens Kids Day Out delivers big smiles

As the promised warmth of summer approaches, so does the excitement for another of Rotary Woking’s events, the Mizens Kids Day Out at the Mizens Miniature Railway. Scheduled for August this year, this eagerly awaited occasion promised great fun for local children in care and their foster families. The weather may not have been all we could have hoped for but set against the colourful backdrop of the miniature railway, it was nevertheless a memorable experience.

11 June 2025

Rotary Children’s Fun Day

A day of joy and laughter – 11th June 2025

Woking Rotary Club proudly supports Rotary GB&I and Kids in Mind to create unforgettable experiences for children in need.

Woking Rotary Club is excited to announce its support for the 2025 Rotary Children’s Fun Day, a heartwarming event organised by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (Rotary GB&I) in collaboration with Kids in Mind. On 11th June 2025, this annual event will bring joy to over 25,000 children from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them a day of fun and adventure.

Creating Lasting Memories

Rotary clubs across the UK work tirelessly to make this day possible, with nearly 2,500 Rotarians volunteering their time. Children facing challenges—whether due to poverty, life-limiting conditions, or domestic violence—will have the chance to escape their worries at over 100 venues, from theme parks to theatres, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Why it Matters

This event is more than just a day out; it’s a lifeline for many of the UK’s most vulnerable children. The fun-filled experiences help build happier, healthier childhoods, offering these young people a chance to thrive in nurturing environments.

The Power of Rotary

For over 30 years, Rotary has been committed to giving disadvantaged and disabled children opportunities to explore, have fun, and experience new adventures. For 2025, Rotary plans to reach another 30,000 children, continuing to spread hope and joy across the country.

Helping build sustainable futures

In the heart of Kenya, where arid landscapes stretch for miles, lies a beacon of hope - the charity, Sand Dams Worldwide.

An Investment in hope and sustainability

With a mission to alleviate water scarcity and empower communities through sustainable solutions, Sand Dams Worldwide has been instrumental in transforming lives.

The challenge of drylands

One of the most pressing challenges in this regard is the scarcity of safe water in the world’s drylands. These arid regions, which constitute over 40% of the Earth’s surface, are home to approximately 2.3 billion people. Often trapped in cycles of rural poverty, these communities struggle against the harsh realities of an unforgiving climate, with limited access to reliable water sources.

Sand Dams: A sustainable solution

By supporting the construction of sand dams, they are providing a sustainable solution that not only captures and stores seasonal rainfall but also ensures a steady supply of safe water for years to come. These sand dams, the most cost-effective method of water conservation in drylands, are transforming lives by enabling communities to secure their water needs, grow food, and build a more stable future.

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A short animation explaining how sand dams work and their transformative effect on local communities.

Rotary’s lasting impact

With an investment exceeding £1 million, Rotary has funded the construction of over 70 sand dams, benefiting more than 130,000 people. This is not merely charity; it is an investment in opportunity, sustainability, and the empowerment of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Uniting for a common cause

Through these efforts, Rotary is demonstrating that with the right partnerships and a commitment to long-term solutions, it is possible to make a tangible difference in the fight against poverty. The impact of their work is measured not just in the numbers of lives touched, but in the hope and resilience that now defines these once-struggling communities. In a world often divided by inequality and hardship, Rotary’s work is a testament to what can be achieved when humanity unites for a common cause.

A partnership for global good

In partnership with Sand Dams Worldwide, Rotarians from over 200 clubs across Great Britain, Ireland, Europe, and Kenya are committed to advancing a set of core humanitarian goals. These include the promotion of peace, disease prevention, access to clean water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education, and community development. Together, they are not just addressing the symptoms of global poverty but are tackling its root causes with a blend of innovation and compassion.

The two Rotary clubs in Woking worked together to contribute to the funding of the Tassia ‘C’ dam that is now benefiting the villagers located in the Leruki Conservancy in northern Kenya.