In its first year, the club has changed the lives of hundreds through access to clean water.

By Tony Knoderer

In its first year of existence, the Kiwanis Club of Pakistan has already made a major impact. The club recently completed a water project in a village in Sindh — transforming the lives of local residents, who previously traveled up to 20 kilometers (about 12.43 miles) for access to clean water.

“We have been able to provide a sustainable water source within the village,” says Peter Johnson, club president. “This project not only alleviates the daily struggles of the villagers but also brings newfound hope and happiness to their lives.” 

Johnson answered a few questions via email regarding the club and the project.  

Your club is new — did it start so you could do this project?
Our club was not specifically started for this project. However, the need for clean water in the Sindh village became one of our primary initiatives after hearing about the villagers’ plight. The dedication of our members and their desire to make a tangible difference inspired us to take on this vital project. 

What inspired your members to form a club?
The Kiwanis Club of Pakistan was formed by a group of individuals who share a common vision of serving communities and improving lives. Our members are driven by a passion for humanitarian work and the belief that collective efforts can bring about meaningful change. 

How did you learn about the need for your project?
Our club became aware of the need for clean water in this village through our outreach programs and interactions with the local community. The villagers expressed their struggles and the immense challenge of traveling long distances to access water, which highlighted the urgent need for this project. 

How did you work with the village to provide the water?
We collaborated closely with the village leaders and residents to understand their specific needs and the best locations for the water pumps. This cooperation ensured that the installation process was smooth and that the water sources were accessible to all villagers. 

Do you know how many people this project helps?
The installation of the water pumps has significantly impacted the entire village. Hundreds of residents, including children and the elderly, now have access to clean drinking water, which is crucial for their health and well-being.

“The joy and gratitude of the villagers,” Johnson adds, “is a testament to the power of community and collective effort. We believe that this success story can serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of the world. We are eager to share our experience and collaborate with global leaders and organizations to address such fundamental needs.” 

The Kiwanis Club of Goma has already helped with school supplies and psychological support for kids dealing with trauma.

By Julie Saetre
Submitted by the Kiwanis Club of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa 

In the city of Goma, nestled in the south of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stories of war, conflict and volcanic eruptions have become an omnipresent backdrop in the lives of its residents. It is in this challenging context, where hope sometimes seems a rare commodity, that Paluku Mathe Patrick decided to sow the seeds of a better future.

Deeply rooted in his community, Paluku had witnessed the immense challenges Goma faced. Since his childhood, he had seen his city ravaged by armed conflicts and families displaced by the eruptions of Nyiragongo. Most important, he had seen the most vulnerable — children — pay the heaviest price. They were often deprived of their fundamental rights, their education, their safety and their innocence.

Something had to be done, he decided, to transform his frustration into action and his despair into hope. This is how he learned about Kiwanis International, which offered an opportunity and a light at the end of the tunnel. After researching Kiwanis and contacting members of the organization, he realized that it could be the ideal platform for change. So Paluku began the process of chartering a Kiwanis club in Goma.

It wasn’t simple. It required convincing skeptics, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles and mobilizing limited resources. But, determined, Paluku gathered a group of like-minded individuals ready to invest their time, skills and energy in the cause of serving children.

In February 2024, the Kiwanis Club of Goma was officially chartered, driven by a collective dream of protection and support for the community’s youngest. The club’s first projects were modest but significant: distribution of school supplies, organization of recreational days and implementation of psychological support programs for children traumatized by violence and natural disasters.

“The children of Goma are beginning to smile and dream again,” Paluku says. “Parents see hope reborn, and the community has begun to rebuild around a shared vision of solidarity and resilience.

“The Kiwanis Club of Goma is a beacon of hope in a region often plunged into darkness. It reminds everyone that, even in the darkest moments, there is always a possible light if we choose to ignite it.”