If there are two things Rotary does exceptionally well, they are serving others and the power of collaboration. A recent ten-day trip to Belize in April 2026 brought both of those strengths together in a project that will leave a lasting mark on communities across that beautiful country.
The project was a true multi-club effort, uniting Rotary Clubs from Edmonton South, Vernon Silverstar, Abbotsford Matsqui, Kamloops Daybreak, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam Centennial, Langley Sunrise, and Langley Rotaract. These five Rotary Clubs provided funding but did not travel with the team: West U (Houston, TX area), Richmond Sunrise (BC), Calgary Rotary, Vancouver Rotary (BC) and Sunshine Coast (Sechelt, BC). The initiative was spearheaded by two remarkably dedicated members of the Port Moody Club, Al Stjernegaard and Glen Brown, who had the vision and perseverance to assemble a project worthy of an International Grant — no small feat, and a testament to what Rotarians can accomplish when they set their minds to it.
The centrepiece of the project was the distribution of RACHEL hubs — Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning — along with 340 Chromebooks to 19 schools in the Belize and Toledo district. RACHEL is an offline digital library that gives students and teachers access to a wealth of educational resources without requiring an internet connection, a gamechanger in areas where connectivity is limited or non-existent. An additional 28 schools, several street programs, and the Belize Central prison that had received RACHEL devices in previous visits were updated to the 2026 platform. Working alongside teachers and principals, team members took time to understand the specific needs of each school and ensure that staff felt confident and equipped to make the most of this technology long after the team had gone home.
As if that were not enough, the team also distributed 250 Days for Girls menstrual health kits and 18 heavy flow kits, partnering with the menstrual equity organization to bring dignity and education to girls and women across the country. Distributions took place in Orange Walk, across five locations in Belize City, and in four sites in the Punta Gorda area. The heavy flow kits were delivered directly to the maternity ward at San Ignacio Hospital — where they were received with tremendous gratitude. Wherever the team went, both the technology and the menstrual kits were welcomed warmly.
The 28 people who made the journey were Rotarians, spouses of Rotarians, and more than a few aspiring Rotarians — proof that the Rotary spirit is contagious! Together they navigated not only the logistics of a complex international project, but also Belize's legendary potholes, jungle roads, and an impressive array of speed bumps — both the signed and the very much unsigned variety.
As with every international Rotary project, those fortunate enough to participate will tell you the same thing: we came to give, and we received so much more in return. The warmth of the Belizean people, the resilience of the communities we visited, and the privilege of witnessing education and dignity being put into the hands of those who need it most — that is something no one on the team will soon forget.
This is Rotary at its finest. Service above self — across borders, across clubs, and across every speed bump the road throws your way.
Terry-Lynn Stone is the President of Days for Girls Canada