How the Rotary Club of Menlo Park is making a global impact
The Rotary Club of Menlo Park is known for its long-standing commitment to supporting the local community through scholarships, grants, and hands-on service. But did you know that its impact extends well beyond our borders?
Last year, the Club embarked on two significant international projects in Kenya that are already transforming lives.
Solar Stoves in Kolong Village, Maasai Mara
In the Maasai Mara, women traditionally cook over wood-fired stoves with no ventilation, exposing themselves and their children to harmful smoke and particulates. This practice leads to serious health issues, including lung disease and eye irritation. Young children, who customarily stay close to their mothers, are especially vulnerable.
In addition, women must gather firewood every 7–10 days — a dangerous task that leaves them exposed to lions, Cape buffalo, and other large animals. The ongoing reliance on firewood also contributes to deforestation, increasing the region’s vulnerability to drought and flooding.
After two years of communication with village leaders, vetting appropriate technology, and raising funds, the Rotary Club of Menlo Park delivered solar-powered stoves (solar panel, battery, and hotplate), lighting, and electrical outlets to all 17 households in Kolong Village this past October.
The day was one of celebration and joy. The women welcomed the Rotarians with song and dance and enjoyed a rare day of rest, freed from the need to gather firewood. As with all Rotary projects, the Club will continue to follow up to ensure the solutions remain effective, sustainable, and aligned with the village’s needs.
Empowering Soklo Village, Homa Bay
North of the Maasai Mara, Soklo Village sits on an island in Homa Bay, an inlet of Lake Victoria. In partnership with Global Health Connections (GHC), the Rotary Club of Menlo Park is supporting this community through GHC’s proven programs in health, nutrition, sanitation, financial literacy, and leadership development.
The Club’s contribution enabled villagers to launch entrepreneurial projects and develop cottage industries that will provide long-term economic sustainability. The Club learned that its community partner in Soklo Village was invited to share their experiences on a local radio station — spreading vital health and financial education throughout the region.
Looking ahead
This spring the Rotary Club of Menlo Park will once again turn its focus locally with its Community Grants program — grant solicitation opens on February 2.
Meanwhile, on Jan 28, 2026, the broader community is invited to hear Susan Gonzales onGenerative AI – What It Is and Why it Matters to You at the next Rotary Club lunch meeting starting at noon at the Allied Arts Guild (75 Arbor Rd.)
Photo shows Rotarian Amy Boggs (in blue) with some of the women of Kolong Village, and fellow project supporter, Kathryn Kranen.
Kait Marcus January 22, 2026 at 3:02 pm
What a fantastic story about an incredibly significant, world-changing contribution by the Rotary Club. Thank you to the RC and its participating members. This is incredibly important work.
T.D.G January 25, 2026 at 7:02 pm
My experience: Rotary clubs give people fishing rods, but too often fail to remain present for the slow, necessary acclimatization that makes those tools truly useful.
Ardan Michael Blum January 27, 2026 at 2:54 pm
Sad to see this. How can you speak of this ever so caring organization in such a manner?!
Amy Boggs February 25, 2026 at 10:37 am
TDG, this is indeed a concern. Rotary International has implemented a number of guidelines and procedures to help counter this “hit and run” style charity, including community assessments to ensure that the project is one that the community prioritizes, sustainability assessments, and follow-up.