Welcome to the Rotary Club To End Human Trafficking

We meet via Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month at 7 AM US CT. 
Email President@endHTrotaryclub.org to request the meeting link.
Dear Rotarians,
 
Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your steadfast commitment, and the passion you bring to our Rotary Club to End Human Trafficking. We are part of a worldwide network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite to take action and create lasting change. For more than a century, Rotary members have bridged cultures and connected continents, championed peace, fought disease, supported education, strengthened local economies, and protected the environment where they are needed most.
 
Our mission positions us at the forefront of addressing one of today’s most pressing humanitarian issues by focusing on preventing human trafficking. This year, our club continues its efforts through our Giving Challenge, which emphasizes prevention through opportunity. Human trafficking often takes root where opportunity is scarce, but hope grows when communities are equipped with the tools that build economic independence and strengthen resilience. Already, your generosity is creating real and measurable change. In Ghana, four women rescued from trafficking are completing a nine-month business and professional development program designed by our branch members in partnership with Theodora Africa, helping them rebuild their futures with confidence and purpose. In Zambia, 40 youth are being trained to launch ten agricultural enterprises that will create sustainable income, improve food security, and offer long-term alternatives to exploitation. Our club has also proudly supported a District Grant benefiting Avenues for Youth, strengthening our commitment to protecting young people.
 
These efforts embody Rotary’s belief that when members work together, sustainable prevention is not only possible but inevitable. As we continue through the 2025–2026 Rotary year, I encourage every member to take an active role in strengthening our club. Our goals include deepening membership engagement, implementing our strategic action plan, contributing to the Annual Fund, participating in social and service activities, expanding our global partnerships, investing in leadership development through District training opportunities, and maintaining a dynamic online presence that reflects the power and purpose of our work. Rotary members everywhere contribute their skills, expertise, and resources to solve the world’s toughest problems, and our club stands as a model of what collaboration, compassion, and determination can achieve.
 
I am grateful for the dedication of all our members both long-standing and newly joined. This year has brought passionate Rotarians from around the world into our club, and each one brings unique perspectives, strengths, and ideas that enrich our mission. I encourage every member to join a committee, participate actively, and lend your expertise to the journey ahead. Rotary thrives when each of us is engaged, energized, and willing to lift others through service. I invite you to support our Giving Challenge, share our message, and champion the belief that exploitation can be prevented when communities are empowered with knowledge, opportunity, and hope. Rotary is more than an organization; it is a global community of people of action who see possibility where others see obstacles. Together, we are building pathways to safety, opportunity, and dignity for those most at risk. Thank you for your compassion, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to ending human trafficking. I look forward to the impact we will continue to create together.
 
Warmly,
Bassey Kooffreh
President, 2025–2026
Rotary Club to Ending Human Trafficking
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
 
Dear Rotarians,
 
Thank you for your continued support, commitment, and passion for our Rotary Club to Ending Human Trafficking. Each of you plays a vital role in advancing our mission and strengthening the impact of our club. As I reflect on how far we have come and the determination with which our club has stayed its course, I am deeply inspired by the spirit of service and togetherness that unites us.
 
We are People of Action. One of Rotary’s greatest strengths is the ability of members to come together to create lasting change and transform dreams of progress into reality. From eradicating polio to building peace, much of Rotary’s global impact would not be possible without the dedication of members. As we continue through the 2025–2026 Rotary year, I ask for your support in achieving our Rotary Club to Ending Human Trafficking Priority Goals. These include strengthening club membership, implementing our strategic action plan, contributing to the Annual Fund, engaging in social activities and service projects, and maintaining a strong online presence. In addition, we will prioritize leadership development and active participation in District training opportunities.
 
More clubs within and outside of our District are eager to collaborate with us on projects that address human trafficking across borders. Our District is home to generous partners who recognize the power of working together and leveraging resources to achieve lasting impact. We will continue to nurture these collaborations, amplifying the effectiveness of our projects and expanding our global reach.
I am especially grateful for the enthusiasm of our new members from around the world, who have embraced our mission with dedication and fresh ideas. Each member brings unique talents and perspectives to our club. I encourage you to actively participate, join a committee, and share your skills.
 
As Rotarians, we connect the world. Let us remember that no challenge is too big for us. Together, we are committed to creating lasting change and tackling one of the world’s most pressing crises of human trafficking. Through raising awareness, educating children, youth, and communities, reducing risk factors that make populations vulnerable, and stopping the demand, we can make a difference.
 
Together—we can make an even bigger impact.
Yours in Rotary, Bassey Kooffreh.
President 2025–2026
Rotary Club to End Human Trafficking

Host Club: Rotary Club of Kasangati, D9213, Uganda
International Partner: Community Action Against Human Trafficking, D5710, Kansas, USA

This project was brought forth by Faron Barr, one of our Associate Members, member of Topeka South Rotary Club and Rotary Past Governor of District 5710 -- 2020-2021. 

Project Overview

The Dignity Kit Project addresses the challenge of menstrual hygiene management for women and girls in Uganda. By producing and distributing reusable sanitary pads, the initiative empowers girls and young women in both urban (Mengo Kisenyi, Kampala) and rural (Bwera Sub County, Kasese District) communities.

This effort will enable girls to stay in school, avoid health risks, and reduce vulnerability to coercive situations—all while restoring dignity and breaking down harmful stigma.

The Challenge

In Uganda, cultural taboos often prevent open discussion about menstruation and reproductive health. Many girls lack the knowledge, resources, and support to manage their menstrual cycles safely and confidently.

Key barriers include:

  • Cost: Disposable pads cost approximately $1.50 per month, unaffordable for families living on less than $1 a day.
  • Access: Over 80% of women and girls in underserved areas lack consistent access to sanitary pads.
  • Health Risks: Improvised materials—rags, tissues, or leaves—are unsanitary, ineffective, and can lead to infection.
  • Education Impact: A girl may miss up to 45 school days per year due to lack of sanitary pads, contributing to school dropout, early marriage, and even entry into sex work.

Project Outcomes

  1. Reduced stigma surrounding menstruation in project communities.
  2. Increased availability of quality, reusable sanitary pads.
  3. Improved menstrual hygiene management among girls and young women.
  4. Fewer infections related to menstrual hygiene.

Monitoring and evaluation will be led by Jennifer Montgomery, Rotary Peace Fellow and founder of Magenta Girls Initiative.

Implementation Plan

  • Hire two professional trainers.
  • Train 20 women (10 in Mengo, 10 in Bwera) in reusable pad production.
  • Purchase and distribute 20 sewing machines plus needles, thread, and related supplies.
  • Create a sustainable training-of-trainers model to expand impact across communities.

This grant is ready to submit, but additional financial support is needed to fully fund the work.

Learn More

Faron and Jennifer presented on this project at our September 11 meeting. Please email president@endhtrotaryclub.org for the Zoom recording and a copy of the grant application.

Speakers
Kosal Hor
Jan 22, 2026
Kneath Heard
Jan 22, 2026
Michael Podolny
Feb 12, 2026 7:00 AM
Economic Development update
Social Time
Mar 12, 2026 7:00 AM
Club Executives & Directors
President
Immediate Past President
Treasurer
Rotary Foundation
Secretary
Programs & Projects Chair
Membership
Fundraising Chair
Director
Director
Economic Development Chair
Meeting Speakers Chair
Sunshine Chair
Social Chair