In Senegal, West Africa (and throughout the continent), women do most of the work farming and preparing food for their families. Virtually all of this work is done by hand. Although women are the backbone of the rural economy, they rarely have access to technologies and training to help them produce food efficiently, market their crops, and earn money.

With support from local Rotary clubs, St. Paul based nonprofit Compatible Technology International is equipping women in Senegal with hand-operated mills so they can make nutritious foods like peanut butter and millet flour much more easily. Women are also receiving business training and mentoring so they can earn money selling grinding services and packaged food products.

Alexandra Spieldoch, CTI Executive Director, will be visiting the St. Paul rotary club to talk about the impact of the program and how empowering women as business leaders is a critical part of tackling global poverty.

President Chuck called the meeting to order at 12:15.  Joe Kovarik lead the club in singing the America the Beautiful, accompanied by Doug Hartford on the piano. Michael-jon Pease provided the inspirational minute sharing, in anticipation of Martin Luther King day, some words from Bayard Rustin, a civil rights leader who was known as “the man behind the dream.” Tom Farnham introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. We welcomed new member Michael Kuenster, who is joining us from Wells Fargo Advisors.  President Chuck also took this opportunity to remind the club about the new member initiative (a case of Summit beer for club members who bring new members into the fold).

President Chuck reminded us of the memorial service for Past Club 10 President Chuck Graham, which was held on January 11th at Centennial United Methodist Church in Roseville.