Peter Swan Yorkshire Hero
Yorkshire hero recognised
Yorkshire hero recognised for life-changing volunteering in national awards
Peter Swan, is being honoured by Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland with a prestigious Community Champion award.
Community Champion are part of Rotary’s Champions Awards, which are held annually to recognise the outstanding and inspirational humanitarian and community service of volunteers from around the country.
Peter, who was nominated by Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary Club, is among 12 winners who will receive their awards at a ceremony in Birmingham on Saturday 2nd May, as part of Volunteer Expo, the UK’s new, national show to inspire people to get involved in volunteering.
Peter has devoted the past 15 years to transforming the education situation in Meserani, Tanzania, after an expedition there in 2004 inspired him to help make a difference.
Primary school pupils were not able to access a full education, with no local secondary school and no opportunities for young people to progress to further and higher education.
Today the project has completely transformed Meserani. There are now four primary schools, and building work on a secondary school has begun so students are able to progress to further and higher education via a sponsorship programme that Peter manages. The schools have access to clean water, and solar power. There is also a medical centre that provides free health, helping improve the health and education of children in the area.
The search for this year’s winners was carried out across Rotary’s vibrant network of over 1,700 Rotary clubs, with Rotary members and also members of the public having their extraordinary work recognised. This ranged from fitting prosthetic limbs on amputees in Pakistan to supporting adults with learning difficulties gain employment opportunities.
Donna Wallbank, President of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland, commented,
“The Champions Awards is about giving those who pioneer, lead and support some amazing volunteering projects the recognition they deserve.
“The selfless and truly life-changing impact of our champions really demonstrates how we can make a difference and touch people’s lives.
“Rotary is certainly a place where people can turn their passion and ideas into lasting change. There are so many heroes out there and to them I say “thank you and keep doing what you’re doing”.
“Peter’s work is invaluable in helping those who continue to be affected by lack of health and education facilities and he is a very worthy recipient of one of this year’s awards.”