The Rotaract Club of Antigua is proud to announce the successful completion of its _Drops of Change_ initiative, a project designed to promote access to clean drinking water, sustainability, and youth engagement.
On Friday, September 11, 2025, members of the Rotaract Club of Antigua, library staff, and students from various institutions gathered as the Club presented a drinking water dispenser to the National Public Library.
“This initiative was designed to promote access to free, safe drinking water in public spaces while raising awareness about the importance of hydration, especially in the face of climate change and rising temperatures,” explained Community Service Director **Kayah Ward****.** “By placing this dispenser here, we hope to encourage healthier habits, reduce reliance on single-use plastics, and contribute to the global goal of Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6). This donation is more than just a dispenser—it represents our commitment to service, sustainability, and community well-being.”
The dispenser, now located in the lobby of the National Public Library—a hub for learning, recreation, and community engagement—was donated along with twelve (12) five-gallon bottles of drinking water. The Rotaract Club and the Library are also inviting the public to contribute additional bottles to help sustain the initiative.
As part of the _Drops of Change_ project, the Club also hosted a **Creative Writing Competition** on the theme _“Access to Clean Water”._ Primaryschool students were invited to submit either a 500-word essay or a 20-line poem exploring the topic. The first-place prize included a water dispenser and a year’s supply of water for the winner’s school.
Running from September 3–26, the competition saw enthusiastic participation from **St. John’s Lutheran Primary School****,****Newfield Primary School****,** and **Christian Union Preschool & Junior Academy****.** Winners were announced on September 30th via the Club’s social media platforms, with a special showcase of submissions held during the Club’s Membership Drive on October 1, 2025.
**Competition Results:**
* **1st Place:** Asia Joseph – Newfield Primary School (95 points)
* **2nd Place:** Kenique Lewis – Newfield Primary School (94 points)
* **3rd Place:** Kaelem Gardner – Christian Union Preschool & Junior Academy (93 points)
* **Director’s Choice:** Abigail Boatswain – St. John’s Lutheran Primary School
“The submissions we received were not only creative, insightful, and inspiring, but a clear example of the importance of including youth in decision-making, advocacy, and community issues – because their voices matter,” added the Community Service Director.
Through _Drops of Change_ , the Rotaract Club of Antigua has demonstrated its commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact while fostering community participation in service, sustainability, and educational engagement. The Club would like to thank all schools who participated, the National Public Library and corporate partners who made this a success.
For more information about the Rotaract Club of Antigua and its initiatives, visit **Rotaract Antigua on Facebook** or follow **@rotaractantigua on Instagram**.
