Pupils from Saundersfoot CP School have been learning about the work of Rotary organisations to support World Polio Day and the continuing fight worldwide to eradicate polio.

The day commenced with an information session conducted by Siff Nielsen, Technical Officer at the World Health Organisation, who joined, by video from Copenhagen, during which she talked about the importance of their worldwide immunisation programmes and was able to answer questions from the children.

After a light lunch provided by the Rotary Club, the children had an opportunity to learn more about the history of Saundersfoot Harbour and the local coal industry during visits to the Heritage Centre and Schooner.

Saundersfoot Harbour staff took time out of their day to support the visit and shared their expertise and knowledge.

As the activities for World Polio Day drew to a close, the schooner situated on the harbour decking was once again illuminated purple in what has become an annual tradition.

As the activities for World Polio Day drew to a close, the schooner situated on the harbour decking was once again illuminated purple in what has become an annual tradition.
As the activities for World Polio Day drew to a close, the schooner situated on the harbour decking was once again illuminated purple in what has become an annual tradition. (PIc supplied)

The colour purple is used because it represents Rotary’s support for the fight against polio and the vaccination efforts that protect children worldwide.

Purple dye is used to mark vaccinated children, symbolizing their immunity and our collective commitment to eradicating this disease.

As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the Rotary organisation has helped reduce polio cases by 99.9 percent since its first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.

Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free.

If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

Pupils from St Oswald’s VA Primary School’s Dosbarth Oak were also invited to the event and to church recently as well to plant crocuses for World Polio Awareness Day. All classes from the school located in the village of Jeffreyston will be planting crocuses in school with members of Saundersfoot Rotary in November.

If you’d like to know more about Saundersfoot Rotary or you are interested in helping or even joining the club, please contact them at: [email protected]