Successful Rotary projects can start with the idea of just one person with a vision.

Article by D9810 2012-13 PDG Brian Martin, Rotary Club of Box Hill Central

Mark Balla, while on a business trip in India, met two young men on a train. Tauseef and Fahim told Mark that many schools in India did not have toilets for girls. Mark was shocked by this news and on his return to Australia, Mark contacted the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central and proposed a project to address this issue. The club willingly endorsed the idea and, as a result, Mark joined the club and Operation Toilets Australia (OTA) was established in 2014.

Having a great idea for a Rotary club project is one thing; how it is implemented is another. Mark not only brought a great idea to the club, but he also brought with it an innate skill in networking and promotion backed up by an effective committee of management made up of members of the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central. If you then add great in-country partners and cooperating organisations and the support of Rotary clubs and districts throughout the world and The Rotary Foundation you arrive at our current situation where OTA has completed, has in progress or has in planning water and sanitation projects in India, Ethiopia, and Nepal to the value of A$1.3 million.

Past President Mark was honoured in recognition of his vision and efforts to change the educational opportunity for girls with an invitation for a private audience with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was held in Sydney on Tuesday 16 May.

The Rotary Club of Box Hill Central is very proud of Mark’s achievements and have appreciated the opportunity to be involved in such a far-reaching project that has changed the lives of others.

Please click here to see a short interview that was posted on the Prime Minister’s YouTube channel which shows Mark Balla (wearing his PHF pin) talking about sanitation.

Operation Toilets Australia (OTA) builds toilets and delivers hygiene education programs in schools in developing countries with the special aim of improving the educational opportunities for adolescent girls who often extremely disadvantaged in the school environment in developing countries.