September 13th 2018 officially marked the end of a three year project to build a science laboratory at a school in a small town called Gaiceana in Romania. The work undertaken by Rotary involved converting a classroom into a state of the art science laboratory providing fixtures, fittings and equipment.

The project was financed by the Rotary Clubs of Wigan in England and Bacau in Romania together with significant support from Rotary International based at their headquarters in Chicago.

The local authority in Romania supported the work by building an extension to the classroom to accommodate a preparation and storage room. As part of the project, science teachers from Gaiceana have travelled to England to spend time in the science department of Shevington High School.

At the opening ceremony John Wright, President of Wigan Rotary Club paid tribute to the work of Rotarian Stan Cooper as the driving force of the project. He said that this ‘was a truly international project, and demonstrated admirably what can be achieved when like-minded groups of people work together with a common aim’.

Sixteen members and friends of Wigan Rotary attended the opening of the new facility which was heralded by the playing of the two national anthems and a blessing from the local priest. They were then invited to tour the laboratory and observe a science lesson. The hospitality of the school was extended to the party with a performance of traditional dance and songs and typical Romanian meal.