From the rural fields of North Karnataka to the coastal towns of Goa, Lions District 317B brings together a diverse membership—farmers and cosmopolitan professionals united by a shared commitment to service. This unique district, spanning 12 revenue districts of North Karnataka and the entire state of Goa, perfectly embodies the Lions spirit through its 110 clubs serving vastly different communities.
District Governor Manoj Manek MJF recognized a critical challenge facing government schools across the district: inadequate washroom facilities for girls. Understanding that this basic infrastructure gap was forcing many of them to abandon their education, he declared the construction of girls’ washrooms as the district’s flagship project for 2024-2025.
Proper washrooms ensure privacy, help manage menstrual hygiene and reduce health risks. For countless girls, especially in rural areas, the absence of safe, private sanitation facilities creates an insurmountable barrier to education. Each washroom represents more than concrete and plumbing—it symbolizes dignity, safety, and opportunity.
The response from Lions Clubs has been remarkable. Twenty clubs accepted the District Governor’s challenge, committing to transform schools where facilities were either nonexistent or in deplorable condition. Eight projects have already been inaugurated, with the remaining expected to be completed in the next couple of months.
The impact of the project extends far beyond the ₹1 crore investment. Every completed washroom represents dozens of young women who will now finish their schooling, pursue careers, and break cycles of limited opportunity.