100 Days of Rotary Stories: District Reflects on a Legacy of Service

By Caroline Njiru,

We began the ‘100 Days of Rotary Stories’ campaign on July 1st with a simple yet bold ambition: to inspire Rotary Clubs across District 9212 to share their stories—stories of service, impact, and the quiet yet powerful ways Rotary changes lives. Also as we celebrated a centenary since the first Rotary District conference in Africa, we knew there was no better way to honor 100 years of service than by showcasing the legacy of Rotary’s accomplishments.

At the heart of this campaign was a belief my team and I held dear: storytelling has the power to spur impact. When people see the humanity behind the projects, the faces behind the numbers, and the hearts behind the work, they are compelled to act, contribute, and join in the effort. That’s what we wanted—to encourage clubs to boldly share their stories, unafraid to let the world witness the remarkable work being done in our communities.

We set out to share 144 stories in 100 days, uncertain of what lay ahead but eager to dive in. Like all great stories, this campaign unfolded with unexpected twists and moments of excitement on Rotary District 9212’s social media platforms

The journey began with excitement. Clubs from Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Eritrea began submitting stories—testimonies of transformation that left us in awe. Some projects were unknown to many, yet their impact was undeniable. We kicked off with an initiative from the Rotary Club of Nairobi, the first club to be chartered in our District in 1930. Their “Sleeping Children Project,” which began as a modest effort to provide bed kits for children in underserved communities, became a symbol of hope. These bed kits didn’t just offer children a place to rest; they provided security, warmth, and a sense of belonging.

It wasn’t just the scale of the projects that struck me, but the way these stories were told. Members poured their hearts into narrating the details, describing the faces of the children, the tears of joy from mothers, and the pride in their own hearts. One story that has stayed with me was from the Sunshine Rally, an event that brings together children living with disabilities for a day of joy and inclusion. A young boy, attending the rally for the first time, shared, “It was like the sun shone a little brighter for me that day. For once, I wasn’t just the boy in a wheelchair; I was a kid like everyone else, laughing and playing.” His words resonated deeply with me. This was the magic of storytelling—his simple words made Rotary’s impact tangible and real.

As the campaign progressed, we uncovered some stories that surprised us and inspired us as well. One that particularly stood out was about the Village Supplier Utility System in Maiwut, South Sudan. The Rotary Club of Juba, chartered in 2010, had taken on the formidable task of bringing clean water to a region where none existed. What we didn’t anticipate was how the villagers, once struggling with disease from contaminated water, had become stewards of their new water system, ensuring its maintenance for future generations. It wasn’t just a project—it was a spark of empowerment.

The journey was not without its challenges. Coordinating stories across four countries, ensuring each one captured the essence of Rotary’s mission, and maintaining the momentum for 100 days felt at times like running a marathon without an end in sight. But with every story that came in, we found ourselves re-energized. Each story was a reminder of why we started and why it mattered. We weren’t just documenting projects; we were joining together the impact of Rotary’s legacy in Africa.

In Ethiopia, the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa, the first club to be chartered in Ethiopia in 1955, launched a school feeding program for children attending classes on empty stomachs. This simple act—feeding children—led to improved academic performance, better health, and smiles from children who no longer had to choose between learning and eating. It was a story that stirred emotions, not because of its scale, but because of its profound humanity.

Today as we put out our 144th story on day 100, we realize that we have achieved something greater than we set out to do. These weren’t just stories; they were windows into the soul of Rotary. They were proof that service, in all its forms, has the power to change the world.

Looking back, I see this campaign not just as a celebration of our past but as a call to action for our future. Storytelling is not just about recounting what we’ve done—it’s about inviting others to be part of the journey. It’s about showing the world that Rotary’s work is far from over and that there’s always room for more hearts and hands.

Rotary District 9212 ‘s Governor Joe Kamau, captured this sentiment perfectly when he said, “Rotary’s legacy is written not in the grand gestures, but in the small, consistent acts of kindness that ripple through generations. As we reflect on 100 years of service, we must continue to share these stories because it is through them that we inspire others to join us in making a difference.”

As we move forward, I encourage every Rotary Club to continue sharing their stories. Let us not be silent about the work we do. When we tell our stories, we give life to the impact we’ve made, and we inspire others to join us in making a difference. Here’s to the next chapter—one of continued service, bold storytelling, and new stories waiting to be told.

Caroline Njiru is Rotary District 9212’s Public Image Chair 2023-2025