Creating Synergy Between Rotarians and Interactors in DISTRICT 9212
In another 31 years from today, the current Interactors will be close to 50 years of age: which is the current average Rotarians age in District 9212. Come the year 2050, our Rotary District population, excluding Eritrea, will reach an estimated 355 Million: South Sudan 38M, Kenya 107M and Ethiopia 210M.
This population upsurge is a “challenge multiplier” to our Rotary district, which is already struggling with economic challenges and political instability. Imagine how much more of these challenges our Interactors will have to cope with in 2050?
It’s often said the future belongs to those who have the ability to foresee it and sacrifice the pleasures of the present to gain it.Here are some of some suggestions on where we, as Rotarians, can start from, in preparing Interactors for their reality tomorrow:
Let’s put a premium on the value and importance of Human connection: I encourage Rotarians to develop a relationship with Interactors. This shall enable learning from the best in business and all professions. Be an inspiration as espoused in the Four way test. Positive qualities’ transfer can only happen through a human connection. Equip our Interactors early with skills that the school curriculum does not offer.
Interactors ought to know now that ours is NOT a perfect world. Through Community and International service projects at their level, encourage them to conceptualize solutions for the challenges we face now. The analytical skills picked today, will be evident as they provide leadership against our odds tomorrow.
Are Interactors demanding on your time? How about, in your sunset years, these Interactors coming through to tell you “Rotarian, you made a difference in my life!” What counts in the final analysis is a legacy of relationships that can never disappear! Legacies require time. Make time while the sun shines! Past President Darsi Lotay of Rotary Club of Nairobi introduced me to Interact on the 20th of February 1986. He was at hand to help us start our Rotaract Club at Moi University in 1988. He is a champion I continue to look up to!
Every Interactor deserves a champion. Someone who will never give up on them, who understand the power of connection and insist they become the best they can possibly be. Is this tough? Maybe, but it is not impossible!
We can do this because We are Rotarians, We’re born to make a difference!
By Gideon Akwabi – District Interact Chair
