Peace!
We are entering the second month of the second half of the year and for Rotarians this means Peace and Conflict Resolution/Prevention month! Each month so far, I have seen Rotarians taking outstanding action in response to this theme.
January saw a return to action and what an action-packed month it was for me and the District at large. Clubs came back from the December break and resumed the breath-taking variety of meetings that present great learning opportunities from the exceptional speakers chosen. I had problems selecting which meetings to attend. The common thing is that most of the engagements spoke to the theme of the month!
We also had, for the first time in the District, a mid-term review webinar where the members of the District Executive Committee made presentations of how far we have progressed against our District goals. A recording of the webinar is available for those who missed the event and want to catch up on the status of our progress.
January also saw the holding of one of the series of RI Presidential Conferences in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This was a blended event physical and virtual event whose focus was to explore how to create meaningful connections between Rotaractors and Rotarians.
Rotary opens Opportunities!
Fast forward to February with its focus on Peace and Conflict Resolution and Prevention. During this month, we will not only endeavour to bring individuals, our communities and societies to understand each other, but to also to foster peace with one another. Peace is an essential component to the prosperity and health of any individual, community and ultimately, any nation.
Peace is a core element of our mission and was introduced as on object of Rotary in amendments to the constitutions of Rotary International and that of clubs in 1921, following the first World War. The amendment – “to aid in the advancement of international peace and goodwill through a fellowship of business and professional men of all nations united in the Rotary ideal of service” – still rings true today.
Projects undertaken in Rotary’s seven areas of focus address many of the underlying causes of conflicts such as poverty, ethnic tensions, unequal distribution of resources and lack of education opportunities. Action by Rotarians create environments where peace can thrive!
The Rotary Foundation offers 130 Peace Fellowships each year. The program seeks to develop the capacity of peace and development professionals or practitioners to become experienced and effective catalysts for peace.
We have a personal responsibility to become the beacons of peace in our District. This may seem a difficult call. Peace does not come overnight but is achieved through targeted and resolute action taken over time. We must first be the example for others to follow. Our promotion and taking action through the objects of Rotary and the personal application of the Four Way Test will build the trust that is necessary for each of us to become true peace ambassadors.
Across the District we have many Rotarians who are already involved in peace building activities.
In South Sudan, Rotarians has been organizing football leagues within the communities where they live as a means of fostering togetherness. Football leagues across the world have an avid following in the country and it was only natural that the game would be the one to involve a large part of the community and especially the future generation.
We are also acutely aware of the conflict that is affecting the northern part of Ethiopia. Many Rotarians are working to promote peace starting within Rotary itself recognizing that the diversity within could be affected by the external realities. Action is also being taken to promote peace within the communities where Rotarians live as well as in business and government.
Rotary in Ethiopia has also just launched a new Peace Ambassadorial Scholarship programme jointly with the Institute for Economics and Peace. 500 selected individuals will be sponsored to attend a bespoke Peace Ambassador Education. The six-week program will be given online, via webinars, readings and peace projects following which the graduands will be deployed into the communities they were drawn from. The participants will be drawn from Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, the creative industries and the Reconciliation Commission.
Our attention is also on Eritrea. Our District Governor Nominee Azeb Asrat, several Rotarians and I are working to create avenues of engagement as we seek the best way to re-establish Rotary in the country. We recognise the bold steps taken by the leadership in Ethiopia and Eritrea that is the cornerstone to restoring peace.
Finally, to Kenya. We are acutely aware of the pain and suffering that resulted from the post-election violence in 2007. As each election approaches, the country experiences heightened tensions that are generated by the sometimes reckless political conversations taking place during pollical rallies, funerals, church services, meetings and in social places. I urge the family of Rotary (Interact, Rotaract and Rotary), individually and collectively, to become agents of peace. We should engage our various constituencies – be they work, social or familial – on the value of tolerance, understanding and peace.
On a global basis, we are seeing tensions rising as a result of political realignments, elections and the deterioration of the trade and economic order. Seldom has the role of Rotary been more important. We have to be intentional about fostering peace and dirty our hands in not only preaching peace but to prevent or resolve conflict.
I believe that peace is pertinent to the growth of Rotary in any country. We shall best realize our Rotary goals in a peaceful environment.
From My wife Terry Obath and I,
Have a Peaceful month!
