Rotarians in Ethiopia All Set For The #WeAreOne Rotary Year
By Hannah Abebe
Rotary District 9212 Governor Leonard Ithau presided over the joint installation of incoming Presidents from 13 Rotary Clubs in Ethiopia last month. The hybrid event had 90 guests physically present and others attending virtually.
“The evening was filled with joy and camaraderie which exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and partnership that Rotary stands for,’’ Ithau said.
The theme for the new Rotary Year for District 9212 (Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea) is #WeAreOne! The theme emphasizes the importance of coming together, working as a team and making a collective impact on the communities we serve.
“I am confident these Rotary clubs will inspire transformative change and leave a lasting legacy, supporting and uplifting each other in our shared mission to create positive change as we unite under the banner of #WeAreOne!’’ the District Governor said.
The ceremony commenced with the current club presidents presenting a comprehensive overview of their achievements, challenges, and initiatives undertaken during their tenure. This briefing not only highlighted the diverse projects implemented by each club, but also shed light on the impact they had on various sectors such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and economic development. The exchange of ideas and best practices during this session set the stage for a collaborative atmosphere that would foster future joint endeavors.
Club Members Recognition:
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of club members is crucial to maintaining their motivation and dedication. During the ceremony, outstanding individuals were acknowledged for their exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to Rotary’s ideals. By publicly appreciating these individuals, the event aimed to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and further elevate the spirit of service within the community.
New Members Induction
Welcoming new members into the Rotary family is an essential aspect of sustaining growth and diversity. The joint installation ceremony provided an ideal platform for inducting new members who were eager to contribute to Rotary’s mission.
Vision of the Year by Incoming Presidents:
Each incoming Presidents shared their vision for the year ahead, outlining their goals and aspirations to address pressing community needs. This segment not only encouraged collaboration among clubs but also inspired new members to actively participate in shaping Rotary’s future.
Briefing of the Year by the Current Country Chair:
As an integral part of the ceremony, the current country chair Henock Alemayehu presented an overview of the collective achievements and milestones attained by Rotary clubs throughout Ethiopia. This briefing highlighted the impact Rotary had on a national scale, underscoring the importance of collaboration and unified efforts in driving sustainable change. The country chair’s report also shed light on the challenges faced and lessons learned, providing valuable insights for future endeavors. After his presentation, CC Henock conceded by saying “This is all done with love and zero cost from the office”
Country Team Recognition:
Recognizing the dedication and hard work of clubs & members was another crucial aspect of the ceremony.
The Rotary Club of Finot has been awarded as best Ethiopian club of the year, Wenze Selame has been awarded as best service project of the year and Rtn Sharon Ashton from RC Addis Ababa West was awarded as best Rotarian of the year from Ethiopia.
By acknowledging their contributions, the event aimed to foster a sense of unity and appreciation among all participants.
Vision for Next Year by the Incoming Country Chair:
The ceremony culminated with the incoming country chair Hanna Abebe sharing her vision for the upcoming year. This inspiring address outlined the strategic direction, goals, and priorities that would guide Rotary’s efforts in Ethiopia. By presenting a clear vision, the incoming country chair motivated all participants to actively engage in realizing Rotary’s potential to create lasting change. CCE Hanna concluded by saying “As we do all our duties, we look forward for blessed/lasting achievements. May we be lead by the creator’s guidance.”
Conclusion:
The joint installation and handover ceremony marked a significant milestone in the history of Rotary clubs in Ethiopia. Through the exchange of ideas, recognition of achievements, and sharing of visions, this event served as a catalyst for collaboration, unity, and continued growth. As all clubs move forward together, they are poised to make an even greater impact in their communities and beyond. With their collective experience and knowledge, these champions of change look forward for blessed achievements. They are ready to embrace new challenges and create a brighter future for all.
Congratulations to the following Rotary Clubs present:
Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Entoto Rotary Club of Addis Ababa , Rotary Club of Addis Ababa West ,Rotary Club of Addis Ababa East , Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Bole, Finot Rotary Club Addis Ababa , Rotary Club Of Addis Ababa Central Mella ,Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Sheger,Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Arada , Rotary Club of Debreberhan, Rotary Club of Axum ,Rotary Club of Gondar Fasiilledes and Rotary Club of Hawassa Lake.
