Rotary Club of Mombasa Awards Good Citizens
By Pauline Awuor
The Rotary Club of Mombasa holds its esteemed Good Citizen Award ceremony every Rotary Vocational Service month, with a primary goal of seeking out leaders who inspire and motivate others toward life improvement within society.
In January the club hosted a luncheon at the Mombasa Chini Club, where it recognized outstanding individuals across three categories: Women Empowerment, Walking for Peace and Health, and Mental Health.
Among the recipients was Idris Abdirahman, a retired soldier, who received the Good Citizen Award in the “Walking for Peace and Health” category. Idris has been instrumental in promoting the well-being of Mombasa residents by encouraging them to embrace walking for health benefits.
His journey began after a health scare, prompting him to inspire over 3,000 residents to walk an average of 20 kilometers to different parts of Mombasa County and its environs. This initiative is intended to improve overall health, promote weight loss, better manage chronic diseases and alleviate stress levels. With 48 editions of the walk completed, totaling 960 kilometers collectively, Idris’ efforts symbolize the transformative power of adopting walking as a lifestyle change.
“This award isn’t just a personal triumph; it symbolizes the collective success of the Mombasa Walk Movement,’’ he said, “It underscores the transformative power of embracing walking as a simple yet profound lifestyle change.”
The second award was presented to Amina Abdalla, who serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals facing mental health challenges through the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network-Mental Rescue Center, which she established five years ago.
Amina’s dedication to holistic care has positively impacted the lives of over 500 patients, providing both mental health treatment and skill development opportunities. With a current capacity of 120 patients, the center offers vocational training in welding, tailoring, cosmetology, electrical engineering and computer classes.
She ensures that patients not only recover but also gain independence and self-reliance. Her vision extends beyond the center, by offering ongoing support, monitoring, and free medication to discharged patients and facilitating their seamless reintegration into their communities.
Recipients of the awards expressed their gratitude to the club for organizing the event and for acknowledging, as well as honoring, the remarkable dedication to community service. The club expressed its commitment to continue awarding individuals who inspire the community toward creating a better world.
