Serve To Empower
Happy October Family of Rotary!
We begin this month straight off an eventful month of September that saw the RI President Shekhar Mehta and his wife Rashi, visit our District for 6 days; split between Ethiopia and Kenya. During his visit, we were able to have high-profile meetings with the heads of states in the two countries that have resulted in new partnerships with the governments that will serve to change lives and significantly increase the impact of our community service.
After our meeting with H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya’s government pledged to donate 1.5 million trees to our 10million tree challenge this year under our environment focus area. On matters health, the government will provide us with the infrastructure to set up a blood bank that will save the lives of many as well establish 10 eye hospitals to cater for cataract operations. This is in addition to our planned heart surgeries for children initiative that hopes to enable hundreds of young children receive corrective treatment in India and will also entail Medical Missions visits by heart specialists from India, who will in turn train local doctors to handle similar surgeries in future.
In literacy and education, Rotary Clubs in the District will implement the Safe Return to Schools and Loving Classrooms Initiative aimed at promoting social cohesion and positive relationships among communities, starting with children in primary and secondary schools. Rotary will also promote the uptake of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the introduction of audio-visual material to complement classroom and lab-based studies as well as provide a dignified learning environment for all girls.
In Ethiopia, we held meetings with both President H.E Sahlework Zewde at the Presidential palace and Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen at the Ministry of Foreign affairs. During the discussions, both President Sahlework and Deputy Prime Minister Demeke said it was in the interest of the Ethiopian government to support Rotary as we worked along the Ethiopian government’s priority areas. The government also pledged to support the organization of the 4th All African Zone 22 Institute to be held in Addis Ababa next year. See https://rotaryinstituteaddis.com/ to learn more.
October is Rotary’s Economic Community Development Month and a wonderful time of year to reflect on our role in financially empowering the underprivileged.
Unemployment, lack of economic opportunity, lack of appropriate training, and the absence of social safety have caused a poverty rate of almost 40% in Africa which fortunately can be reversed by sustainable interventions. As Rotarians, we continue to take up the call to serve by creating sustainable productive employment opportunities especially for women, people with disabilities, youth, and the extremely poor. One of the ways we are doing this is by embracing the Adopt a Village initiative that empowers a specific community to become self-sufficient over a well-defined period of time. Get your club involved and make a difference in community development.
This month we also concentrate on another Rotary focus area; Disease prevention and treatment by shining a light on 3 major areas;
October is dear to Rotarians as it is the month that we commemorate World Polio Day on the 24th of October. After 30 years of fighting, we’re closer than ever to eradicating polio but we’re not done yet. We still need funds to continue immunizations and surveillance efforts. I call on every member to apportion their Rotary Foundation donation to the End Polio initiative. We can also participate in the World Polio day celebration by coming up with activities that creating awareness for this cause.
Secondly, October is also the month that we spread awareness on the importance of handwashing as we celebrate Global Handwashing Day on 15th October 2021. Let us all play our part in sensitizing our schools and community on this simple way to fight disease by providing training, soap, and hand wash stations on the day.
Finally, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. The District has lined up a series of events this month to promote cancer awareness. We will be walking and planting trees in memory of fallen cancer heroes on the 16th as well as having a men’s only sensitization cancer webinar on the 22nd, with more cancer activities slotted over the coming months. Look out for details on how you can participate.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have had the pleasure to visit over 50 Rotary clubs on my official visits where I have met many of you and been warmly received. I have been overwhelmed by the expanse of passion that Rotarians demonstrate in their willingness to serve diligently. I am glad to see the enthusiasm on call to action of ONE LOVE during these visits. I have managed to physically visit the Ethiopia and Coast Regions where I was further amazed by the impact we are making in spreading goodwill. As I look forward to meeting all Rotarians in the District, I am happy with the sense of family that is focused on our goal; FUN IN SERVICE.
“The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired. One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.”
― Gordon B. Hinckley.
One Love,
District Governor
Alex Nyaga
Helpful Contacts:
- Adapt a Village: PAG Erick Ndenga: (254) 722442905
- World Polio Day: Dr. Janet Macharia: (254) 728600106
- Global Handwashing Day: AG Dr. Patrisio Njeru: (254) 728712718
- Cancer Awareness: Ann Vanlauwe: (+254)733813895
- Safe Return to Schools and Loving Classrooms Initiative: Dr. Josephine Ojiambo(254) 799744560
- Sunshine Rally: IPCC Saum Siraj (254) 712179851
