www.reachouttoafrica.org. ISSUE 5 – NOV 2014 Issue 5 / November 2014 vestibulum: lorem Fusce tellus enim, semper vitae, malesuada vitae, condimentum vel, ligula. ipsum Vivamus in ipsum et nisl fringilla eleifend. Donec pulvinar placerat massa. Sed nec lorem. REACH OUT TO AFRICA NEWSLETTER page 3 OCTOBER 2014 – ISSUE #4 Pellentesque ullamcorper ultricies turpis. Integer est. Sed nec lacus. Nunc est. lorem INSIDE: Aenean diam velit, rutrum vitae, tempor ut, sodales eget, mauris. Sed nec lacus. Inside: CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE ROTARY INSTITUTE ZONE 20A/B: Countdown to Marrakech Fusce mollis IN THIS ISSUE: DOINGfelis. GOOD IN THE WORLD: A perfect tempus way to Light up Rotary CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE: It’s “Sed libero. Maecenas est mi, ROTARY IN AFRICA: Focus on District Vocational Services Month vestibulum 2452 id, euismod non, EDUCATION: A look at RC Cape vestibulum quis, mi. PROJECTS SEEKING Town's Education Fund FUNDING Mauris consequat FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES: RC Vacoas Launch Diabetes Guide ROTARACT CORNER: Outstanding Project Awards dolor a sapien.” And much more… POLIO STOP: All Eyes on Kano State ROTARY IN AFRICA: Focus on District 2451 - Egypt PROJECTS SEEKING FUNDING: Adopt A Learner AND MUCH MORE... Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 See You In Marrakech The count down to the ROTA ground breaking Strategic Planning Conference in Marrakesh, is now just a few days away! I sincerely hope that by now all our Regional Chairs have finalised their Regional strategic Plans, ready for presentation to the rest of Africa. I have come to learn that two issues challenge our Marrakesh meeting: one is the threat of Ebola, which has afflicted some parts of West Africa. The other relates to the challenges that some Rotarians, including myself, have been experiencing in trying to secure travel visas to Morocco. To kick off our historic meeting in Marrakesh, I have invited, an outstanding past President of RI, who over the years has championed humanitarian work across Africa. Every time I listen to him speak, I am always moved to hear his passion for Africa. On the issue of Ebola, information available to me assures that measures have been put in place in affected countries to ensure that those who are travelling in and out of these countries are clinically protected. Ebola should therefore not affect attendance at our meeting at all. I have invited Past RI President Raja Saboo, who I am sure is well known to all of us to kick start our meeting, with his reflections on the Future of Rotary in Africa. He will motivate us during the cocktail reception, which I will be hosting on the evening of Sunday 16th November. Be sure to arrive in A more vexing issue is the acquisition of visas for Rotarians coming from countries where there are no Moroccan diplomatic missions, like my own country, Zambia. Serious problems are being encountered and could affect attendance at our meeting. CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE PDG Patrick D. Chisanga ROTA Chair 2014/15 good time. Mark Your Calendars: RI Zone 20A/B Institute, Marrakesh, Morocco: 11-16 November, 2014 ROTA Meeting, Marrakesh, Morocco: 17-18 November, 2014 2015 RI Convention, Sao Paolo, Brazil: 6-9 June, 2015 2 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE… continued from pg 2 Issue 5/ November 2014 I would like to appeal to the Moroccan Rotarians to prevail upon the Moroccan authorities, to consider issuing Visas to Rotarians on arrival at the ports of Entry. It can be done. We did it before in 2012, when District 9210 hosted the RI Institute in Zambia. I am looking forward to seeing you all in Marrakesh. Your Partner in lighting Up Rotary in Africa. EDITOR’S NOTE EDITOR’S NOTE Geeta Manek Newsletter Editor 2014/15 My Fellow Rotarians and friends, The year is literally winding down and nearing its end. It’s October already, our PDG Geeta Manek Vocational Services ROTA Newsletter Editor Month and it feels like 2014/15 just the other day when we sent out our first ROTA issue. Countdown to Marrakech Are you as excited as I am about the upcoming Marrakech Institute? The November Institute is finally upon us and it promises to be FANTASTIC. I look forward to featuring some of the Institutes stories in our December issue, for those who may not be able to participate this year; especially our cross continental partners. But to whet your appetites now, so that you can make that decision to finalise your travel plans, just in case you haven’t already, this issue includes some cool and fun facts about Morocco, our Institute destination country. Overall, I hope you’ll love our compilation. November is also Foundation month and our ROTA Secretary PDG Okwor, shares his thoughts on the same. This and more… improvement suggestions you may want incorporated in subsequent issues of, even sharing what you don’t like. We are still working hard to source Rotary stories from all over the continent. I urge you friends, to help make our ROTA issue as diverse and as inclusive in content and quality as possible. We are so many districts and clubs. Each one of us has a great story to share. Please note our article guideline. Articles should strictly be 200 to 400 words (500 words max) and accompanied by a high quality image/ picture. Email us at Geeta@maneknet.com by the 15th of the month. As always my dear friends, Happy Reading! Viva Rotary in Africa! www.Reachouttoafrica.org I welcome feedback on any 3 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 FROM THE SECRETARY’S DESK Doing good in the world A Perfect Way To ‘Light Up Rotary’ The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is the mirror by which the world views Rotary. Basically, all humanitarian projects and programs of Rotary International (RI) are undertaking by the Foundation. Without TRF, Rotary will just be a mere social club. Our Foundation (that is your Foundation and my Foundation) distinguishes us from other service organizations. TRF is the oxygen that is keeping us alive. No one can survive without oxygen. Impliedly, our continuous survival is largely dependent on our continuous support to TRF. Unfortunately, some of us have an unenviable record of giving zero dollars to TRF. What that means is that some of us have never donated to TRF. I want us to draw an analogy between payment of dues which is an income accruable to Rotary International (RI) and wilful giving to TRF. RI and TRF are two separate entities managed by two separate sets of Rotarians running different accounts and executing different programs. Payment of dues to your club does not translate to giving to TRF. Some of us are one-time givers. We boast that we are already Paul Harris Fellows (PHFs) or Benefactors and that is all there is to it. While thanking you for your earlier donation, I wish to reiterate that your money has been judiciously utilized on projects and programs that addressed the need of the society. Your money has no doubt saved lives somewhere, but there are numerous problems still begging our attention and support. We should therefore cultivate the habit of giving to TRF annually. Most Rotarians who pride in being PHFs should make a major gift to TRF and become major donors or Arch Klump Society members. PDG Lawrence Okwor ROTA Secretary 2014/15 The Chair of ROTA, PDG Patrick D. Chisanga has made giving and participation in TRF one of his major emphasis for Africa. Districts are enjoined to form Paul Harris Societies, which is a commitment by Rotarians to give a minimum of $1,000 to the Annual Programs Fund 4 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 annually. Similarly, no club should record zero giving and no Rotarian should let a Rotary year pass by without giving (however minimal) to the Foundation. I must emphasise that giving to the Foundation is not for the rich, but for those who understand the true meaning of Rotary. It is by Rotarians and friends intent on sharing their limited resources with others. Friends, the surest way to ‘light up Rotary’ in our world today, remains to contribute handsomely to TRF. In so doing, Rotary will be empowered to continue doing good in the world. 5 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 COUNTDOWN… MARRAKESH INSTITUTE: ONE MORE WEEK DATES: 11th to 16th November 2014, Marrakesh, Morocco. This year’s Zone 20B GETS and Institute that will be held in Marrakesh, Morocco is only ONE WEEK away. It has been expanded in size and scope to accommodate participants from all of Zone 20. This decision followed the unfortunate cancellation of the Accra, Ghana Zone 20A GETS and Institute following the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. If you had made early arrangements to attend the Accra GETS/Institute, don’t worry; you can still enjoy an Institute meeting this year, by attending the corresponding meetings in Marrakech NEXT WEEK. Looking Forward to Seeing You in Morocco! Register on: http://rotarymarrakechinstitute2014.ma 6 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 FEATURE: OH MARRAKESH… Oh Marrakech, the setting for many a book. If you’re an avid reader like I am, you will be glad to know that there are over 83 fiction and non-fiction books set in Marrakech. Over 1,000 years old, Marrakech is said to have for a long time enchanted writers, film stars, colonialists, con artists, fashion icons, hippies and rock stars. Simply, it’s deeply rich tapestry is enough to get many an author’s creative juices going. In a week’s time, Rotarians from Zone 20A and B are off to the city of Marrakech in the North West of Morocco. You will be glad to know that this city is the third largest after Casablanca and Rabat and is the most visited in Morocco. So to say that the backdrop of this years’ Rotary Institute is perfect, would be putting it mildly. So what can we expect? A sneak insight at a couple of online reviews and traveller logs provides a backdrop of what to expect of this intoxicating Medina city. I thought to share a few pointers picked up from past visitor and tourist reviews. 1. Uniqueness: If you’re a frequent traveller, first off, expect it to be unlike anywhere else you’ve been. Expect to be welcomed with an assault to your senses, a mish mash of noises, smells, traffic, not forgetting the haggling and the heat. In the words of blogger traveller Elle Croft, “There is just nothing subtle about this beautiful African city”. Lilian Okado Club President, RC Muthaiga 2014/15 7 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 OH MARRAKESH cont’… 2. Cash is King: ATMs are not very easy to find within the ancient medina and the ones that can be found at Jemaa el-Fna the main square, don’t always accept foreign cards. When you land at the Marrakech Menara Airport, remember to visit the Forex Bureau located at arrivals, you will have a better time getting around with local currency. 3. When in Rome dress like the Romans: Morocco is a hot country, but it’s also a devoutly Muslim country. It’s tempting to reveal all in the heat, but be sensitive and keep your short shorts home, especially if you’re female. You can’t go wrong with conservative clothing. For the gents that would be t-shirts over tank tops, and for women: covered shoulders and knee length skirts over bare backs. 4. Enjoy Getting Lost: Enjoy the twists and turns and unmarked streets of Marrakech. You will see some bright signs in the main square, but it appears these signs are wrong! I am not sure if this is deliberate or not. If you choose to follow them, get ready to go in circles and further down into the winding alleys of the souks. I suppose that’ why they’re there. 5. Enjoy the buzz: Marrakech is a city abuzz most of the time. From cars to, bicycles, motorcycles, donkeys, horses, donkeys with trailers, horses with carriages, stray cats and plenty of other pedestrians crisscrossing their way across the streets. With no footpaths, no lanes and very few traffic lights, a constant buzz is a great descriptor for the continual activity. lifestyle of the city take a cab. The medina area is small, so you can get around easily. You can also cab it at 40 Dirhams, which is less than £3.50 and experience the crazy traffic like a local would. 7. Haggling is ok: In Marrakech they are used to tourists, so they will be ok with you trying to get the best deal. So say you want to catch a cab, haggle for a reasonable price, and agree on the fare before you get in. You can expect to be charged more than double the locals, so haggle, especially if on a tight budget. It should cost you 30-40 Dirhams to get anywhere within the medina. The same goes for buying trinkets in the souks; don’t be shy about driving the price down, with a smile of course. And Lastly, 8. Don’t leave with your Dirhams: Important to note is the fact that the Dirham is a closed currency, you won’t be able to change it back on your way out. On your way in, don’t change excess cash unless you’re planning to use it all. But if you do get stuck with extra cash on your way out, the souks are a good place to dispose of it on beautiful leather goods, spices, rugs, or hundreds of other exotic gifts. Remember the traffic and relaxed pace of the city and plan to get to the airport with plenty of time, to avoid missing you flight back home. 6. Cab it for the thrill: If you’re visiting for a short while and want to experience the 8 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 Do you Know Your Neighbouring District? Arising from an invitation to address the 2014 Zones 30 and 31 Institute in Kansas City about doing projects in Africa, Past District Governor of District 9370, Nick Phillips, decided to compile a booklet showcasing all the Rotary districts on our beautiful continent. The vastness and complexities of Africa are little understood by many people and this booklet attempts to put the diversity and needs of our Rotary districts into some sort of perspective for our brothers and sisters outside the continent. Every month the ROTA editorial team, will serialize this booklet and highlight one Rotary district in Africa. Last month, we started with District 2451(Egypt). This month we continue with District 2452 comprising of nine countries namely, Lebanon, Cyprus, Jordan, Sudan, Bahrain, UAE, Georgia, Armenia and Palestine. 9 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 ROTARY IN AFRICA This month we focus on District 2452 Khartoum Rotary Club, in partnership with TRF, - sodales. District 9500, Adelaide West RC and the Rotary Clubs of Bahrain, successfully completed a project that supplies safe drinking water to more than 6,000 people (and their animals) living in 7 villages in the area of Migrih, which is in Gedarif State in the southeast of the Republic of the Sudan. District 2452: Lebanon, Cyprus, Jordan, Sudan, Bahrain, UAE, Georgia, Armenia and Palestine More than 84 years old, District 2452 comprises multi countries, multi cultures and multi languages. It is present in 3 continents and 9 countries of which Sudan is in Africa. Since 2013 our district has incorporated the countries of Lebanon, Cyprus, Jordan, Sudan, Bahrain, UAE, Georgia, Armenia and Palestine. If you would like to learn more about partnering with us, please contact 2014-2015 DG Khalil Alsharif at kmk2014.15@gmail.com. He will direct your enquiry to the correct club or district committee. At a cost of approx. US$120,000, the project provided two large fenced waterholes (known locally as “hafirs”) with a capacity of 30,000 cubic meters each to store rain water during the short rainy season for human and animal consumption and use. Each hafir includes a collection canal, collection, sedimentation and exit wells, a water treatment unit, a generator and a storage tank. Underground water is not accessible in the Migrih area, and prior to completion of the project, the people of Migrih had to purchase water (often unclean) from one small privatelyowned hafir at US$3 per barrel, which was more than twice the average daily income. 10 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 PROJECT WISH LIST To provide training to 275 village midwives in Khartoum State, the Republic of the Sudan: Khartoum Rotary Club successfully sponsored a one-week refresher-training course, for 30 village midwives (“VMWs”) - the provision of well-trained VMWs has been identified by various governmental and international bodies (including the UN) as necessary, to reduce maternal and child mortality rates in the Sudan which have continued to rise across the country in recent years. The training not only focused on enhancing the VMWs’ medical skills, but also on improving their leadership and Communication skills. The intention is that these VMWs will return to their communities empowered to actively promote maternal and child health and to campaign against issues such as female genital mutilation, child marriages and HIV/AIDs. To incentivize VMWs to attend the training, Khartoum Rotary Club provided a free midwifery medical kit to each participant. The training was done in collaboration with the Sudanese Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation, and Ahfad University for Women (which is renowned as a pioneer in female education and empowerment in the Sudan). Khartoum Rotary Club wishes to find Rotary clubs and districts to partner with in a TRF matching grant (total cost US$ 71,500) to provide these refresher-training courses to an additional 275 VMWs in Khartoum State. For more information on this project, please contact Past President Zuheir Saeed on email: zuheirsaeed@yahoo.com 11 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA OUR STORIES Issue 5/ November 2014 FROM INDIA TO RWANDA WITH LOVE Rwanda’s 3rd Medical Mission By DG Jean Runuya & PDG Jean-Pierre Lasseni Duboze D9150, 2012/13 This was a global grant project between District 9150 (host partners) and District 3080 (International Partners). Other key local partner in the host country Rwanda, was the Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Health. Tell me what is better: to see the expression on the face of a child following a successful operation, or to receive a hug from a child because they know you are there to help? Or is it the cry of a mother who knows because of her surgery, she will no longer live with her burden, or a blessing from an old lady, who sees hope through you? Thanks to Rotary Doctors from India, the under privileged communities of Rwanda now know that the Family of Rotary does not just comprise wealthy, thoughtless people who do not care about others, but real people whom they would want to be associated with for a lifetime. In September, for the 3rd year in a row, hundreds of Rwandese nationals, gained access to some of India’s top general and plastic surgeons; specifically a highly qualified team of 10 Surgeons (Orthopedic, plastic and maxillofacial), 4 anesthesiologists, 1 psychologist and 12 volunteers. For ten days in the month of August, 144 people underwent FREE complex and rare surgical procedures (Orthopedic, Maxillo-Facial and Plastic Surgery) at the Rotary Medical Training Mission; an experience that for most patients, was inarguably life 12 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 Rwanda’s 3rd Medical Mission cont’… transforming. The camp based at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), was ‘a very fruitful exercise’, according to DG Jean Runuya. It highlighted the effectiveness of Rotary as a community centred organisation to the entire Rwandan community and beyond. “Words cannot begin to express the value of being able to help the needy, with no strings attached. Because of Rotary, we are saving many lives. This is a real blessing and what the community needs,’ he stated. Col. Dilip Patnalik, the current DG of D3080, also expressed gratitude to the Rwandan government for giving them an opportunity to once again serve humanity and subsequently reduce patient backlog at the Teaching hospital. Past President of RI, Rajendra K. Saboo, also a member of the mission, noted though that despite the mission’s success, a gap continues exists in the number of surgeons available locally and there still is great need for the Rwanda government to train more. The camp received unexpected high numbers of beneficiaries that were well managed with sufficient supplies and equipment for patients. It was also a unique opportunity for the doctors from India to network and gain valuable local contacts, as well as contacts from Ministry of Health. According to Past President Saboo, these connections are of great importance for similar future projects. “Moreover,” he adds, “it illustrates so well the force of what can be done to relieve human misery through Rotary, its Foundation and the ROTA program, and deserves to be reproduced on the continent. END. RC Kasangati Family Day (D9211) The Rotary Day event for Rotary Club of Kasangati was held on Saturday October 11, 2014, at the Kaggo Ssaza Grounds in Kasangati. This was a very important and special event; very different from past celebrations held over the last 12 years, since the club’s charter. Organized in partnership with Centenary Bank Limited, Kasangati Saza authorities, Equity Bank, UgaChick, Shell Gayaza, Gifted Hands, Peter’s and TTB Investments, this fun day was in, Julie Kamuze-Musoke RC Kasangati 13 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 response to President Gary Huang's call for clubs to Light Up Rotary in 2014-2015. The day seeks to involve non-Rotarians and attract them to join Rotary. The Rotary Day coincided with celebrations of the club's Charter night on October 12. Unlike the normal celebrations of the Charter night, where we hold a Bazaar side by side with the medical outreach, this year was different. There were several activities including: Bicycle racing, a march in the community, football, netball, a bazaar, award giving and charter celebrations. In addition, children were thoroughly entertained. The day started off at 8:15 am with the bicycle race, flagged off by our own President, Florence Kanyike. The Red Cross Band then led Rotarians and other community members in a 5km march. This happened while footballers and netballers warmed up for their match, accompanied by Rotary music. The Bazaar, which was manned by Interactors, saw old usable items sell at fair prices. The Guest of Honour was Assistant Governor Fabian Kaasi, from the RC Kiwatule and the Managing Director of Centenary Bank Limited. In his remarks, AG Kaasi applauded RC Kasangati for having set the record this year with the Rotary Day Event. Several participants walked away with awards in form of cash and other items. Later in the evening, the club celebrated its Charter Night graced by IPDG Emmanuel Katongole, who applauded the club for the day's activities. He also inducted two members into the club increasing its membership by two, in the first quarter of the 2014-2015. The RC Kasangati Rotary Day, no doubt will be a day to remember for all who participated. 14 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 FRE: La Santé MèreEnfant et le Projet de Création d’une Unité de Soins Intensifs du RC Vacoas Par Rtn Nadia CHAN THIO HINE -BUNDHOO Même si une partie des mortalities chez les patients en ceintes sont inévitables, la plupart des décès maternels sont évitables à condition quell es soins nécessaires pour prévenir ougérer les complications soient connus. Le projet de construction d’une Unité de Soins Intensifs du RCV Dans tous les hôpitaux publics de Maurice, il existe des unites de soins intensifs chirurgicaux et médicaux, avec l'équipementet le personnel adéquat. L'obstétrique es tune spécialité qui nécessite aussi la mise en place d’unegestion et des soins spécifiques pour la mere et son bébé. déjà donnés on accord de principe pourquele Rotary Club de Vacoas crée cette unite obstétrica le de soins intensifs. Une space(salle) doit être identifié à l'hôpital Victoria et ce lasera fait en concertation avec le personnel de l'hôpital. Actuellement, les femme senceintes à hautrisque sont prise sencharge soitdanslesunitésdesoinsintensifsparmilesautres patients,soit dans les services«normaux»prenatals et post-natals alors qu’elle sont besoin d'une surveillance étroite specialise et dessoins intensifs parrapport aux femmes ayant des grossess es normales. Le Rotary Club de Vacoas devra rénover la sale identifiée et fournir tous les équipements nécessaires pour cette aile. Les équipements sont composes des équipements médicaux et non médicaux. La renovation de la sale se fera en gardant à l'espritl 'intimité et le confort des patients ainsi que du personnel. Ainsi, la construction d’une unite de soins intensifs d'obstétrique(OICU) vasans aucun doute contribuer à réduire le taux demorbiditéet demortalité maternelle des femmes à Maurice. Le OICU permettra d’accueillir les femmes enceintes présentant des risques élevés avant, pendant et après l'accouchement et ceci dans les meilleures conditions etres pect de leur vie privée. Le Ministère de la Santéet de la Qualité de viea Le personnel dédié aura tous les équipements nécessaires à portée demain eté voluer ont dansune space modern et confortable. Le résultat final attend sera la creation d'une nouvelle unite de soins équipée et permettant 15 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 La Santé Mère-Enfant et le Projet de Création d’une Unité de Soins Intensifs du RC Vacoas continue… Le personnel dédié aura tous les équipements nécessaires à portée demain eté voluer ont dansune space modern et confortable. Le résultat final attend sera la creation d'une nouvelle unite de soins équipée et permettant de traiter efficacement les patients à haut projet est de 3,5millions de Roupies. Le RCV est actuellement en phase de recherché de risque,dans un environnement privé moderne. Le budget nécessaire à la realisation de ce projet est de 3,5millions de Roupies. Le RCV est actuellement en phase de recherché de financement. Tous les généreux donateurs sont les bienvenus! PROFILE Up close and candid with the Uganda High Commissioner My take on being a Rotarian Born, bred and raised in Tosamaganga, a Catholic mission in Tanzania, HE Angelina Wapakhabulo, is a down to earth, proud grandmother of seven, who appreciates all the favours God has granted her. I met James, a Ugandan, while we were both students at the University of Dar es salaam and at 21 got married to him till death did us part 34 years later. Blessed with four children, I soon became a Ugandan Citizen and I must say, not once I have felt discriminated in because of my origins. H.E Angelina Wapakhabulo RC Muthaiga I am very good at and love doing; but no thanks, after serving as a Minister's wife for 17 years, I turned down calls to take on my husband's constituency after his passing on. My Vocation In 2009, I was humbled and greatly honoured, when HE I have been in business, social Yoweri K Museveni appointed work, and by association in me Uganda's High politics, where mobilization for Commissioner to Kenya, demonstrating the President's what I believe in, is something demonstrating the President's demonstrating the President's RCV est actuellement en 16 phase de recherché de RCV est actuellement en financement. Tous les phase de recherché de financement. Tous les généreux Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 My take on being a Rotarian cont’… confidence in my commitment and loyalty to Uganda, my adopted home. As High Commissioner, I head a team at the Uganda Mission in Nairobi, whose prime responsibility is to promote confidence in my commitment and loyalty to Uganda, my adopted home. As High Commissioner, I head a team at the Uganda Mission in Nairobi, whose prime responsibility is to promote and protect Uganda's interests in Kenya, consolidate and enhance good bilateral relations between our two countries, promote investment and trade between us, and provide consular services to our nationals, those wishing to visit Uganda and need visas. The Mission also promotes the East Africa integration process and participates in various forums towards achieving this. I also represent Uganda as the Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN Habitat, which are based here in Nairobi. As a Rotarian, I have always tried to make time to serve the community through participation in club activities and projects, as well as serving on a voluntary basis, on Boards of Community based Organisations (CBOs) in Uganda and globally. I am a co founder of an NGO that promotes provision of HIV/AIDS sensitization and treatment, within market places and currently serve as Patron. Over the years, I have won several commendations and awards, all relating to my work with the less privileged including programs, which build capacities of orphans and vulnerable children. I was the recipient of the 2014 Life Time Achievement Award by MTN Uganda. Rotary to me is a lifestyle you choose to live, regardless of the position you occupy or circumstances you are in! It is a lifestyle, I believe in and continue to live out. I therefore encourage those who are not Rotarians, to join us and experience the joy of, ‘Serving Above Self’. Rotary is my lifestyle POLIO CORNER POLIO CORNER POLIO CORNER POLIO FACTS: DID YOU KNOW? This October is the 100th Birth Anniversary of Jonas Salk, inventor of the first effective vaccine against Polio. It is said that Jonas Salk refused to patent his invention in order to keep the cost low. 17 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA POLIO CAMPAIGN Rotarians Across Africa Campaign To End Polio SAILS OF ROTARY on the 9th November to raise funds for the END POLIO NOW campaign and the attached document is self-explanatory. (The attached photo is of the Double Page that appeared in the Rotarian early this year). The event provides work for traditional fishermen (an underprivileged class) and also promotes the preservation of our heritage; the timber built fishing boats. We are inviting clubs to sponsor a boat which will run under their colours for Euros 200 / USD Issue 5/ November 2014 POLIO STORIES The Rotary End polio campaign flash mob was the pre-cursor to the End polio Walk held on the 27th of September by Rotarians in major cities of Kenya (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Naivasha, Meru cities all participated). The flash mob led by Rotaractors in the Nairobi CBD a week prior to the walk attracted many curious onlookers and participants to the walk. NB: The End Polio walk culminated in setting of a Guinness book of world records: i.e. record for the most Rotarians to do the ‘this close’ polio sign, together. Members of the Rotary Club Of Asokoro, District 9125, Abuja, Nigeria. at the End Polio Walk/Roadshow in Abuja, on 19th October. 18 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 + Comemore a Diversidade De Onde Estou 19 SPECIAL: AFRICAN PROJECTS SEEKING FUNDING PROJECT: REFRESHER TRAINING COURSE FOR VILLAGE MIDWIVES – RC KHARTOUM AREA OF FOCUS: Maternal & Child Health Care BUDGET: $71,500 CONTACT: Zuheir Saeed EMAIL: zuheirsaeed@yahoo.com The provision of well-trained VMWs has been identified by various governmental and international bodies (including the UN) as necessary to reduce maternal and child mortality rates in the Sudan, which have continued to rise across the country in recent years. The training focused on enhancing the VMWs’ medical skills, but also on improving their leadership and communication skills. Health Organisation, and Ahfad University for Women (which is renowned as a pioneer in female education and empowerment in the Sudan). The intention is that these VMWs will return to their communities empowered to actively promote maternal and child health and to campaign against issues such as female genital mutilation, child marriages and HIV/AIDs. To incentivize VMWs to attend the training, Khartoum Rotary Club provided a free midwifery medical kit to each participant. The training was done in collaboration with the Sudanese Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation, and Ahfad University for Women (which is renowned as a pioneer in female education and empowerment in the Sudan). For more information on this project, please contact PP Zuheir Saeed E-mail: zuheirsaeed@yahoo.com Khartoum Rotary Club wishes to find Rotary clubs and districts to partner with in a TRF Khartoum Rotary Club wishes to find Rotary clubs and districts to partner with in a TRF matching grant (total cost US$ 71,500) to provide these refresher-training courses to an additional 275 VMWs in Khartoum State. Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 Official statement with regards to a joke inserted in the October ROTA Newsletter Humour section. ROTA HUMOR We received a couple of emails from some of our valued ROTA readers, concerning a joke published in the October ROTA issue that appeared inappropriate. We would like to state that in no way did the ROTA Editorial Team intended to offend any of our readers and we apologise for any distress caused as a result. We confirm that this joke was immediately deleted from our Humour section and the edited newsletter, resent to the ROTA Website team for upload onto our ROTA website. Going forward, we will continue to bring you interesting and acceptable Rotary in Africa news and humour that appeals to all. ROTA Newsletter Editorial Team 2014/15 Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Officer asks a young engineer fresh out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, "And what starting salary are you looking for?" The engineer replies, "In the region of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package." The interviewer inquires, "Well, what would you say to a package of five weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?" The engineer sits up straight and says, "Wow! Are you kidding?" The interviewer replies, "Yeah, but you started it. My friend thinks he is smart. He told me an onion is the only food that makes you cry, so I threw a coconut at his face. A teacher asked her students to use the word "beans" in a sentence. "My father grows beans," said one girl. "My mother cooks beans," said a boy. A third student spoke up, "We are all human beans." Instead of "the John," I call my washroom "the Jim." That way it sounds better when I say I go to the Jim first thing every morning. 21 Reach Out to Africa – ROTA Issue 5/ November 2014 PICTURES SPEAK A THOUSAND WORDS 22
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