I was a Rotary Scholar at the University of Cape Town in 1961. During my year there, I traveled 16,000 miles through South Africa and the countries now known as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia. I visited 35 Rotary clubs, met countless Rotarians, and became immersed in the rich culture of Southern Africa.
During my initial visit, I developed a deep appreciation for both the traditions and the challenges of life in Africa, and my respect and admiration for the land and people have caused me to return several times as a Rotarian. Now – almost amazingly – I have a unique opportunity to use my experience as a Rotary Scholar to enhance the role of Rotary in Africa!
This is the fourth year of the Reach Out to Africa (ROTA) initiative, and the ROTA Committee for this year has been streamlined to move more quickly and efficiently to achieve its goals. We need to increase the number of Rotarians in Africa! I also hope to see a substantial increase in international service projects for Africa, particularly those projects with assistance from The Rotary Foundation. The ROTA Committee has an excellent website, and I encourage all Rotarians to review it at www.reachouttoafrica.org .
I have implemented two new activities this year to make it easier for Rotarians to visit Africa and to increase their involvement in international service projects. The first is Ray’s Rotary Reunions, to be held in Cape Town 3-5 February, and I hope many Rotarians will join me in the Fairest Cape for that event. The second, Rotary Project Safaris, will facilitate visits by Rotarians to the areas of the world where poverty is prevalent, and where local Rotarians have developed many beneficial projects that need financial assistance. More information about the reunions and the safaris is available on the RI president’s pages at www.rotary.org/president. Please contact elsa.sanabria@rotary.org for any needed assistance.
I am proud to be a product of The Rotary Foundation, and it will be the most significant achievement of my presidency if I can serve as a catalyst to enhance Rotary in Africa! So come join me for the reunions and the safaris. Help me to complete the circle from being a Rotary Foundation Scholar in Africa to helping Rotary in Africa to be Bigger, Better, and Bolder! (Watch a video invitation from the president.)
No comments:
Post a Comment