QUARTER-4 QUARTER-4 QUARTER-4
RIYEAR2023-24
Dear Rotaractors,
We are thrilled to unveil the fourth edition of Wes Rotaract Club of Colombo West. Looking back o pride in the remarkable initiatives and service pro members.
This edition carries on our mission to highligh Rotaractors both within our club and beyond. Through these stories, we aim to motivate others to join us in our journey of service and community impact.
A special thanks to Rtr. Sharan Balasubramaniam and the entire editorial team for their tireless efforts in crafting this newsletter. Their passion and commitment have elevated WestLife to new levels
As you explore this edition, we encourage you to immerse yourself in the stories of service and leadership that define our club. Let these tales showcase the strength of collective action and the impact we can achieve when united by a common purpose.
We invite you to share this newsletter with your friends, family, and fellow Rotaractors, spreading the message of service and inspiring others to join our mission Together, let's continue shaping our legacy and creating positive change in the world.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Rotaract.
Warm regards, Rtr. Santhamurthy Balamurthy
RTR. CHANTHUL DAHANAYAKE
RTR. AMAAN ZAHID
RTR. PARAMI KALUARACHCHI
RTR. MAHITH GUNASEKARA
IPicture this: volunteers weaving through bustling streets, their hearts full of determination and their arms laden with bags of food and water. Their mission? To reach the strategically placed feeding stations, oases of hope amidst the concrete jungle, where hungry mouths awaited their arrival.
But "West Paws" was more than just a feeding program; it was a beacon of compassion illuminating the darkest corners of neglect. Through engaging outreach programs and educational initiatives, the project touched the hearts of community members, inspiring a newfound sense of empathy and responsibility towards our furry friends.
As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the streets began to transform. What was once a landscape of indifference now teemed with life and solidarity. Neighbors came together, united by their love for animals, forging bonds that transcended language and culture.
And so, the tale of "West Paws" unfolded, a testament to the power of collective action and the resilience of the human spirit. Through their unwavering dedication, the volunteers not only fed hungry mouths but also nourished hearts, empowering communities to create a brighter, more compassionate world for all beings.
Fueled by a desire to empower young leaders, the Rotaract Club of Colombo West hosted Rota-Rise, a transformative global initiative. This electrifying event united Interact and Rotaract members from diverse backgrounds, fostering a vibrant space for growth and collaboration.
Insightful lectures by renowned speakers ignited the potential within each participant. Delving into the rich history and purpose of Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact, these sessions equipped attendees with invaluable knowledge and skills specifically tailored for effective global leadership. The empowering experience set the stage for personal and professional growth, preparing them to tackle challenges and make a lasting impact on the world.
Rota-Rise wasn't just about lectures. "Rota-Rise Team Building: Unite Tomorrow" pushed participants beyond their comfort zones with dynamic activities designed to forge lasting connections. These weren't your average icebreakers! By transcending cultural and geographical boundaries, participants fostered meaningful relationships and teamwork, a testament to the power of collaboration. Rota-Rise wasn't just an event – it was a catalyst for a global movement of empowered young leaders, ready to shape a brighter future.
In the heart of the bustling city lies the Noguchi Child Development Centre, where hope and learning intertwine. Here, a group of passionate Rotaractors embarked on a mission called "Learn With Me," teaching English to orphaned children.
Each day, as the sun rose, eager faces gathered, ready to explore the world through language. Lessons went beyond grammar, weaving stories of courage and resilience.
But "Learn With Me" was more than just classes; it was a bond forged through shared experiences. Laughter and tears united students and Rotaractors, creating a community of trust.
As the chapter closed, pride filled the Rotaractors' hearts. They had witnessed the transformative power of education.
Yet, the impact endured. Students carried newfound confidence and knowledge into the world, armed with the lessons learned at Noguchi.
"Learn With Me" was not just about English; it was about empowering young minds and changing lives. The ripple of its impact would continue far beyond the classroom walls.
The rooster hadn't even crowed when the excitement crackled through our Rotaract crew. Our destination: the misty mountains of Narangala, alongside our counterparts from Uva Wellassa University. With backpacks prepped and spirits high, we piled into the bus at dawn, the scenic route unfolding like a verdant tapestry. Breakfast in Avisawella fueled our camaraderie, and the laughter echoed throughout the bus.
By 4 PM, we reached Narangala, our base camp. Rain tested our resilience, but it only added to the adventure. We pitched tents, creating a temporary haven. A delicious dinner, prepared by a local resident, warmed us from the downpour. That night, a symphony of crackling bonfire, sizzling barbeque, and heartfelt songs filled the air. We gazed at the star-studded sky, the silence broken only by the gentle rustle of leaves. This was just the beginning of our unforgettable Narangala adventure.
The next day, we conquered the peak together, the breathtaking view a reward for our perseverance. The descent was filled with the satisfaction of a challenge overcome, and the bus ride home held a comfortable silence, a quiet contentment replacing the earlier excitement. We carried with us not just souvenirs, but a treasure trove of memories etched deeper than any photograph - the echoes of laughter, the thrill of the climb, and the warmth of newfound friendships forged under the majestic gaze of the mountains.
During Rotaract Week, we bloomed a garden of awareness. Partnering with our favourite - Sathma Devi, the guiding light of our district, we nurtured the "NGL Campaign," a platform where questions sprouted like curious vines, reaching for the wisdom of the DRR.
For three verdant weeks, we curated these inquiries, each one a seed of understanding. The DRR's answers blossomed, painting a vibrant picture of Rotaract's mission and the fertile ground we cultivate in our communities. The most dazzling blooms, questions and answers intertwined, were shared on Instagram each week, casting their fragrance across the digital landscape.
The NGL Campaign proved to be a fertile ground for communication. We nourished the understanding of Rotaract's purpose and its relevance to the community, allowing roots to run deep. By harnessing the power of the digital world and collaborating with district leadership, we seized Rotaract Week as an opportunity to illuminate, inspire, and forge connections Through this, our club's impact and presence blossomed brighter than ever before
Hello Rotaractors,
As we end the fourth quarter of the year, I warmly welcome each one of you to our latest quarterly newsletter. It brings me great joy to present a carefully curated collection of content that reflects the lively essence and unwavering dedication of our Rotaract community.
In this newsletter, you will find a variety of articles, editorials, and features designed to inform, inspire, and involve you. From exploring the latest service trends to sharing stories of compassion and impact, our aim is to offer content that enhances your knowledge and ignites your passion for service.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of you for your unwavering dedication and hard work in furthering our common mission. Let us approach this quarter together with renewed energy, unity, and a strong dedication to service.
With heartfelt gratitude, Rtr. Sharan Balasubramaniam Editor 2023-24
RTR. SHARAN
