CONTENTS Kenya | Ethiopia | South Sudan | Eritrea
Notes
Editor’s RI President District Governor (DG) District Rotaract Representative (DRR)
Features
RYLA Kenya The Rotary Foundation An open Rotaract: a growing family Rotaract Ethiopia Country Chair Interview
Regulars
LET’S CONNECT
Walk wave serve An accountant’s journey in Rotary RAC Dekut blood drive What are friends for? The Rotary Foundation The Rotary men’s conference Let’s fight tungiasis Defeat inside out Blackboard project Maralal camel derby Western Kenya region luncheon The only way The sixth installaion etc.
@rotaractdistrict9212 Rotaract District 9212 @Rotaract_D9212 Rotaract District 9212 www.rotaractdistrict9212.org
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Press Rewind Rotaract Photos Rotaract Stories & Moments
Rotacomic Rotamemes
I’ve been camping in the heart of a tropical rainforest, not far from where they first taught me to put strange things in my lunch to add flavour. Jussi-cola, Royco cubes, blue band and drinking chocolate. I remember those days well. We went to the river to bathe, fetch water, look for crabs and fish, and generally escape the boredom of school. No, Yee. I do not want to be taken back. But I’ve been feeling some nostalgia so here’s a traditional Zulu story to get you in the mood. “Once, a very long time ago, so long ago that it must have been close to the time when the First Man and the First Woman walked upon the earth, there lived a woman named Manzandaba (mah-nzah-ndah’-bah) and her husband Zenzele (zay-nzay’-lay).” Now, these people lived before Twitter so I’ll cut it short for you. You can ask me about the long version later. You see, this was for the most part a happy couple with many children, living in a small village and generally getting by. But when dusk came and night set in, a great sadness would besiege them. It was too dark for work and too early for sleep. “Mama,” the children would cry, “Sifuna izindaba!” (see-foo’-nah ezee-ndah’-bah) “We want stories! Tell us some stories, Mama!” Manzandaba would think and think, trying to find a story she could tell her children, but it was of no use. No one in the village had any stories either. So, one day, her husband promised to take care of the children and home if she would go out of the village and bring back stories for entire village. Did she succeed? Did she fail? What grave dangers did she face? Did she have to use her wits and guile to get out of a jam? (No, they did not live in Rongai.) She succeeded though. Eventually. Three months ago, we gave you the first issue of the Rotaractor for this Rotary year. We had decided we’d do quarterly releases to keep ourselves sane and to keep the quality of work high. The first time was hard. The team spent sleepless nights trying to read through and edit as many articles as possible, trying to find the right cover and to get the artwork just right so that we could begin the Rotary year on the right footing. We made it. The July issue was released, and with it, Rotaractors’ ability to create. Because when we asked for your stories a second time, we got twice as much. It has been twice as difficult, and we hope it will be twice as good. What you’re about to read is a simple compilation of moments, memories, work, success, failure, frustration and laughter from around the District. It’s been a hell of a start to the Rotary year. From the record breaking #Greenlegacy challenge across Ethiopia to the Men’s Conference at an undisclosed location (Garden Estate); the trials and tribulations of RYLA Kakamega Forest to the Mashinani War on Cancer in Malindi; the struggles of youth to the nostalgia of Rotary years past; this is the Rotaractor made for you, by you. You had better believe that when we call yet again, Rotaractors will answer. The editorial team named herein will once again put in the hours, and whatever challenge Mr. DRR throws at us, we shall surpass. Have fun. 3
Presidential message Rotary’s long-term, sustained battle against polio has defined our organization for decades. We have a right to be proud of all that we have accomplished through the years. Our progress is real and noteworthy. In 1988, polio was endemic in 125 countries, with more than 350,000 new cases a year worldwide. Since then, Rotary and our Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners have reduced the incidence of polio by more than 99.9 percent, vaccinated more than 2.5 billion children against the virus, and prevented 18 million cases of paralysis. Over the years, Rotary has helped country after country move into the polio-free column. This includes India, which some considered impossible not long ago. Of the three types of poliovirus, type 2 has been eradicated and type 3 could soon be certified as eradicated. Nigeria has not reported a case of wild poliovirus in nearly three years. If this trend holds, we will be down to just one type of wild poliovirus in only one section of the world, Afghanistan and Pakistan. There are major challenges in that region. But it is crucial that we remain optimistic. Look at all that we have accomplished so far. This is no time to get discouraged or to think that the task is impossible. We will end polio forever, but only if we remain steadfast and vigilant. World Polio Day is a time for Rotarians from all over the globe to come together, recognize the progress we have made in our fight against polio, and plan the action we must take to end polio forever. The key word is action, because we still have important work to do. This year, we want to see as many Rotary clubs as possible holding World Polio Day events around the world. Need some ideas? How about organizing a viewing party for friends and club members to watch Rotary’s Online Global Update? You could also dedicate a club meeting to World Polio Day or create a fundraising event. Remember, every dollar raised is matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Once you have created an event, register it at endpolio.org/register-your-event. Then promote it using the World Polio Day toolkit, available at endpolio.org/world-polio-day. Mark your calendar to tune in to Rotary’s World Polio Day Online Global Update on 24 October. This year we will stream our program on Facebook in multiple time zones around the world. Visit the Rotary International Facebook page to RSVP to your region’s program. And do not forget to follow the 4
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE
event on social media and share it with your network. When we reach our goal, polio will become only the second human disease eradicated on the planet, and Rotary will receive international acclaim. But what matters most is the children who will never again have to face this terrible, disabling virus. Rotary must continue to connect the world in the effort toward polio eradication. It is up to us. Let us finish the job.
Mark Daniel Maloney Rotary International President 2019-20.
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DGmessage Reading the story of Judith Shaw Beatty gravely sadden me. She is a polio survivor in the United States of America who contracted the disease in 1949 when she was only six years old. This irreparably altered the course of her life and sent her down one of the darkest and lonely places a human being, let alone a child, could go. At the time there was no vaccine for polio and doctors knew little about the disease, and that’s why she was kept in isolation for over six months after she was infected by the virus. Even her parents were not allowed to get close to her when she was enclosed in the archaic ‘iron lung’ apparatus, which was contained in a room where a netting was strung across the door to stop visitors from approaching. When they visited, her parents would throw toys over the netting hoping they would land on her bed. Beyond her personal pain, her family were also treated like lepers when the government put a sign in front of their home indicating that a member of the household had been infected. From then on, neighbours and friends would change direction whenever they saw them walking down the street. 42,000 cases of polio were reported in the US in that year alone with 2,720 of them losing their lives, and it was during the course of Judith’s treatment that the polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk was declared safe and effective. There are moments in time when the actions of one man can shape the future or the world, and I doubt that Dr. Salk knew that his discovery was going to start the sequence of events leading up to the eradication of the second disease in human history. Jonas must have taken time, worked hard and applied his knowledge to make complex thing simple, which is the ultimate element of wisdom, and this is what the polio eradication campaign has come to rest on. Two drops of the polio vaccine administered to children under the age of five will protect them from this dreadful disease; its that simple. Over the years Rotarians and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners have spent countless hours distributing and administering the vaccine to a point where 350,000 million children have been successfully reached. Lives have been saved and future livelihoods secured. The US was eventually declared polio free in 1979 and for innocent children like Judith, it brought to the end an era of suffering and death caused by the debilitating disease. The significance of this went beyond their borders because in the same year Rotary launched its first multi-year project to immu-
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nize six million children in the Philippines, marking the start of the polio eradication activities that transitioned into the PolioPlus programme. Judith Shaw Beatty’s story is one of the reasons I am convinced that we will see a polio free world within a few years, and that our children will be forever safe from the disease. Until now Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have raised over $1.9 billion towards the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and we have come from 125 endemic countries at the start of the campaign to only three in 2018; from 350,000 new cases per year to 33 new cases last year. The end truly is in sight, but if we fail to do this now and stop funding the initiative, within 10 years we could go up to 200,000 new cases of polio per year according to WHO. We would lose our children; many will get paralysed and numerous livelihoods will be destroyed. Africa is still under the threat of polio mainly due to the insufficient immunization coverage and therefore the eradication campaign benefits us the most. That is why we have launched the $1 million for the Polio Endgame, which aims to raise funds from citizens of the countries that make up our district – Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea. Through this campaign we aim to create one million heroes to fight against polio who donate only $1 each to the cause. Each dollar will receive a combined match by The Rotary Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation increasing its value by six, bringing our total contribution to $6 million, which will immunize over 18 million children against polio. Make your donation today of $1 or more through Safaricom Paybill number 891300 and the account number ‘polio’ and play a part in the making of history as we take a stand and eradicate the second disease in our history, after the elimination of Small Pox. Once you’ve done this share it with your friends and introduce them to the Polio Endgame Challenge.
Joe Otin
Disitrict Governor (DG) 2019-20, Rotary International District 9212: Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan Eritrea.
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DRR message It is a rainy evening and we’ve been forced from sitting around the bonfire. We’ve sought cover and regrouped in smaller clusters to chit-chat, recap the day’s training sessions and unwind as we await dinner. I step aside and observe about 80 young professionals and leaders braving the rain to make the most of the four days of this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Kenya. It has been an incredibly thoughtful and insightful all-day practical training on professional networking and the financial management life-cycle. The serene and natural environs of Kakamega Rainforest make RYLA Kenya 2019 a most unique adventure - a major shift from previous RYLA Kenya seminars hosted in hotels. From the immediate feedback received, the training was very impactful to the participants; triggering new ideas on one’s development of a professional network and how to secure financial freedom. As the District Rotaract Representative (DRR), the feedback warms my heart. While setting Rotaract District 9212’s Goals for 2019-20, we narrowed down to 6 specific goals which may be summarized into Doubling Membership and Doubling Impact. I have previously, and very consistently, emphasized on the former. I’m encouraged by efforts by clubs across the district to expand their reach to their club members’ families, friends and colleagues. The ‘Each One Bring One’ approach to membership is achieving results. In this piece, I write to share my thoughts on why and how to double our impact. Quoting Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris: “Whatever Rotary (Rotaract) may mean to us, to the world, we shall be known by results achieved”. The desired result of Rotary / Rotaract / Interact is to create lasting change across the globe; in our communities and in members as summarized by Rotary International’s Vision Statement: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe; in our communities and in ourselves.” Rotaract’s top objective is to develop each member’s professional and leadership skills and network hence create lasting change in their life. The RYLA Kenya 2019 organizing committee and facilitators had this at the top of their priority list. Clubs continue to host extra informative and engaging weekly or fortnightly club fellowships with the aim of offering their members relevant professional training and networking. Besides professional and leadership skills development, Rotaract provides an ave-
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nue of friendship development, travel and fun. As a leadership, we ought to renew our commitment to offering the best platforms for our members to develop their professional networks, leadership skills and social life. By deliberately doing so, we shall double the life-long impact we have in the lives of our members. As a District, RYLA Kenya has set the bar high for the next events, including the District Conference which is being carefully crafted to offer a most enriching program at a much discounted rate. As Rotary and Rotaract, we’re best known for the impactful change we bring to communities far and wide. We implement projects based on Rotary’s six areas of focus, namely: peacebuilding & conflict prevention; disease prevention & treatment; water, sanitation, & hygiene (WASH); maternal & child health; basic education & literacy and community economic development. Rotarians and Rotaractors volunteer their invaluable skills, time and energy to solve some of our communities’ most pressing problems. I beseech every Rotaract Club to implement at least one long-term service project alongside some short-term service projects. Joint club projects - projects implemented in partnership with other Rotary and (or) Rotaract Clubs - tend to cover larger scopes and have more impact. With the fundraising model offered by the Global and District Grants from The Rotary Foundation (TRF), we gain the ability to implement multi-million impactful projects. In partnership with a qualified Rotary Club, Rotaract Clubs can access grants from TRF. Even better, soon, Rotaract Clubs may independently access those grants. Since 1985, we have obliged ourselves to create lasting change across the globe by being the leading partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and have so far eradicated 99.99% of the polio virus. Our promise is to give children a polio-free world. In the process of polio eradication, we’ve developed the world’s most extensive public health system being used to advance prevention and treatment of other diseases such as Malaria and solve other challenges such as hunger and sanitation issues. We’re on the verge of delivering our promise to fully eradicate the polio virus. Contribute to the #PolioEndGame either via www.endpolio.org/donate or M-Pesa Paybill Business Number: 891300; Account Number: POLIO. As we elevate our game in 2019-20, we take initiative to double our impact: across the globe through polio eradication; in our communities through service projects; and in ourselves through informative and engaging club fellowships and well-planned purposeful events at club, country, district and multi-district level. Let’s double our impact, shall we?
Samuel Karanja
District Rotaract Representative (DRR) 2019-20, Rotary International District 9212: Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan Eritrea.
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WALK SERVE I joined the Rotaract of club of Ngong Hills in the year 2015/16, became Club Service Director the following year, Vice President the next and now serve as President. In August, the second month of the Rotary Year, I decided to challenge my club to do a unique exercise that had not been attempted since the club began.
In Rotary, August is Membership month. We decided to have a membership drive; a walk through Ngong town. This would make the club known. All went as planned. It was placed squarely under the Community Service docket, led by Rtr. John Njoroge with the full cooperation of the whole board. Security was also well catered for by Rtr. Cedric Mwenebatu who is in the security field. Youth from Global Hope Rescue Centre, where we do mentorship and frequent visits, joined us. The walk started at PEC Guest House, went through Kibiku, Kiserian Road then had a brief stop-over before proceeding to Oloolua road through Mathare slums, diverting to Ngong Road through Ngong Bus Stage, then back to the starting point. We were able to interact with a youth group at the stop-over in Ngong Stadium, and welcomed them to the club. Some have turned up at our fellowships. As we proceeded with the walk, we received nods and greetings from pedestrians and the community at large as we gave them information cards. We later on had a fellowship followed by a ‘swallowship’ at Ngong Town. Indeed, a good idea comes to fruition if inculcated in time. I look forward to having a fruitful year as president.
Jejo Mapacha RAC Ngong Hills
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AN ACCOUNTANT’S JOURNEY IN ROTARY My journey in Rotary started like most Rotary journeys, with an invitation. The Rotaract club of The University of Nairobi had invited a speaker for their annual Careers Day and one of my roommates, being a Rotaractor, tagged me a long. The speaker was a successful accountant and Rotarian from the Rotary club of Nairobi North. Being a student accountant and the first in my family to join college, contact with practicing accountants was exactly what I needed. The only thing I had for career advice was gleaned from directors’ profiles in the pages of Barclays’ annual reports that lay around the house (my mom owned a few shares at the time). The speaker’s professional journey inspired me and opened my eyes to what I can be. I was hooked. A visit to Ward 3A for terminally ill children in Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) was the decisive experience, however. The Rotaract club of UoN made weekly visits to the ward to play with the children, give them writing and reading exercises and assist the nurses in some physiotherapy sessions. I cannot even begin to explain what I felt holding a 5-year old child with cancer in my arms. The memory of the girl’s giggles, despite her circumstances, remains with me to this day. On our walk back to the hostel, as I went over the experience in my mind, I knew I had found my tribe. The two experiences framed my image of Rotary. My cohort and I transitioned to the Rotaract club of Nairobi Central, which we revitalized with a new flavor of leadership focused on introducing better-defined governance structures. Rotary has given me unparalleled opportunities to serve: I’ve organized wheel-chair donations; I’ve travelled days’-long trips and spent weekends in harsh environments to donate sanitary towels; I’ve visited numerous children’s homes; I’ve spoken to hundreds of teenagers in high school mentorship visits and I’m currently volunteering with a past Rotaract president’s conservation-focused NGO. Not only because it is fun and I love service, but also because these experiences have profoundly changed me too. I have also had innumerable leadership opportunities. I have travelled widely. I have had tons of fun. Yet, I feel the main reason I am still in Rotary is the extraordinary friendships I have made along the way. I am extremely proud to count as my friends some of the most talented and big-hearted people I know. I look up to them, both professionally and personally. Rotary not only gave me a purpose, but also gave me friendships that I have come to prize most dearly.
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AN ACCOUNTANT’S JOURNEY IN ROTARY Perhaps it’s no surprise that my journey has taken me to the Rotary club of Nairobi North, where I am still learning from peers and accomplished, experienced Rotarians. Serving as the director of New Generations, I am working with my committee to strengthen ties with our daughter clubs and mentor the next generation of Rotarians. It all started with an invitation. Invite someone to a Rotaract or Rotary meeting. It just might be the beginning of a life-changing journey. David Kigunda is a chartered certified accountant and member of the Rotary club of Nairobi North.
David Kigunda Rotary Nairobi North
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RAC Dekut
BLOOD DRIVE
Daniel Kiama
RAC Dedan Kimathi University 14 14
Contrast, I suppose, is what makes life livable. How boring it would be if we all looked alike, shared personalities, abilities, strengths and weaknesses. No matter how much one gathers, the satisfaction of helping out is unequalled. In July of 2019, specifically, the 17th and 18th, the Rotaract Club of Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, DeKUT, held a blood drive on the university grounds. The blend of red bibs and the white tents. The music. The confidence of the medical staff. The energetic and warm rotaractors. Probably all contributions to the record breaking figures from this particular exercise. 160 donors in two days! No more than 60 donors had ever been recorded before. It explains the tension and anxiety that filled air on the morning of the 17th. Fears were conquered, including by our IPP who freaked out at the mere sight of needles. If only the light weights were allowed to take part in this exercise, I’m sure the numbers would have soared higher. #Getbold #Hilltribe
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The Gayah
AN OPEN ROTARACT a growing family
DRRE RAC Nairobi Central
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Ever visited a Rotaract Club and felt out of place, or rather, felt lost in their conversations? Now let us draw it closer home. Ever sat in your club board or committee meeting and felt like you are more comfortable in a particular corner with familiar faces? Well, you aren’t doing anything wrong. You are human, and you’re doing just fine. Nothing makes us happy and excited as the comfort of certainty. However, this draws cliques in our clubs. Now you’re starting to think that I am not speaking about your club because everyone in your club is ‘tight’, right? The good news is that that is what Rotaract is about: Building lasting and reliable relationships that help you make your society a better place while experiencing out of the box personal growth. Bad news? Your club is probably a bigger version of a clique. Every guest who walks into your club makes the decision to stay and to comeback within the first five minutes of their first visit if you are lucky. Most of the time, it’s much quicker than that. Rotary is a membership service organization and to grow we must view our club setups differently. We must walk out of our normal routines and question what we are not doing right. We must embrace an open-door policy. This will invite endless opportunities for us. Ask yourself; why did you feel out of place when you visited another club? If you did, then how did a first time guest in that club feel? You could be the problem. Not entirely you, but your home club.
AN OPEN ROTARACT: A GROWING FAMILY
Is your atmosphere too comfortable for your members that it’s too uncomfortable for your guests? I am not saying that you should kick out all the good treats in your club that make you a family. I am asking us to find ways to let the good ooze to all. And the answer is AN OPEN DOOR POLICY. This is our window to get new members who reignite our passion and makes us take our innovation to the next level by bringing on board fresh ideas than enrich our clubs. This is the same whether your club is 40 years or 1, whether your membership is at 100 or 15 and whether you are doing projects worth millions or you are just surviving. The first time I walked into my club as a visiting Rotaractor, they made me feel like I was home. They played to my tune and even when my dancing skills weren’t anywhere on the dance floor map (they still aren’t), they made me feel like I was intellectually present and wanted. They could have set it all up to woo me. Do they do this to all guests? Perhaps, and perhaps not. But looking back, it worked, which should be the same for any guest visiting your club. Make them feel at home and they will stay. A good percentage of our clubs opt to function in a manner that makes guest lack confidence and appear to fear disturbance. We fail to nurture an atmosphere that appreciates flexibility and new ideas. We spend so much time trying to be more important and recognized than being productive. We fail to put in place structures that make our clubs sellable, or rather, attractive. In a fast-changing environment, we need to improve interactions and encourage innovation and idea generation which will give our guests a second thought about how we operate, what our values are and why they need to join us. No one’s reason for not joining should ever be, “I wasn’t comfortable.” An open-door policy calls for our clubs to develop a vision of where we want to go and how we communicate this. We need to have well trained members who have a great understanding of Rotary and of your club to make guests understand our passion. You can’t have a Manchester United fan speaking about good football. Develop a ‘we are here to listen’ culture where our members are not only accessible but receptive. Let our members learn that they are the first ambassadors of our clubs and build their capacity to help us take Rotaract to the next level. We must learn to dispel guesswork from our operations and breed curiosity on how we can improve our membership based on facts and data. Carry out member satisfaction surveys, have guest feedback forms and more importantly, be an exciting club to join. Together let’s grow Rotaract and Rotary. Let’s connect the world.
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WHAT ARE
FOR?
FRIENDS
So, I was having a conversation with my good friend Eden on the topic of friendship, (I can envisage her face when she sees this article)” scared emoji”. Going back to the topic we found ourselves baffled on the meaning of friendship, specifically on the title “What are friends for” so I figured why not relate this topic with the Rotaract world that is full of wonderful friendship and sometimes even more - yes you over there definitely know what I am talking about. Anyways here is a really bad article on “What are friends for?” In search of the reasons why we need friends or why Friendship maters I stumbled up on a piece somewhere on the internet that said (FRIENDSHIP IS ABOUT BEING A “BALCONY PEOPLE” INSTEAD OF “BASEMENT PEOPLE”). While basement people are the ones who live in their minds, telling us that we will never amount to anything, that we are doomed to fail. Or the ones that reminds us of all our mistakes, and remind us that we are royal screw-ups without really saying it. Balcony people are the ones who are always there to cheer us on, to tell us we can do it. They are the ones that push us to dream, to create, to break through our barriers and more. Most people have multiple friends for different reasons, but they all revolve around the 2 definitions we gave above. Here are some of the not so funny reasons and types of friends there are (all totally made up by me) _ there is that friend that gets you fresh and up-to-date gossip. (Gossip queen) _that friend that only comes when he or she needs something and Vice Versa (Don’t answer the phone) _that friend you need to study with to get good grades, (the Nerd) _ there is always that friend that calls you up for a couple of Drinks (The party freak) _the friend you call when you are super broke. (The Banker) _the friend that always has new movies and songs or apps. (That’s ME) _the friend you only talk to online and never meet in person. (The mysterious one) _the friend you call to do something bad with. (The crime partner)
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WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR?
_the friend packed with funny Jokes. (The comedian) _the friend with the most business connections. (Who’s always too busy?) _And most of all the “BEST FRIEND”. He or she or they might include all of the above and even more. They are the ones whom you talk to everyday. Or if you haven’t talked to them for ages things will be just like they were when you saw them last. And you know where you can get all of those together?? Yes, you guessed right if the answer is “ROTARACT”. Rotaract gave me and others not only a platform where we can help our community and develop our selves professionally; it also gave us friendships that will last forever. It gave us a new family we can count on. Lots of people struggle to make friends and many that I know joined Rotaract for the sole purpose of making friends. Many awkward Rotaractors are now the most talkative ones in the groups and events. This shows how important Rotaract is for the youth in the digital world where we now live. Most people are invested too much in their phones or computers and stuck in the digital world with no idea of what the real world looks like. They don’t know what if feels like to go out for coffee time every Thursday and talk with strangers who will become best friends after 30 seconds. Rotaract is more than just a club where people gather. It’s a place full of “BALCONY PEOPLE” that will help you when you’re in need or celebrate with you when you’re happy. In conclusion of my sh**y article, I hope everyone joins the big circle of friendship our world can give, which is Rotaract, Rotary and Interact. If you ask me what friends are for? My answer would be to read this article and tell me it’s good even if it’s not. (LOL)
Mack Dereje RAC Lewet
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Upcoming Events roundup OCT 11 TRF FUNDRAISER MOVIE NIGHT IN ALL REGIONS OCT 12 ROTARACT KENYA FASHION SHOW AUDITIONS AND TALENT SHOW OCT 12 TRF PRE-HIKE AT NGONG HILLS
NOV 21 - 24 ROTARACT AFRICA SUMMIT NOV 9
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TRF PRE-HIKE AT MT. LONGONOT
ETHIOPIA
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ETHIOPIA
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ETHIOPIA
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BLACKBOARD painting project
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BLACKBOARD PAINTING PROJECT September is the Basic Education and Literacy Month. On Saturday, September 21st, the pupils of St. Vitalis Nanga primary school went home smiling. The school has 26 classrooms, each with two blackboards, both front and back, totaling to 52 blackboards. We painted all 52, did mentorship and donated books courtesy of Longhorn Publishers. In partnership with the Rotary Club of Kisumu Winam, we managed to gift the pupils with a good learning environment. We’d like to thank the Rotary Club of Kisumu, and the Rotaract Clubs of Kampala Central, Maseno University and Kisumu. You’re an inspiration. Let’s keep doing more as we connect the world.
Raziah
RAC Kisumu Winam
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MEET the Rotaract Ethiopia Chair This is an interview with Rtr. Kidanemariam Fekadu, Rotaract Country Chair, Ethiopia, 2019 – 2020. We c a u g h t up for virtual coffee on the 11th of July 2019, a few days after he took over the position. This interview was conducted on WhatsApp and might involve emojis. Reader be warned. Alright! Hopefully we can get it done quick. First step is to tell us a little about yourself. Let’s do it Name, club, what you do for a living, how you heard of Rotaract, et cetera. My name is Kidanemariam Fekadu most people know me as Kido. I am a dual member of the Rotaract club of Lewet and Rotary club of Addis Ababa-West. Professionally, I am senior programmer at GoIP limited. I think me joining Rotaract is a long story. Let me try to make it short. Hahaha. How much shorter can it get? Like for how long have you been a Rotaractor? I have been in Rotaract for the past 7 years. The first time I heard about it was when I was a graduate student at Addis Ababa University. Some of my friends were Rotaractors and they always invited me to join them, but for 2 years my answer was no. After 2 years of nagging, I decided to join them on one Sunday, and it was a lunch ceremony at the national palace to thank Rotary for their help in eradicating polio from the country. That lunch wasn’t just a fancy lunch, it showed me what rotary really is, and what it has been doing to the country. Wow. Was your first club Lewet? Or was it Addis Ababa University? Lewet So, how was the joint handover? In Kenya the Rotaractors had their own. I saw you guys had Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors all at one handover event. Tell me about that. This year was an amazing year for the Rotary in Ethiopia family. We have been doing projects jointly, so the country teams decided to do the first joint handover. It was a good opportunity for networking with the whole Rotary family and it gives us the chance to reflect on what Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors have been doing through the year. Nicely done. I saw a lot of really fun photos. Anything in particular you learnt or reinforced about the
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ROTARACT ETHIOPIA CHAIR INTERVIEW Rotary family at that event? In the past two years, the involvement of Rotaractors in Rotary clubs’ projects has been increasing. After the 2016 Rotary legislation, Rotaractors have started to be dual members of Rotary and Rotaract. Now you will find Rotaractors almost in all projects that are implemented by Rotary Clubs. Has that impacted the relationship between Rotaract and Rotary Clubs? Do you see more partnerships and more Rotaractors transitioning to Rotary in future? Yes, it has. One of the things immediate Past Rotary president Barry Rassin was impressed with was the relationship Rotarians have with their daughter clubs. In the past two years, more than 10 Rotaractors have been inducted as a dual members, and one club has been chartered by former Rotaractors. That’s really good. What club is that? It is called Rotary club of Enderase They were members of the Rotaract club of Abugida. That’s pretty cool though. Lots of Rotaractors reach 30 and disappear for a while. Yes, we have lost a lot of dynamic members before. Now we are trying to make sure all Rotaractors are ready to transition when they are 30. We are hoping we will have more dual members this year, and others transitioning to Rotary Clubs. Yeah. It does require some getting ready. Mr. CC, what sort of year are you expecting to have? So, this year we are focusing on making sure our clubs are up to the standards. We are working on standardizing our financial documentation and membership retention and extension. On the financial standardization, we are working with Rotarians and Rotaractors who have a financial background. On the membership retention and extension, we will have a series of training that will try to tackle this problem. Very specific. And what would you say the most valuable lesson was you learnt from your predecessor? I’m certain you had conversation after conversation, looking back and forward as you planned for the year. Yes, we have. We have been trying to work on standardization. Last year we were successful in branding and
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ROTARACT ETHIOPIA CHAIR INTERVIEW public relations. I have tried to consult on things that need attention for this year and these two issues need the most. I hope we will have similar consultations all year round. I hope so too. And I look forward to it.One of the things I love about Rotary is this. You are not going to be alone. You will have the past, immediate past and the elect to consult on any issues. This is true. And a great benefit of the organization. And now it’s time for my favourite question. Okay. Tell me something you’d like people to know about you. Something unexpected but relatable. Like a quirk or similar. Okay, am not sure if it relatable or not. But it is shocking for most people. I don’t like sweet foods like cake or chocolate. Hahaha. Well, me neither, so I suppose it is. Wow we have found another one. Most of the time when I say this people look at me me like I said I killed someone. I can imagine. I quit sugar for like two years. I had quit sugar completely, but I had to start again, in small amounts, so I dilute soda and drink sugarless tea or coffee. Hehe, I am allergic to honey and I don’t think I have that choice Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat? Noooooo... Hehe, no sweets for me Honey is awesome! Well, it used to be nice to lick. Now I can just put it in my tea. Tastes great! Anyhow. Final question, I think. If all else fails, what is the one thing you’d be alright if you succeeded at this year? If we succeed in standardization of the financial documentation. It is the one thing we need to do as fast as possible. I’m sure if in a few years Rotaract Clubs will have access to grants, that’ll come in handy. And club financial management can be a real mess in any case, if not well documented and monitored. Yes, it will, and I believe most clubs have projects that needs help from the global grant and this is the first step towards that. Very true. Well then... I believe it’s time to end. Finish this with a timeless, profound, inspiring message. No pressure.
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ROTARACT ETHIOPIA CHAIR INTERVIEW
TURN
you have used all words You don’t actually have to. I just wanted to make you nervous and run out of ideas “Rotaract is all about working together, helping each other to give back to the community that helped us to become who we are. If we work together, we can achieve anything.” I hope this will work This is excellent. We did it! Now we sit on it till October Awesome.
I got lost on the highway of happiness Took a wrong turn on the road of regret And found myself walking through sad memories Memories that I have been trying hard to forget And the moment you have lost yourself Is the moment you are found Rotaract found me Found me when my face was filled with tears Taught me to face my fears Taught me not to cry Because tears won’t let me see the stars I’m glad I made a wrong turn A turn that turned me on again To see the stars in the dark and new life again Rotaract, you turned me on, and I am dancing to your tune
Peter Simiyu Juma RAC JKUAT
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A ROADTRIP TO
MARALAL
CAMEL DERBY and community service
Maralal, Samburu. The land here unfolded through the plains and hills like a huge green carpet. It had been raining throughout in these sides. Cattle had something to eat. The morans and the ndauos did not have to travel far and wide. The women had prayed to their ancestors. Prayers had been answered. Here we were. Rotaract Lang’ata. 9 hours later. One bus. Two 14 seaters. 58 Rotaractors, Rotarians and guests. We were knackered to the marrow. But still, our endurance to fatigue was unmatched; taking showers notwithstanding. 9 hours on the road was no joke. We had slept, woken up, slept, woken up, slept and woken up again but had gotten no closer. We chewed miraa till our gums were tired but got no closer. That was Maralal. It was far. Far like hell. People here greet you by asking you, ‘How’s Kenya?’ You see, Rotaract Lang’ata is not the ordinary club. We are knuckle-heads in our own right. The kind of energy we have can be supplied to light up the whole of Maralal. We had come here for the 30th edition of the Carmel Derby and we were being referred to us ‘wageni wetu wa Nairobi.’ We were the cool kids here. In my village, this is the moment glasses, mugs and all new sorts of cutlery would be removed from the wall unit for ‘wageni wa Nairobi’. Maralal was kind to us. We were here not only for the Camel Derby but also for Charity. We were loaded with goodies and books for Kikora Street children and the Springs of Hope Children’s Home. The stories of these children revitalize our strong belief in humanity and the spirit of the four way test that we are guided by in our daily lives. K i - kora Street Children had a tent of theirs at the event where they
MARALAL CAMEL DERBY sold food stuff in order to be self-reliant. The long standing and enduring story of the existence of Springs of Hope Children’s Home was a fortress to the tales of humanity. The youngest child in this home was four years while the eldest was 17 years. This Home told the harrowing rescue stories of two young children who were almost burned in the house by their mother. The Camel Derby was a circus of comedy. The ostensibly untrained camels could not find calm and direction on the starting line. This notwithstanding, they found their bearing eventually. The Camel race was doubled up with bike racing relay. The camels were being commandeered by three people. One held and tagged the rope on the neck, while the other used a staff to beat and poke the camel’s underbelly to provoke motion. The last person was preferably a tourist, who was to ride the camel. He sat on top of the wobbly camel’s hump and struggled to gain balance. When darkness wore the evening like a massive blanket, we were ready to light up the night life of Maralal. There were not many night clubs there. The best we could find was Club Edge which was a leap from where our lodging place was. Beers here were not any different from the prices in Nairobi. 200 shillings a bottle. The place was thronged to the brim. It was end month and pockets were pouting. It was good timing. We partied like we would have partied in the city. We wriggled our waists even when we knew our waists could not keep the rhythm. Sweat didn’t just drip. It drizzled. Our brief stay in Maralal led us to conclude that food is expensive there. Meat was cheaper than anything with vegetables on it. This is understandable because people are pastoralists in these areas and not crop farmers. The weekend of 31st August to 1st September is forever tattooed in our hearts. And for that, we give special thanks to the friends and family of Rotaract Lang’ata who found time to be with us during this journey. A little journeying, a little adventure, a little experience, a little laughter, all with a bunch of friends is a little more living, and not just existing. This is exactly what Rotaract Lang’ata is all about. Good and positive vibes while doing charity and connecting! Wazuuuuuuuur! That’s what’s up!
Christian Andole RAC Lang’ata
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The Rotary Together we can do so much more.
For every amount you contribute towards the #PolioEndGame, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation triple that amount. So why not contribute now?
11th October
Movie nights in all regions in Kenya
12th October
The Mt. Kenya Hike. Prehike 1: Ngong Hills
Through out October 24th October
#PolioEndGame Caravan World Polio Day
9th November The Mt. Kenya Hike. Prehike 2: Mt. Longonot
Featured (from left): District TRF Director Gathua Muhia, DRR Samuel Karanja, District TRF Director Regina Kimani
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Be a Rotary Foundation hero
INTERVIEW WITH Rtr. Clement Chinaza Owuamalam PHF+3 1. Introduce Yourself Rotary Style… Name, Classification, Club, Roles in Rotaract/Rotary Thank you, my dear friends for this amazing opportunity. I am Clement Chinaza OWUAMALAM, a member of the Rotaract club of Aladinma Owerri, in District 9142 (Nigeria). I hold a B.Eng in Electronic and Computer Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Owerri and currently work as an IT Specialist with Image and Slogans Consultants Ltd, Owerri. I am equally interested in IT Security and possess a working proficiency in French language. Away from classification, I am a Rotaract Representative at the Rotary International (RI) Rotaract Committee and a member of the RI Elevate Rotaract Taskforce. In 2017, I coordinated a Rotaract Exchange Fellowship in Atlanta, involving Districts 6900 and 9110. Besides Rotaract, I have also served as Deputy Speaker of a Children’s Parliament, State Representative at the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education Children’s Forum, three-time National Quiz Champion and president of five different service organisations including the International Climate Champions of the British Council. Conclusively, I hail from Ehime Mbano of Imo State, Nigeria. I am also the second of the four children of Prof. & Mrs. Emman Owums Owuamalam. I am single and a jolly good fellow. 2. For How long have you been a Rotaractor? I have been a Rotaractor for almost a decade. Just last August 25th, I marked 7 years of Rotaract service, starting 2012. 3. Tell us the story of you joining Rotaract ...who introduced you, what club, what was the most fascinating thing about Rotaract at the time? As a freshman in the university then, I regularly had my Sunday private study at the SEET Head Building of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). Coincidentally, it was in the same building that the Rotaract Club of FUTO had their weekly fellowships. I knew this because I could often hear people sing and have a great time. One particular Sunday, I decided to go check out for myself. I still picture myself in the green flying shirts,
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INTERVIEW WITH RTR. CLEMENT CHINAZA PHF+3 brown trousers and leather slippers. I walked into a room full of well-dressed and focused students. I could tell that I had found the perfect group to belong to. The next Sunday, I wore my best suit for the meeting and the rest is history. You may not be wrong to conclude that Rotaract songs attracted me to Rotaract! At that time, the most fascinating things for me were the Rotaract songs, the fun way of auction sales, and the projects that I could participate in. 4. Your best moment as a Rotaractor My dear, I clearly remember the 5th of February 2018. That was the day I received my first appointment letter as a Rotaract Representative of the Rotaract Committee (formerly called the Rotaract-Interact Committee). My heart began to beat fast when I got to the email titled “RI Committee Invitation 2018-2019”. Before I could get to the last paragraph of letter, I had already thrown my phone away and started dancing in amazement. It became a lifetime opportunity to serve at an International level. 5. Your worst moment as a Rotaractor Hosting a service of Rotary songs in 2016, in honour of a deceased Rotaractor, has topped the list of my worst Rotaract moments. It was really saddening to mourn a friend that had turned sibling. May the souls of departed Rotaractors continue to rest in peace. Amen. 6. Biggest achievement while serving in Rotaract and why? I would give it up to when I coordinated the translation of 2019 Hamburg Rotaract Preconvention materials from English to 7 other Rotary Languages (German, Spanish, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese). I consider this as the biggest because it was the first edition of that project, in Rotary’s history. I worked with a formidable team of 52 native speakers from across the world, and each of the language teams had a leader. It was amazing to work across different time zones and to use Facebook groups for the entire process. We produced 77 documents in all and they are still available online at https://bit.ly/preconvention2019 7. Tell us about your PHFs and your journey giving to TRF In November 2014, I attended my first ever Rotaract function outside school. It was The Rotary Foundation
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INTERVIEW WITH RTR. CLEMENT CHINAZA PHF+3 (TRF) Seminar, coordinated by Assistant DRR Eze Stanley. That was the seminar that introduced TRF to me and motivated me to pursue a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF). From my scholarship savings, I was able to make my first 400 USD donation in 2015. As soon as Past District Governor Ijeoma Pearl Okoro heard about this, she matched (completed my donations) to become a PHF. In 2016, she also matched me to become PHF Level 2 (PHF+1), when I did an extra 400 USD donation. Again, in 2017, I was matched to PHF Level 3 (PHF+2) by Rotaractor June Nwokedike, in our TRF Twin project. Conclusively, I was matched to PHF Level 4 (PHF+3) in 2018, by Rotarian Paul Chukwebuka Ileka, who was then co-chair of the District Rotaract Committee. This made me the first PHF+3 Rotaractor in Nigeria. 8. Why do you keep giving? What motivates you? What is the ideal giving plan you would recommend to Rotaractors and why? I give because it is my responsibility as a Rotaractor, to contribute funds that are used to better lives around the world. I remember vividly that at my induction in 2012, I signed up to give my time, talent and treasures in service to humanity, as such, giving is an inseparable part of membership. In 2016, I began active training on TRF, with the aim of getting more Rotaractors to be acquainted to TRF and donations. Since then, giving also became leadership by example – in other words, I had to give to be able to encourage others to give. Nonetheless, the many TRF recognitions available to donors regularly motivate me to give. During my term as District 9142 (Rotaract) Rotary Foundation Chair in 2016-17, I developed a giving plan of at least 10 USD monthly, which helped us to raise over 1,088,000 NGN (3,096 USD) that year. This plan ensures that you donate every month. It also implies that you can afford to give more, or manage to give less, but never settle to give nothing. Monthly district recognitions of donors and their clubs, as well as the matching of Rotaractors to PHF also motivates giving in the district. 9. Where do you see yourself in the Rotary journey in the next 5 years? Before 2024, I plan to achieve the Benefactor recognition, through personal giving. I also plan to add 2 more levels to my current Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Furthermore, I hope to advance my current level of involvement in Rotary Polio Plus, and lead a significant International Polio Project. Similarly, I plan to visit Rotaractors in other countries, to learn from them and inspire them to greatness. By 2024, preparations should be in top gear for transition to Rotary. By then, I would have completed my mentorship program for Rotaract leaders, that would sustain the Rotaract passion for posterity. 10. When are you visiting D9212? Haha‌I am more than excited to visit and share friendship and experience. Though travel costs may be prohibitively expensive at this time, I am optimistic of some form of sponsorship in the near future. So, see you soon! 11. How do you handle criticism? Funny enough, I see it as tools for successful delivery. In fact, I often subject my plans to criticism before developing a final blueprint. When I have the support of top leaders in the field and of course my close friends, then unsolicited criticisms would make very little sense to me. Nevertheless, whenever I feel discouraged by criticisms, I get back to my team and get inspired by their support. 12. How do you deal with situations that do not go as planned? In such situations, I attempt to make the best out of what is available. For me, that is the time to encourage everyone and assure them of things working out well in the long run. Losing hope would only make things to go even worse. It also helps to politely inform those affected, in case of changes to plans. Great effort
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INTERVIEW WITH RTR. CLEMENT CHINAZA PHF+3 should equally be taken to discover the cause of the glitch, and avoid them in future. 13. How do you manage financial challenges as a youth when donating to TRF? Sometimes, when I cannot afford a donation in a month, I try to raise funds from my friends and family. That way, I still get to donate something, even if it is not from my purse. This is one way I manage the financial commitment. Some other times, I reduce expenses in order to have some money to give. I could give up lunch, or take a walk instead of a bus, or give up snacks, or similar sacrifices. I understand that a lot of youth do not have enough to give from, but as PDG Ijeoma would always say, “giving is not an exclusive right of the rich”. Even 1 USD is better than giving nothing at all. 14. What are the best ways to deal with situations that might cause conflict of interest in beliefs and Rotary ways? Rotary understands that localities differ in beliefs and so allows us to be flexible to accommodate all. However, when your final decisions contravene any part of the Rotary Manual of Procedures, it is advised that you discontinue the move. Therefore, always make necessary consultations before taking a decision. You could consider a community assessment before a project. You could also discuss with community leaders, Rotarians, current/past BOD members, and even club members. Above all, the stand of Rotary should remain paramount. 15. Parting shot… (anything you would want to tell us) I want to thank DRR Samuel M. Karanja and Past President Wambui Regina Kimani for the amazing relationship they have afforded me with District 9212. Thank you for extending your hands of friendship. My first parting shot is the message of #ElevateRotaract. This is a call for a revamp in how we comport ourselves, the kind of projects we execute, our Foundation giving habits, our public image, and the type of members we recruit. It is also an opportunity to enhance our relationship with Rotary clubs and Interact clubs; not a call for separation. You can key into this by spreading the Rotaract vibes to the world through social media, at least once a week. Also consider achieving the Rotaract Giving Certificate in your club, before our anniversary in March 2020. The second and final parting shot is the message to #EndPolioNow and forever. Truly, the fight is not over until it is over. Therefore, we are obliged to contribute in the final push against polio, through advocacy, public awareness, fund raising and participation in field work (www.endpolio.org). Consider organising a Polio World Greatest Meal in your club, (www.wgmeal.com) with just 10 USD or more. Thank you once again for having me. #Rotaract is good! 16. SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES My Rotary: https://my.rotary.org/user/1336811/profile/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/clementowums Twitter: https://twitter.com/clementowums LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/clementowums Instagram: https://instagram.com/clementowums SlideShare: https://slideshare.net/clementowums Skype: clementowums_1 Blogger: https://servicelane.blogspot.com
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ROTARACT
EARTH initiative
Bushenyi, Uganda
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THE
ONLY WAY
The antique shopkeeper bells tolled as he walked through the doors of Mrs. Shah’s bookstore that morning. The zip in the air was palpable. With a spring in his step, he cleaned and dusted. He set the coffee machine brewing and switched over the CLOSED sign. A slow burn of a work day ahead. Soon enough, the faint yet distinct scent of lavender stormed his nose. The reckoning was upon him. His heart skipped a beat. He had never gotten her name. Not that she ever gave it. Her beauty always took his breath away. It wasn’t the kind that had him scrambling to rein in ungodly thoughts or the sort which prompted him to take mental notes about the ways he wouldn’t raise the daughters God may yet give him. It was the kind that reaffirmed his belief that there is good in this world and reminded him that no matter how bad things got, if something this good could exist in a world this messed up, there was still hope. Flowers bloom in its wake. Snows melt and shoots sprout. It was the kind of beauty that made him behold God’s boundless providence and beat himself up over why he hadn’t been to church in eons. Damn…. “Hellooo…” she said, waving across his face. Opening up the till and bar checking her books, his mind was going into overdrive. His thoughts, a picture of wrack and ruin. Handing her the brown bag with her couple hundred shillings in change, he was right as rain on the path he’d take. He clenched his teeth and drew a long heave of air. “Hhh…hell…ll…” Oh crap. Stumbling out of the traps fast. He was determined to see it through. “Hhhh…helll…lllo, mmm…mmm…” Be brave, stay calm. Take a deep breath, speak slowly. The blanket armchair advice rolled in. He girded the loins of his tongue, readying himself to go at it again. “Mmmm…mmm…my…nnn…nn…name…” Soldiering on, the world around him quieted. There was rapid throbbing in his chest. Acutely uncomfortable thin sweat broke in his arms and chest. His mouth was
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THE ONLY WAY
going dry, throat clamming up and there was a faint ringing in his ears. Whatever resolve he had was taking a hell of a walloping. Cue internal screaming. His gaze drooped to the veneered floorboard. He was fading. Fast. His body wasn’t his own. It was betraying him, as it often did. “Mmmy…nnname…is…Jjjj…” “Can I take my books now?” Oh. He let go, fingers trembling, markedly sweaty stains on the creased bag. She gave him a quick glance, thanks and scurried past the door. He just stood there, weary and beat-up. He was exasperated, cutting a defeated figure. It’s only when the doorbells chimed with the swinging door that he was yanked back into the present. His eyes began to sting, memories upon memories flashing before them. Class reading sessions, school funkiez, the awful neighbour kids who mocked and aped his speech, people asking why he didn’t know his name. His heart broke. As did the banks of his eyes. A gamut of melancholic feelings came awash. Wroth he was, with the world, himself and the powers that be. Why him? Whatever did he do that made him a child of a lesser god. How long would he have to hoe this row? Was this meant to be his lot in life.
A strong near gale breeze blew in through a glassless louvre, rattling the Gandhi bobblehead by the register. His breakneck downward spiral faltered. For the what seemed like first time in his life, he finally saw the bigger picture. He saw the grander design. Nobody owed him a damn thing. He couldn’t be mad at the lovely girl or fat Brayo in class 3 or the insensitive lazy-eyed Kiswahili teacher from high school. How could he? Time, chance and opportunity come the way of us all. Granted, some more than others. He too deserved all that is good in this world. Just like everyone else. Self-pity wouldn’t get him any further than he was. More importantly, the Sisyphean effort it took to will himself to speak to the beautiful girl was the first time in months that he dared put himself out there. He understood now, the only way out, if ever, was doing the thing that downright filled him with fright. Speaking. Taking the next step, growing pains and all. So that someday he’d arrive at whatever, wherever Shangri-La was. This time, knowing one truth: It was, and will always be the only way. ******* As we connect the world and in our continued efforts to be agents of change in our communities, ourselves and each other, let us pay homage to our brethren of the tangle-tongued, and the struggles they go through. October 22 is the
International Stuttering Awareness Day.
Ronald Kirui RAC Dekut
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WESTERN Kenya region LUNCHEON 40
WESTERN KENYA REGION LUNCHEON Fifteen clubs in Kenya’s Western Region decided to come together to have lunch, and appreciate their Past Assistant District Rotaract Representatives (ADRRs), Meltreen Sikele and Edwin Ochomo. Rotaractors from the region came to interact, unwind and celebrate the PADRRs for the good work they did in the Rotary year 2018/19. Mel and Edwin were responsible for the unity in region, and the Rotaractors thank them. We urge the incoming ADRRs, Lydia Lukera and Harrison Agundo to continue strengthening the clubs in the Western Region and improving membership in the region. Presidents got a chance to share their experiences and to learn from other presidents. The PADRRs also got to share their experiences and gave a lot of insight into moving forward as a region. It was all fun and just getting to know each other. ADRRs Lukera and Harrison were able to share their calendar with the Rotaractors. All events are well spread among the 15 clubs in the region. We look forward to working with them. PADRRs Meltreen and Ochomo each received a gift from the Rotaractors, and it was wholesomely agreed that the luncheon should be an annual event for the Western Region.
Jerinah Lukakha
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Featured (from left): Rtr. Mercy Ngala, Rtr. Shadrack Kamau and Rtr. Marvin Olayo
Okay, since you’ve nudged me enough times I’ll be sure to come.
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Hey! You should join us on Wednesday for our fellowship at Clarion Hotel. It will be fun!
Mr. president, Rotarians, Rotaractors and guests, good evening. My name is Shady, the SAA and we are having a quiz night. First, introduce youselves: say your name, classification and what you think about the song wamlambez.
What character from Game of Thrones said “I drink and I know things?”
Put your hand across your chest for the final toast. Rotaract club of UoN...
TIBIM!!!
TYRION LANNISTER!!!
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Rotaract club of Lang’ata..
Rotaract club of Nairobi East..
WAZUUUUURRR!!!
S P A R T A N S AWO!AWO!
6
f club o taract o R a t t o a R e To e gr and th Parklands. ld r i he wo Nairob otaract to t R ry and over!
Rotaract as This was a great meeting. I thought nization orga an its see I now but more like a cult while elf mys where I can make new friends, grow e com to sure be I’ll giving back to the community. back.
7 Wonderful! See you next meeting.
Rotary and Rotaract to the world over!
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The th
RAC Nairobi Muthaiga North 44
installation
RAC NAIROBI MUTHAIGA NORTH SIXTH INSTALLATION It is with great pleasure that I report on the 23rd-25th of August. The Rotaract Club of Nairobi Muthaiga North (the Sister club to the Rotaract club of Kololo) had Ndung’u Migwi and the 6th board installed in Nyali in the Coast region of Kenya. In attendance, we had representation from two Rotaract clubs and two Rotary clubs. The colourful ceremony was presided over by Rtn. Mirriam Kaniaru, the President of the Rotary club of Nairobi Thika Road 2019/20. RAC Kololo was represented by Innocent Kamuka, current assistant International Service Director, who stood in for the President. The warmth we felt from our sister club is truly appreciated. The Rotary Club of Thika West was represented by Rtn. AG Benjamin Githae, and RAC Nairobi Muthaiga North had eight members and three guests. We used the Madaraka Standard Gauge Railway, a first time for many of the participants. The ride was five hours long, cutting through the beautiful Kenyan landscape and National Parks as the sun set. A few wild animals were spotted. The train crew were friendly and made it a comfortable ride. Special regards to the host,chef, house manager, all the Guests, the Rotary Club of Nairobi Thika Road, the Rotary Club of Thika West,the Rotaract Club of Kololo and the Rotaract Club of Nairobi Muthaiga North. ASANTENI SANA!!!!!!
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SYLVIA. A Rotaract story...
Her laugh. It is the first thing you notice about her. A laugh with purpose; direction. If that laugh was a human, it would be inspirational. It would be CEO before it was 30, run a successful business, and have a happy marriage with 3 kids. ‘’Who among them is the president?’’ I ask the friend who dragged me to the Rotaract meeting. ‘’The lady standing in the middle with the hearty laugh,’’ my friend answers. I stare at her for a moment. ‘’It must be nice,’’ I think to myself, ‘’to be picked from a crowd by your laugh. Some of us have to make peace with the bulging forehead comments. ‘’ ****** When you interview someone, you never know what awaits you. There are those that are uneasy. They could be talking about how much they love avocadoes then get squeamish about sharing that information. Suddenly, you seem like an avocado thief and they do not want to share secrets with the enemy. Then there are others like Sylvia. Open books. They want you to get to know them. You would think the President of a Rotaract Club would be more reserved. You expect a stern demeanor; an authoritative figure keen on commanding respect. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. But not Sylvia. There is an ease about her style of leadership. She takes charge with an alluring aura of confidence. However, she says that has not always been the case. ‘’Tim, our current Finance and Fundraising Director invited me for my first meeting. The guest for that specific day was Heshan De Silva, a venture capitalist & CEO of De Silva Group. Tim had been talking about him a lot so I figured I would hop in and check it out. As is the norm, at the beginning of the meeting, there were introductions. I actively made it a point to ensure that I walked in after everyone was done introducing themselves. I am an extremely shy person; so much so after the meeting, I barely talked to anyone and immediately left to go home.’’ Now, if you are like me, you must be wondering what kind of ‘shy’ this is. The ‘shy’ I know is the epitome of
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SYLVIA: A ROTARACT STORY... social anxiety. It doesn’t like to talk to anyone. It sticks to the corners of the room. It is so uneasy it wants sink into the wall. It does not lead to presidency of any kind. I needed to know what kind of ‘shy’ she was speaking of. ‘’That’s the thing. Opening up is a process. I did the same thing during my second meeting. I avoided the introductions and raced out after. I pretty much did not understand what Rotaract was about at the beginning. I continued coming for meetings, and slowly got the gist of it. So I knew that it is basically community service, creating professional networks and having fun. I got to know a few people and started to participate in club activities and projects. Later, after being a consistent member, I was inducted into the club in November 2015.’’ ‘’So how does a shy girl become president?’’ I ask ‘’I didn’t enjoy the perks of being a member as I was thrust into leadership immediately by being elected the Professional and Leadership Development (PLD) Director in 2016/17. Considering the role required me to source guests for our meetings and I was fairly new to the club, it was tough. I was only just figuring out the inner workings of the club. I had to know who to invite and try and sync their schedules with the club’s and more so, the Rotary themes. The next year, I was elected as the Club Secretary, and then in the subsequent year I became President Elect and here we are now.’’ She makes it sound easy. ‘’So what do you do when you are not Rotaracting?’’ If you are wondering, that is an actual word. You can take my word for it. ‘Well, I am an Advocate by profession. I was recently admitted into The Bar. With Law, practice does not begin the day you are admitted. You still do a lot behind the scenes. Actually, I have gotten myself a great mentor in my profession just by joining Rotaract and that, in a sense, is what the club is about. Creating a community where anyone can fit in, get to interact with people and give back while they’re are at it.’’ ‘’Why the Rotaract Club of Muthaiga? There are other Rotaract clubs. Is this a ‘the club choose me’ type of thing?’’ “Honestly yes. These are the people that I ‘Gel’ with.’’ Let it be known that at this point the only ‘Gel’ I am aware of is the one they use on nails. But I do not need my ignorance showing so we shall let her move on. ‘’I tried out a couple of other clubs but here is where I felt at home. I really enjoy being with the members here and I have learnt so much over the years. The PLD meetings expose you to other people’s careers. The Club Service activities allow you to know members and guests on a personal and fun level while Community Service provides a platform where you can give back/serve the community. I have stepped out from my comfort zone, made new friends here and in different parts of the world, touched and changed lives and globetrotted. There is so much to gain from joining Rotaract, there is literally nothing to lose. It is an opportunity to Learn, Unlearn, Relearn and Volunteer. More so, you leave a print instead of just existing’’
Elsie Ndonga RAC Muthaiga
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SOUTH
SUDAN 1 2 1. Rotarians and Rotaractors with DG and DRR during the joint training on membership, TRF and PR at Acacia Hotel, Juba. 2. DG and DRR at Rotary Club of Munuki, Juba.
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3 4 5 3. DRR with members of Rotaract Club of the University of Bahr El Ghazal, Wau. 4. Interact Club of Loyola Secondary School, Wau. 5. Boy Club, somewhere in S.Sudan ;-)
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The Rotary men’s conference The Rotary Men’s Conference is an initiative of the Rotaract Club of Nairobi Parklands aimed at providing a platform for Men to talk and find solutions for critical issues affecting their being, as well as mentorship for Rotaractors by Rotarians. The pioneer conference was held on the 10th of August 2019 at Garden Estate where approximately 10 Rotarians and 25 Rotaractors attended. The day started early for the organizers with a visit to Kiserian cattle market at around 7.30 am where they bought 3 goats, two of which were slaughtered there and one carried alive. They later went to a soda depot where they bought some sodas and of course “kamnyueso” (Editor’s note: ethanol/firewater). On their way back they took a connecting flight, making a stop at Rongai to buy Duty free tomatoes, onions, avocados amongst other cooking stuff. Their next stop was in the Nairobi CBD where of course, since it was a men’s only conference the organizing team had to sneak in some chicks (wink wink). So, led by Our very able Mr. handsome Isaac Mucheru, a team of three guys went in and after a lot of convincing came back packed with 5 Kienyeji (yard fed) chicken or “yengs”. (Editor gives up. Y’all figure it out) About an hour later, the team made its way to Garden estate where it was received with pomp and color…. Sasa kujeni niwambie mahali story inashika... On arrival, the ‘chinjing’ team as they were famously called, was ready to cut to the chase. Under the able stewardship of one MGENGE, the team swung into action by preparing a fireplace and their other tools of trade. Within an hour the live goat had been slaughtered and some smoke could be seen from a distance… Now this
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THE ROTARY MEN’S CONFERENCE is where the conversations began. Men could be seen in groups tackling different tasks as they conversed. In one I heard them talking about starting out in careers, in another how to keep your wife and family happy and in another, investments, just to say the least. This went on for hours as guys enjoyed drinks and the cool breeze of a posh suburb. However, to everyone’s shock as the evening was almost s ettling in and most of the food was ready, a bunch of guys appeared, claiming they had sausages enough for everybody in the conference and even better, they wanted to grill them. Men, afraid of their… hunger quickly cooperated and the first set was ready. However, in the blink of an eye they were over and guys were demanding for more. As one would have it though, more was prepared and well, I don’t need to say much about how that went. Later on, after the arrival of Ugali man who prepared it in less than 30 minutes, the great feast began. If you happened to walk in at this point you wouldn’t have thought anyone was at the venue since the only sounds heard was the chewing. This happened as dusk was slowly sneaking in. and for the final part, all the guys congregated within a circle where the main and final conversations happened. Main points of discussion at that point were: 1. Careers: From entry level opportunities to transitioning and growth. 2. Business: Starting up, ethics, and scaling. 3. Individual: Knowing oneself including strengths and weaknesses, strategic positioning, learning and adapting. 4. Men’s Role in society: Current perception of men, what should be done and how it should be done. 5. Women: Relationships, dating, family. After spending so much time in the interactive session that included questions, answers as well as sharing of real-life experiences, the night ended with the auctioning of some whisky bottles which were gladly won by ‘team Rongai’. Guests later left at their own free will. It is worth noting that the conference raised Ksh. 9,450 that will go to the Club’s signature project, Solio Revamped, that tackles water and sanitation as well as basic education and literacy.
RAC Nairobi Parklands
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Let’s fight tungiasis
Dorine Marion Oballa RAC Bungoma
Fighting disease is one of Rotary’s areas of focus. Rotary educates and equips communities to curb the spread of diseases like polio, HIV/ AIDS, and malaria. Tungiasis is the term for Jigger infestation. Itis a serious but neglected public health problem. The tiny sand flea, jigger (tunga penetrans), is the cause of a widespread health problem in Kenya. Jiggers burrow into people’s feet, causing swelling, itching and infections; making it painful to walk. Myths about Tungiasis range from it being associated with witchcraft, and curses, or being a disease for the poor and sign of impending death for the elderly. What actually leads to Tungiasis? • Walking barefoot • Illiteracy • Earthen floored rooms/houses • Sharing common resting places with infected persons These are are some of the leading risk factors. I believe most if not all problems have a solution. Tungiasis has remedies too, including but not limited to: education on tungiasis causes, transmission, treatment and prevention mea-
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• sures • Proper hygiene practices • Putting on protective foot wear • Spraying of insecticides on earthen floors. Did you know? • Untreated jigger infection can lead to deformed limbs, amputation or even death in extreme cases. • Jiggers cause discomfort in school going children, affecting their performance. • Jiggers are among the reasons some children drop out of school. • Jiggers causes stigmatization of the infected persons. It is a social problem. Now that you know… RAC Bungoma is fighting Tungiasis. Let’s fight Tungiasis.
Anne Wanjiru Kamau
RAC Nairobi Muthaiga North
OUT
DEFEATINSIDE The sense that life is better off without you... Defeat inside-out.
It’s like a dark room and somehow the spotlight is on you! Not that you’d want it so. It’s like everybody is watching, but equally, no one seems to care at all! A twist of highs and lows. All the while, life goes on around you. Do we care enough to enable that fading soul find its way back to rejuvenation? Do we extend warmth enough to liven a soul going cold?
What we miss is that deep down, all of us simply seek to be understood. To feel seen. That our existence matters. That our reasons are worth a listen. It is in how we speak to those around us, how we regard them, how we receive the stranger in our crowd, how we treat the ones in our command. It goes on and on. Do we stop and see the soul to whom we are relating? Life has a way of connecting all of us in ways. Adversity is one. We all face struggles. Varied as they may be, we all have something that bites on us. That which appears meagre to you weighs heavy on another. We can never be at per. Though all human, we come with individuality. It is in acknowledging this thatwe see the other person. A further step is empathizing, hearing them out, not being dismissive, and not being so quick to judge looking from the outside. There is always a “why” to people. Give room to it. Seclusion, self harm and suicide are among the effects of poor mental health, all of which we wouldn’t wish on those we care about. It starts with me and you. It starts from the grounding as children. We set the tone for what society says. Let us seek to make things better, to reach out when we see warning signs, to be gentle with each other, and to be part of the solution by living consciously. All smiles bear a story. Some mask pain and gore. Let’s purpose to genuinely care. Allow the other to feel human. When In a position to, walk in the other’s shoes. Be gentle with yourself as well. It allows you to extend it to others. When that light within is flickering and burning low, reach out. Seek help. There’s always someone willing to listen. There’s always someone who cares. To think and feel you are all alone is to deny that as humans, adversity is part of us all. Life isn’t perfect, and it’s not meant to be! The twists and turns make for a worthy ride. We just need to keep each other warm when it goes cold. It makes the difference in how much we all thrive. I matter, you matter, we matter...
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RYLAKenya 2019
Hellen Achuka
RAC Thika School of Medical & Health Sciences
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Memories are made of things we do out of the norm, and getting to Kakamega forest for RYLA was one of the best memories. Despite the rainy conditions there, the hospitality was awesome and that made everything fun. Bonfire, meals and much more. RYLA gave me a deeper understanding of what leadership really entails, from how to approach people to financial management; ensuring your security and other people’s and above all, the importance of team work. Connecting the world was our main theme, and it really portrayed itself out there. Being from different regions and having the sense that we have family in each one of us made it far easier and much more fun to interact with one another. We got out of our shells and thought, reasoned and solved problems as a family. Thanks to the committee for creating such an unforgettable experience for me.
RYLA KENYA 2019
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The Mashinani war on
CANCER PROGRAM
The Rotaract Club of Malindi instituted the Mashinani (Swahili word for “Grassroots”) War on Cancer (MWOC) Program in the year 2017 to help curb the incidences of cancer, as well as to reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Under this program, the club seeks to partner with various stakeholders to meet its goals. The club held its first cancer awareness campaign in November 2017 with the theme “No One Walks Alone”. During the campaign, the club organized a walk within Malindi town to create awareness on the condition. With the funds raised from the campaign’s sale of T-shirts, our corporate partners and friends, the club procured a year’s supply of cancer drugs for four (4) patients who are under its care. The club also funded some of the diagnostic and follow-up tests required for these patients. In 2018, the club held its second cancer awareness campaign in October with the theme, “We CANCERvive”. This theme was aimed at giving hope to all cancer patients, as well as their families and friends. Rotaract Club of Malindi had taken note of the despair that a diagnosis of cancer brings upon patients and their loved ones. During last year’s campaign, we not only organized an awareness walk and health talk, but also offered free
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THE MASHINANI WAR ON CANCER PROGRAM screening services for breast, cervical and prostate cancer. During the year 2018/2019, MWOC has increased the number of beneficiaries from four (4) in the previous year to fifteen (15), not including the number of people screened. Since the program’s inception, the Rotaract Club of Malindi has been able to conduct cancer screenings in several areas during its medical camps. The areas are: Kakuyuni (Kakuyuni ward), Sosobora (Jilore ward), Malindi town, and Dabaso in Watamu (Kilifi North Sub-County). In collaboration with the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Watamu, we scheduled a medical camp for the month of August (2019) in Marafa (Magarini Sub-County), where two cases of advanced breast cancer had been picked by the local administration, brought to our attention and we have now taken charge of their follow up at Malindi Sub-County Hospital. Through its Mashinani War on Cancer (MWOC) program, the Rotaract Club of Malindi hopes to fulfill three of the six key interventions proposed in the National Cancer Control Strategy 2011-2016 report. MWOC seeks to ensure: i. Primary prevention of cancer – This is through its awareness campaign where professionals talk to the public about risk factors for various types of cancer. ii. Early detection of cancer – Under the MWOC program, several routine screenings for cancer are offered to the public for free using funds realized from various donors and through partnerships with stakeholders. iii. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer – MWOC also strives to ensure that all suspicious cancer cases identified during screening are confirmed and treatment started early, especially for cancers within the curable stage. This year, once again, come the month of October, the Rotaract Club of Malindi will set the ball rolling by conducting the annual cancer awareness campaign to reach a larger population, not only within Malindi sub-county, but also in the neighboring sub-counties. As usual, the club will preach the gospel of primary preventive measures and encourage the public to undergo routine screening for various cancers as advised by healthcare professionals. . This year, the annual cancer awareness walk will take place on October 20th, 2019 (The Mashujaa Edition). The theme will be ‘mimi ni shujaa’ The walk will start at 9am from Shell/BP Petrol Station to Sinbad Grounds. At Sinbad grounds, there will be a health talk, free screening for prostate, cervical and breast cancer, as well as free HIV counseling and testing. To raise funds for the walk the club is selling T-shirts and also using proformas through its members to help us meet the program’s goals. The Rotaract club of Malindi calls upon various stakeholders to partner with it during this year’s cancer awareness campaign. Stakeholders are invited to offer their services and make donations (in kind or financial) towards meeting the annual budget set in order to achieve the expected outcome. Members of the public and all stakeholders are welcome to join the club during the annual walk and to enjoy any of the health services that will be offered on that day. Financial donations can be channeled to: 1) BANK: KENYA COMMERCIAL 2) M-PESA PAYBILL BANK (KCB) ACCOUNT NAME: ROTARACT MALINDI CANCER KITTY ACCOUNT NUMBER: 1240585071 BRANCH: MALINDI
BUSINESS NUMBER: 189097 ACCOUNT NAME: CANCER AWARENESS 2019
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LIO
GAME
END
Join us as we watch the movie premiere of
WIL SMITH VS WILL SMITH because what are vaccines made of ?
The same damn virus!!!
KSH. 800| 6:30PM |11 OCTOBER 2019 Nairobi - Anga Diamond Plaza 2 |Eldoret - Rupas Mall 58All proceeds shall go to the Rotary Foundation (in support of the fight to eradicate polio) 58
Tower of unanswered questions What if I was born in a rich family, what if I was born in an Islamic family, what if I did not want to be born at all? Will I stand tall in life? Will I die young? What next? -UNANSWERED QUESTIONSYou’re fresh from campus with all those expectations. Reality check, PAP! All the papers but not so much can be done. Sending endless applications, literally knocking on every door, only to get rejected or not even get a response. Life hits hard from all corners, your parents want you gone from their house, you finally experience what it is like to be broke to the bone and, by the way, Lisa from primary school is now married and just had a baby. You don’t know a politician or someone in a position of power. In short, you are f*****, you feel it in your soul. See, the problem is no one ever prepared you for all this. What they said was, “Go to school, keep your grades high, get the papers and everything will flow swifter than the Nile.” But now, none of that has happened and your mind has started to crumble. Depression has started calling, anxiety has you on speed dial as well. You are trapped! Is it really worth all the hassle? Do you want to be an adult? Do you need to be alive? –UNANSWERED QUESTIONSHe knelt on his left knee. He poured his heart out to her. Then as he smiled, he stretched his hand and opened the navy-blue heart shaped box, inside of which was a green emerald ring. He took a deep breath and finally said the words, ‘’Will you marry me?” In his head several questions streamed, ‘Will she say yes? What will her parents demand from me? Dowry? How much wealth would I have to pay for her?” Putting up a plastic smile she stared straight into his eyes. In her heart she had already said YES and accepted that engagement ring, but… “My parents will not allow this, will they? He is a Muslim and I am Christian by faith. I love him, but I will be branded as a lost cause. Should I care so much about what my parents would say, or what the society will think? Or should I just follow my heart and live by the saying love is blind? What should I do?” Why did we ever let religion and traditions control who we love? –UNANSWERED QUESTIONSHere I stand at the crossroad between life and death. I have to make a choice on which way to go. I reflect. Life - a place people kill, a place where love is hindered by religion and traditions, a place where academics qualifications are just regular paper, a place where politicians do not really care much about the services they were elected to provide to the public, a place I will die again. Is this what I truly want? Then there is my tower of unanswered questions. Are they logical questions worth being answered? I turn right, then left, then right again. Will it be life or death? Mid-way, the tower is still growing tall. –UNANSWERED QUESTIONSTruth: none of us really knows what we are doing. We forge a life as per the breaths we take. We are all learning on the job (life), and we are bound to learn till the ultimate end comes. Everyone’s journey starts and end at different times. Do not be too hard on yourself. Do you, and let the universe deal will the unanswered questions.
Kefa Odindo RAC Lang’ata
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POLIO ENDGAME
CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
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El (the dorado golden one) It is hard to put into words how I feel about Rotaract but I will do my best to share my experience with the El Dorado. I have a friend who would always have the word “Rotaract” on the tip of his tongue. He would narrate fancy stories of fellowships and meetings he attended and his grooming would kind of tell it all. He was meeting with a Cinderella. Curious, I inquired further on what Rotaract was and why he is so intimate with the ideologies and activities of Rotaract. Sam, in a sitting that made my gluteal muscles numb, explained to me what he referred to as ‘highlights on Rotaract’. He told me of a networking platform where you meet visionary youths of integrity who come together to impact the world and make it glitter. He stressed that it is a family of youngsters who serve their community and have fun in doing good and transforming their localities. (I was lured by my love for charity and my ego was being caressed as a transformational leader. Or ideologically, a lover of a utopia, created by changing the status quo). This evoked a curiosity in me that led me to go see for myself what this insinuated “El Dorado” is all about. The first day in room 4a seemed an illusion. The room was arranged like a conference room and the touch of honor was oozing from the custom made Rotaract bell. There sat all stunning young men and ladies, some with lapel pins, faces glowing and smiles reflecting the joy and belonging. I felt intimidated. As soon as I made contact with the mahogany arm desk, the (later introduced as) President, hit the bell and all the members were on their feet. As the saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans and with that in mind, I rose. Confused but stiff and confident. The deeper the meeting got, the more I felt the connection broadening. It is in that meeting that I witnessed very fun and lit ways of giving out for charity. Having a family to share with your joy and sadness with, in hand with giving to the community. The dollars were given with smiles and lit up the room. Truly, that is the eclectic ideological art of giving. I was so moved with the grace of the family. Having to mind other people and your personal growth in your thoughts, words and, action. That is deep! I found a family which was offering guidance to comrades on the issues affecting the youth: leadership, development in the nation, the list goes on. A platform which unveils the youths to the market and making them fraternize with individuals who are vast with the modules of the employers. I saw a furnace which would nourish my gold to glitter. Rotaract was truly El Dorado. My communion with the Rotaractors has made me have a different view on most things. For a start, my attitude towards women leadership and girl child empowerment has been impacted. I have seen my peers who are ladies taking very demanding roles in the group. The way they manage to monitor both genders with equality and respect really is revitalizing. I was lucky enough to hear from a great female orator and politician who was sharing on how women face a rough road to power and there is more than I thought there is
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ELDORADO -THE GOLDEN ONE out here. I really felt that Rotaract was changing me or rather bettering who I was by washing some of my flaws. I wanted to be a member from the start. I was taught to be tolerant and patient for membership was not being offered like Santa’s candies. You had to earn it. What a community! I am writing this two weeks after my induction and a day after I was given my lapel pin. The feeling is the same, just phenomenal and comforting. I can now identify myself as a member of this great family. My anticipation for engaging in greater and more life-changing activities is irrevocable. The feeling of belonging is satisfying and I can name this as the best moment of my college life. In conclusion, I have a great feeling and belief that this is a family I will affiliate with for a lifetime. I own up in heart the mission and vision of the club and the values which will be instilled in me and I will venture into transforming the world with it. I believe that coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is a success!
Simon Peter
RAC African Nazarene University
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Reflection on the #GreenLegacy challenge #Greenlegacy for a greener and cleaner Ethiopia, the nationwide go green campaign, was an ambitious endeavor undertaken by the current prime minster of Ethiopia to plant Four Billion trees over the summer of 2019. With the initiative aiming to tackle the effects of deforestation and climate change while raising awareness on “green behavior” the office of the prime minister made an official attempt to plant 200 million trees in one day. As ambitious and seemingly farfetched as the numbers were, the nation has been able to surpass the one day challenge and accomplish a vast majority of the 4 billion trees to be planted throughout the campaign. Having highlighted the record breaking numbers, let’s now discuss the reflection of members of Green Rotaract Concept (GRC) who have been involved in tree planting projects and environmental campaigns. The excitement over the official attempt to plant 200 million trees in one day challenge resonated through social media with hastening momentum on the days leading up to July 29th. Various governmental and non-governmental bureaus, organizations, companies, and even individuals made pledges to plant trees, preparing a list of volunteers, and distributing jobs amongst themselves in order to make for smoother logistics. On the day of the tree planting, plenty rose out of bed early, heading to plating sites in groups or individually, dressed in their most work/mud friendly clothes, committed to planting ‘x’ amount of trees to contribute to the grand amount of 200 million trees to be panted nationwide in a day. Queues were formed in multiple places in an effort to receive seedlings from distributors and head to planting areas. A bit of pushing and shoving might have happened here and there but the excitement and hype of the moment surpassed the inconveniences involved. As GRC members, we took it upon ourselves to assist with the support required, making sure people had enough seedlings to plant, assisting people struggling with the proper planting approach and making sure none of the plastic wrappers were left behind. Even though this was an achievement of unmatched magnitude, there was much expected to be considered a success in our eyes. Throwing away plastic wrappers of seedlings near saplings, planting the seedlings whilst in their plastic wrappers, not using enough soil or too much soil to cover the seedlings were some of the improvement areas visible. More focus was given to how many trees each person planted instead of what proper planting entails, what needs to follow after the initial tree planting and how to properly take care of saplings. As Rotaractors, Rotarians and Environmentalists, let’s take a moment to reflect on these points. Why are we involved in these green projects? Who are we trying to leave #Greenlegacy to? What does each of us needs to contribute to create a greener tomorrow?
Green Rotaract Concept, Ethiopia 64
ROTAMEMES
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Miss Mergery’s perspective on Rotaract When most people hear the name Rotaract, the terms money, prestige, and wealth are not usually too far from their thoughts. I have personally fallen victim to the blissful ignorance associated with people who judge before they can they think long enough to carry out a little research. I joined the Rotaract club of Embu early this year, simply out of curiosity and with no intention of attending more than one fellowship. The first time I attended a Rotaract meeting (they are called fellowships), I remember the 500 shillings that was burning holes in my jeans, waiting for the opportune moment to show that even a hustler like me could be associated with the other half. As my 500 bob and I were expectantly waiting for the githaa ya kutoa pesa to arrive, imagine my surprise when instead of notes there were coins of tens and twenties, and instead of resolute and professionally charged conversations, there was joy and smiles. It was also the first time I had actually laughed in a long while. It turns out I never left, and if I look forward to weekly meetings on Thursdays, well, let’s say my curiosity was more than satiated. Today, I am a proud Rotaractor, having been inducted not long ago and with no intention of leaving anytime soon. On my first ever community service event in Rotaract, I got a taste of what the club is really about: Service Above Self, while at the same having fun through joyous team building activities. On Saturday, the 3rd of August, the club was giving out a wheelchair to a fifty-something year old man in Murang’a county. Before he was confined to a chair, Mzee Eliud had lived a blissfully average life, and later moved to work in Kakamega where his children were born. He stayed there until the circumstances of the 2008 post-election violence forced him to move back home. Not long after, he started experiencing substantial pain in his knee joints. Like the average Kenyan, he would take occasional painkillers to wish the pain away, only for the affliction to not only worsen, but hinder physical movement. So began his weekly trips to and from Kenyatta hospital in Nairobi, where it was already too late by the time his inability to ever walk again was discovered. Consequently, each weekly hospital appointment would cost him 12,000 shillings. Only when his legs finally failed did Mzee Eliud tardily realize he had no money left for any form of corrective surgery, and sadly, could not afford to purchase a wheelchair. I had never fully reflected on the phrase service above self until I saw how Mzee Eliud’s smile almost lit up the entire compound where we had gathered after we gave him the wheelchair. He had been disabled for years, and his reliance on a borrowed wheelchair lent to him two months prior to our visit notwithstanding, one could easily see the great impact the chair had on him. As the sole family breadwinner, it must have been pretty tasking to provide for them sans mobility. The wheelchair, while not a treatment in itself, is a symbol of hope which not only facilities effective movement, but gives back some semblance of control.
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MISS MERGERY’S PERSPECTIVE ON ROTARACT
Mzee Eliud is one of the many wheelchair beneficiaries courtesy of the RCE community over the last two years. Many a wheelchair has been issued in Embu, Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Nyeri, Muranga and beyond. While some may wonder why the club would go out of its way to serve in places outside of Embu, one outstanding thing about Rotaract is its universality. We aim to serve people in all regions regardless of where, what, and who they are. If we have to cross Kenyan borders to put a smile on someone’s face, together, we will find a way. Currently led by the outspoken and committed president Njoroge Njuguna, the wheelchair project is just one of the many community service milestones of the club for next year. While the wheelchair business was the highlight of the day, visiting the famous Ndakaini dam was the perfect way to conclude the event. We laughed and laughed some more, revisited the good old days of “onetwo! Make a circle...” and “Ukuti! Ukuti!” and had an amazing photo session with Njoro’s broken smartphone that can take surprisingly beautiful pictures. There are many more upcoming activities for the Rotaract club in the next few months, including raising Polio awareness, tree planting, and more importantly, the Adopt A Child Initiative aimed at buying school uniform for struggling pupils in public schools, starting with Njukiri Primary. Using the following link to the M-changa account, contributions bring us closer to our goal of facilitating a brighter education to these kids. https://changa.page.link/5cmnr There are many things to learn in Rotaract, and I’m here for the long haul. I may never grasp it all, or even understand why we call them fellowships instead of meetings, but I know I have a second family in the club. And family means being there for each other through the bad and the good. If you’re looking for professional development, serving the community, making friends, having a good laugh or like me, you are just curious about the fuss that is Rotaract, well, come find us.
Mergery Nyakio RAC Embu
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CREDITS CONCEPT ART Netsanet Asmelash Natnael Tadelle
PHOTOS Victor Muto Elizabeth Wangui
MEMES Kefa Odindo
EDITORIAL TEAM Hilda Ndonyi Perpetual Machua Wilson Karogo Ngotho Paul Karuri Catherine Njeri