The Rotaractor June – October 2021

THE OFFICIAL ROTARACT DISTRICT 9212 MAGAZINE

JUNE – OCTOBER 2021 ISSUE

FEATURE:

Rotaract Districts 9125 (Nigeria) & 9212 (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya & South Sudan) Collaboration on The Rotaractor Magazine

THEME: BEHIND THE MASK

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CONTENTS District 9212 Conference Assembly 2022

RYLA Kenya 2021

Joint interview between IPDRRs and DRRs for Districts 9125 & 9212

Safe Return To Schools

Green Rotaract Concept

The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Interviews

08 22 27 38 53 66

...and so much more

Credits: Concept & Editorial: Editorial Commitee Behind The Mask Concept Photography: Rikkie Tumaini Fredrick Ochari Articles & Photos: Rotaract, Rotary & Interact Clubs in RID9125 (Nigeria) & RID9212 (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya & South Sudan) Memes: Alice Josephs – RAC Ongata Rongai Gathigia Kinyua – RAC Lang’ata

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Crossword: Adekola Abdulwahab – Alumni, RAC Obafemi Awolowo University Nigeria

Editor’s Note: Part One – Issa Wrap Catherine Njeri Mwangi Rotaract Club of Kitengela Retired – Rotaract RID9212 Deputy PR Director & The Rotaractor Magazine Editor in Chief 2020–2021 Edited by Rtr. Caleb Rabu | PR Fellow, and Communications and Image Consultant Rotaract Club of Naivasha Good evening or good morning from my tiny home office (it’s morning somewhere around the world, right?)

It’s Caty here and I’ll be here with you probably for the last time so stick with me through this not so long tribute of sorts. It has taken me a couple of months to finally write this – started sometime in June and now its August hehe – I’ll pour my heart out just one last time. I write this with my heart full for the kidu three years I’ve been in PR (from club to country Kenya to district 9212 – Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan). In this period, I have met strangers from around the globe who became friends, I have met business connections and confreres, I have gone places, and I have learnt some and then a bit more.

This issue was targeting Rotaractors and Rotaract Clubs one year experience and challenges during the pandemic – how they were finishing strong in the year 2020/2021, year of opportunities.

The exciting bit about this issue is that it is a collaboration between two districts, our district 9212 (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan) and District 9125 Nigeria. From fictional stories to current affairs in all our countries to Safe Return To Schools opinion pieces from Interactors… get to read it all!

Continued on Page 73

To find out more about Rotaract District 9212, visit our website: www.rotaractdistrict9212.org

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Behind The Masks

Rtr. Mani El Darreiny Rotaract Club of Bahari Mombasa The past one year has been the hardest for my career, my social life and most of all, my personal life. I had to develop new skill sets and figure new ways to survive my photography business with all the restrictions that Covid brought to the media world in general. I went from trying to avoid social media to completely cutting it off my life. And most of all, I lost my sister.

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But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and stormy weather makes the best sailors. As the famous quote goes “this too shall pass”, and when it does, I have faith brighter days shall come.

Rtr. Monica Wanjiku Rotaract Club of Limuru D9212 TRF Director 2021–2022 I remember when COVID hit, I was starting my journey as president and was halfway happy that it would be easier to chair meetings online but with time I looked forward to physical meetings which actually turned out great....New experiences, lots of learning, great networks and above all personal growth is what I have witnessed during this tough period... FULFILLED.

“It is therefore important that we tell our story in ways that help people everywhere understand what Rotary does, how we’re different, and why our work matters.”

Message from the District PR Director

Fredrick Ochari | Rotaract D9212 Director for PR & Communications 2021–2022

Dear Rotaractors, For more than 100 years, Rotary has united leaders who are committed to using their expertise to take action and improve their communities. Awareness of Rotary is high. But the public understanding of who we are, what we do, and the value we bring to communities is low. It is therefore important that we tell our story in ways that help people everywhere understand what Rotary does, how we’re different, and why our work matters.

Some of the reasons why we need to tell our story include: reaching potential Rotarians and Rotaractors, informing the public about our activities, and seeking help and contribution for our projects. Those who need us the most will also be able to reach out to us and we’ll be able to offer services to them.

As we tell our stories, we need to have in mind that Rotary is a brand.

A brand is more than just the logo. It is a perception. It is how others see and think of us just as much as we see and think of ourselves.

People’s perception of Rotary comes from their experiences with our clubs and programs, along with the stories we tell and the images we share. Compelling, consistent brand communications — together with a great experience — can strengthen our brand and help us engage and attract more members, donors, and partners.

I, therefore, urge you to uphold the Rotary Branding Guidelines as you tell your club stories. Reach out to the District Public Image, Communications, and Innovation Committee in case you need any help.

Enjoy reading and of course, for any input, reach out to the exceptional team behind this magazine on pr@rotaractdistrict9212.org Thank You.

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Message from the Rotary International President

“This year, let us Serve to Change Lives.”

Rtn. Shekhar Mehta President 2021–2022, Rotary International

The biggest gift we are given Is the power to touch a life, To change, to make a difference In the circle of life.

If we can reach out With our hand, heart, and soul, The magic will start to happen As the wheel begins to roll.

Let’s turn the wheel together So all humanity thrives, We have the power and the magic To Serve to Change Lives.

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I first discovered the value of service when I saw how a few simple acts can immeasurably change lives. It began when I joined others in my club for a project to bring toilets and clean drinking water to rural villages near our city. It moved forward when we promoted sanitation and provided opportunities for education across the country, thanks to generous gifts from supporters who believed in our projects as much as those of us on the ground did.

There is no better time of the year to be reminded of that generosity than November, which is Rotary Foundation Month. As the charitable arm of Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation is the engine that powers so many Rotary projects throughout the world. The Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives. It is the Foundation that helps us to get closer to our goal of eradicating polio, to show more people how we promote peace through tangible actions, and to demonstrate the impact our projects have in our areas of focus.

Consider some recent projects that were made possible by the Foundation: • The Rotary clubs of Guatemala La Reforma, Guatemala, and Calgary, Alberta, received an $80,000 global grant to organize a comprehensive plan to train nurses and rural health care workers to prevent and treat cervical cancer and to implement a sustainable system of referrals in seven regions of Guatemala.

• More than two dozen hospitals in Honduras received personal protective equipment for their medical staff thanks to a $169,347 global grant sponsored by the Rotary clubs of Villa Real de Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and Waldo Brookside-Kansas City, Missouri.

• The Rotary clubs of Cotonou Le Nautile, Benin, and Tournai Haut-Escaut, Belgium, received a $39,390 global grant to provide agricultural training at an ecologically responsible permaculture mini-farm connected to a center for children in Sowé, Benin. This will help a new generation of farmers become economically self-sufficient.

I like comparing The Rotary Foundation to the Taj Mahal, a monument of one man’s love for a woman. The Foundation is a dynamic monument of our love for all of humanity. This month I am asking all Rotary clubs to bring attention to the Foundation.

It is what connects all Rotarians worldwide and transforms our collective passions into projects that change lives. Visit rotary.org/ donate; once there, you will have an opportunity to give directly to the program you’re most passionate about.

Thank you for giving your all to Rotary. You are the reason that Rotary is able to do more and grow more. Let’s continue to represent that important legacy this month, this year, and beyond as we Serve to Change Lives.

Rtn. Shekhar Mehta President 2021–2022, Rotary International

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Virtual DCA

“Virtual DCA, by all means, was interactive & offered an opportunity to explore how technology can bring us together even in these days of social distancing & minimal physical interactions.”

Rtr. Victoria Waiyego (On behalf of Virtual DCA team) | Rotaract Club of Westlands, RID9212

Rhumba Nanyuki was long awaited in District 9212. District Conference and Assembly (DCA) 2021 was scheduled to go down in Nanyuki in the month of April. It was most awaited especially because Covid-19 was not fair to all concerned in 2020. Sadly a long email from the district office came in once again that we would not have a physical DCA in 2021. For a split second it was sad because where was I to take my scrubs and I am not a medic? Well, the tail of the email read the DCA team was committed to make the virtual conference as lively and inclusive as possible...

That way, men and women, is how I ended up attending my first ever virtual conference.

Tech and I have a strained relationship so I was skeptical if I would manage to see myself through a two day virtual conference. My fears were invalid, the conference interface was top notch ensuring the user had the best experience.

Did I mention Safaricom was generous enough to gift the attendees data bundles to stream the conference? One of the best part of my experience was the virtual break out groups that were there. They allowed me to network with fellow rotaractors, rotary family and friends. I networked. Yes for sure Rotary opens opportunities and as it opened them up it allowed for moments to spread some love and laughter behind the screens where the conference was held. My other highlight was the virtual party that Homeboyz Entertainment offered so generously through the two evenings. Well, we had to move some body and dance to the big tunes the DJ on the decks dropped. It was a long minute since I broke a sweat, because: the pandemic!!!

I definitely look forward to Diani in 2022! Rotary Opens Opportunities And Cheers To One Love.

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“A Rotaract Club is only as good as its members.”

The Secret to Growing Valuable Membership

Rtr. Vanessa Chebet| Rotaract Club of DeKUT, RID9212 This is a little nugget I picked up from months of observing the ‘seasoned’ Rotaractors in my club. I also kept wondering if, when they leave, the club would still have its goals and perspectives in check. This was two years ago and I can say that after they left, the club continued to flourish, even in the face of a pandemic. One of the things that ensured the membership of the club grew was the club’s ability to adapt to a jack-of-all-trades mindset. Collaborating with other like-minded clubs in the institution gave us a chance to poach some of their members and give them the full Rotaract experience and motivate them into membership.

Just like a business, our club also decided to work with the law of supply and demand. By giving our Rotaractors a platform to develop professionally and an opportunity to perform some heart-warming community service, we created a thirst in both members and anyone watching from the sidelines that only the great Rotaract Club of DeKUT could quench. Some members, like myself, were lured into Rotaract by the ‘unlimited sherehe’ from the fun swallowship sessions that came after the community and club service projects. With time, I came to know that in addition to enjoyment, I stood to gain a lot from sticking with this bunch of amazing people wearing shiny lapel pins and making the world a better place.

Rotaract Club of DeKUT was recognized by Rotaract District 9212 Sam Owori Awards in coming in second in the outstanding membership growth awards with 91% growth in membership.

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Behind The Masks

Rtr. Fiona Mwende Rotaract Club of Nairobi East D9212 Deputy Director for Corporate Relations 2020–2021 As a Rotaractor, the pandemic has been a major opportunity to reinvent and re-evaluate my ways of conducting my activities. Having been at the helm as a club president when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we realized that we had to be dynamic and adaptive to the situation we had at hand and quickly shifted to online meetings. That was not without its fair share of challenges. However, the Rotaract spirit made it an exciting and learning journey.

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Overall, I have learnt a lot during these past couple of months, grown a deeper appreciation for everything that I would take for granted for instance freedom and not to mention health.

Rtr. Emmanuel George Otieno Rotaract Club of Lang’ata D9212 District Rotaract Representative (DRR) 2021–2022 I work for an eLearning company that I joined in 2019, my first full-time job. Interestingly, we all work remotely so when the pandemic came, we had little adjusting to do and had built the discipline to work under no supervision. It wasn’t all easy, though. I lived with my aunt then, who I would only see perhaps an hour each day. Then came the lockdown and for three months we were both home all the time. It created conflict because we work in vastly different ways. But we learnt to live with each other and are better for it.

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Shekhar

RI President Sept. 2021 #VisitToRID9212

2 3 4 1 – Rotary International (RI) President Shekhar Mehta with Rotaractors at The Nairobi Arboretum, Kenya.

2 – Rotaract Ethiopia Country Team Farewell dinner for DRR George Otieno.

3 – Rotaract Ethiopia tree planting with Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta and DRR George Otieno at the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia.

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4 – Joint Coffee Time with DRR George Otieno.

5 – Rotaractors lunch with the RI President Shekhar Mehta and DRR George Otieno at the Indian Embassy, Ethiopia.

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Message from the District Governor

“GiveChange Lives.”

Rtn. Alex Nyaga District Governor 2021–2022, RID9212 (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya & South Sudan)

Happy New Month Family of Rotary!

November is Rotary Foundation Month, the season that we are reminded of the importance of why we joined Rotary; To Serve to Change Lives.

Growing up, I always looked forward to visiting my family upcountry. Whenever it was time to return, my grandmother would insist on sending me back with a sack of treats; a live chicken, sweet potatoes, sugarcaneanything she had at the time. She didn’t offer this because she had so much; in fact as a peasant farmer, it was almost all she had- a reflection of selfless giving.

Most of you have probably had the same experience with your own kin. As Africans, we are natural givers- it forms the unembellished foundation of our culture. To quote an African proverb, “You don’t give someone a goat for a gift and still hold on to the rope.”

The underlying principle of our culture is that that a giver, does not grow poorer by giving and ultimately will certainly not lack. This lesson on giving has been passed over from generation to generation and it is now our turn

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to pass on the baton. As Rotarians, we are fortunate to have a seamless way to give and touch the lives of many through The Rotary Foundation (TRF).

The Rotary Foundation is our source to receive more than we give. Currently, our District is handling a total of 125 approved grants worth $11,952,232 funded by TRF for our service projects in the Rotary focus areas. The largest grant recipient in our District is a $370,263 Disease Prevention and Treatment project that is purchasing oxygen generators for six hospitals in Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The project is run by the Rotary Club of Finot, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Castro Valley, D5170.

Close on its heels is a $323,091 WASH project to access clean water and improve on hygiene practices by providing 700 water tanks for storage of 10,000 liters to reach 700 families in Nakuru and Laikipia Counties, Kenya. This project is run by the Rotary Club of Nakuru in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Lünen-Werne, D1900 and Hoorn of D1560.

In Sudan, the Rotary Club of Juba in partnership with District 6220 are implementing a Water and Sanitation grant project to drill bore wells and provide water tanks in South Sudan. The value of this grant is $165,925. There are many more grants that we receive that are making a huge impact across our district; indicative of the blessings we receive when we give.

This 2021/22 Rotary year, we have managed to donate $83,645 to the foundation against our $500,000 goal. While this is a generous contribution sacrificially given by our Rotarians, we can still DO MORE. One of the ways of achieving this is by ensuring that every club in our district becomes Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) certified. This simply means that every member of the club gives $100 to the Foundation within the year. Ensure that you are an All Giving Club by having every member donate only $26.50 each. Secondly, let’s keep it simple by embracing the haba na haba initiative by donating small amounts regularly to TRF. Thirdly, let every club aim to donate at least $1,500 to the end polio fund. Since its inception 35 years ago, The End Polio campaign remains the biggest TRF initiative that has seen the eradication of polio cases around the world, remaining endemic in only 2 countries; Afghanistan and Pakistan. We are very close to eliminating this disease, let’s cross the finishing line!

Finally, take advantage of my PHF matching campaign. We urge first-time Paul Harris Fellows to contribute $500 to TRF and have it matched with another $500 and qualify for PHF status. This matching campaign closes on 15th November 2021. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Paul Harris Society members for their generosity and appeal to each one of you to keep giving. I also extend my gratitude to all Major donors for their commitment to helping make the world a better place and ask that we continue making our donations to the foundation as we have always done.

In order to DO MORE in terms of bigger and more impactful community projects, we need to give more. The pandemic period has drastically affected the local economy making it difficult to find local partners to fund our projects. We cannot work in isolation and need to partner with others to make a bigger impact- hence the magic of Rotary in the TRF. A global grant allows clubs to collaborate with many partners in order to maximize impact in our communities. In order to get started on a grant for your club, please find resources here: https:// my.rotary.org/en/take-action/apply-grants/global-grants In conclusion, I am excited to announce that this month we will host our Foundation dinner to recognize the efforts of Rotarians and clubs that give to the Rotary Foundation. The Oscar awards style dinner will be held on the 27th of November – save the date and look out for details coming soon.

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Message from the District Rotaract Representative

“...And in ourselves.”

Rtr. Emmanuel George Otieno District Rotaract Representative (DRR) 2021–2022 RID9212 (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan)

On the last day of Virtual RYLA 2020, somebody said of Rotaract that it is like going shopping and finding a pleasantly surprising two for one (or more) deal. That we join for this and find so much more, and that it’s up to us to grab what we can, be it friends, new skills or the chance to practice old ones, partners in life or business, the road trip that cements your youth or the most popular, and noblest of all, the opportunity to serve. In your report this quarter, Elvis, we need the latest life-partner statistics. Hope springs eternal, and here are a few highlights of Rotaractors finding or making for themselves or others, these deals of a lifetime.

We start in Ongata Rongai, Kenya, where I met President Muriuki who grew up loving the public library. He has fond memories of reading old books, nurturing his passion for computers on the now rare Windows XP, playing board games and generally letting his curiosity run the show. An opportunity to pass this to the next generation came through Kipepeo Safe Space, a free reading space for children in Rongai’s informal settlements. And for basic education and literacy month, they collaborated with their mother club, the Rotary Club of Ongata Rongai, roped in Longhorn Publishers and donated over 200 much needed books to the Butterfly. I cannot wait to see where this signature project collaboration between two clubs (Ongata Rongai and Lang’ata) leads.

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Next, we follow Rotaract District Projects Director, Nancy, to Maasai Mara, where we’re bringing clubs together to work with Humans for Education, who have a mission to alleviate poverty through a revolutionary self-sustainable business model that creates financially independent schools, families and communities so that their children can gain the education they need. Nancy tells me Humans for Education have partnered with Rotary District 5180 to start 150 small businesses for women this year, and that any Rotary or Rotaract Club that would like to can join in, and that her team had the most fulfilling time passing their literacy, numeracy and business skills to the community as trainers, and can’t wait to create more impact.

Alright, we turn next to Natnael in Addis Ababa, who’s found a way to make Rotaract SPEAK. You’ll see what I did there soon enough. He’s a member of the Rotaract Club of Wodiyamado, and their podcaster. See, Natnael wanted to share stories of Rotaract impact in individuals and communities, to help people see the opportunities that exist around them in the Rotary family, and Wodiyamado Speaks, meant to be a coffee time conversation initially, has spread further than the walls of a coffee shop through the Internet. During my and District Governor Alex’s

visit to Ethiopia, we had the opportunity to engage in conversation on leadership, courtesy of the Rotaract Ethiopia team and Wodiyamado Speaks. Speaking of Rotaract Ethiopia, meet Country Chair and all-around amazing human, Meron. When Rotary International president, Shekhar Mehta visited our district, his first stop was Addis Ababa, and at the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia, CC Meron hosted an engaging conversation with the RI President, enabling Rotaractors and Interactors to pick the President’s mind on subjects far and wide. And as the RI President visited Nairobi we brought 50 Rotaractors and Rotarians together with Pres. Shekhar, along with the ministry of environment to the Nairobi Arboretum, to enjoy the fresh air and talk about Rotaract, Youth and Environment. As he planted a tree, Pres.

Shekhar emphasized on innovation as the way to tackle the environmental challenges we face, and a great exchange of ideas occurred with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment. Here’s the big news, though. We had a goal to plant one million trees this year, and both the RI President and the Cabinet Secretary laughed this off and dialed things up to ten million trees. To emphasize their seriousness about this, the ministry of environment and related departments collectively pledged to donate 1.5 million seedlings to this effort, and the Chief Conservatoire of Forests in Kenya challenged us youth to step up to the challenge, promising to come along, roll up his sleeves and plant alongside us.

Now as we begin November and take a long look at the work Rotary has done to end polio once and for all, I would like to emphasize the increasingly active role that Rotaract is taking in raising funds for the foundation as well as the opportunity that creates to utilize funds from the foundation. Let us challenge our clubs to achieve giving certificates and even be all-giving clubs. Let us aim at raising twice what we raised last year and getting our clubs ready to receive and manage grants like Rotaract Naivasha. As we aim to double the 14 clubs that achieved giving certificates last year, let us celebrate the Rotaract Clubs of Embu, Nairobi Gigiri, Nairobi Central, Malindi and Menengai that have already achieved their giving certificates for this year and challenge ourselves to do more. I’ll see you in Thika on the 27th for their annual polio bikeathon!

Our Vision Statement speaks of creating lasting change around the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Fellow Rotaractors, this is a drop in the ocean of the amazing things I’ve seen us do in our first hundred days this Rotary year as I visited clubs far and wide in Kenya and fellowshipped with Rotary and Rotaract in Ethiopia. The spirit of One Love highlights our commitment to service and to each other, and as we begin the next quarter, here are a few things to build together: RYLA 2021 & 2022 • Experiential training on leading self, leading teams and leading change. Join us virtually on November 3rd, 10th, 17th & 20th and in person in February in Ethiopia, with a project pitch in March 2022. Reach out to the RYLA Chairs, Rtr. Vicky & Rtr. Jodahi on ryla.kenya@rotaractdistrict9212.org | ryla.ethiopia@rotaractdistrict9212. org respectively.

PROJECTS • 10 Million Trees Campaign – Your club can request for and plant its part of this great campaign.

• Humans for Education – Join in to help one family start a sustainable small business • Safe Return to School & Loving Classrooms Initiative • Breast Cancer Awareness Reach out to the Rotaract Projects Team on projects@rotaractdistrict9212.org

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“Looking Back into the 2020–2021 Rotary Year” Rtr. Job Ondeko | President 2020–2021, Rotaract Club of Menengai Nakuru Kenya, D9212

Just over fifteen months ago, I took over as the president of the Rotaract Club of Menengai, a community-based club affiliated with Rotary International. Rotaract brings together young people who are passionate about creating impact in communities they live in. The ideals of Rotaract are grounded on using individual vocations as a path to transform society. The 2020–2021 Rotary Year has been a huge rollercoaster characterized by unprecedented times.

The world was ravaged by a pandemic that fundamentally disrupted the way we do things. We had to learn how to use technology-driven platforms to conduct our fortnight meetings and our interventions in the community were mostly aligned towards alleviating the suffering of people most affected by the pandemic. The year has been fairly challenging and leading a group of young volunteers has been the most formidable challenge of my life.

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THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC Some of our members were reeling from the effect of the pandemic, and if you have been involved in volunteer activities before you understand that the impact of your team is dependent on the sound state of the members. We, therefore, had to prioritize the welfare of our members ensuring that we continually engage as we adapted to the changing environment imposed by the the lockdown. While we may not achieve what we planned to do at the beginning of the year, we posted some tremendous success.

We increased membership by 50%, supported communities ravaged by the pandemic ranging from street families to rural communities, planted over 1200 trees, established long term partnerships and collaborations with other clubs, developed the professional and leadership capabilities of our members through various online engagements and organized a very successful camp in Elementaita to unwind and fellowship with other clubs.

LESSONS LEARNT As I serve the last two months of my Rotaract presidency, I acknowledge that my experience in Rotaract has been the most fulfilling driven by the impact of our projects and the smile we place on people’s lives.

From child and maternal health, disease prevention and eradication, increasing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, peace and conflict resolution, and protecting the environment; the work of Rotaract and Rotary and largely has given me purpose and unique opportunities to serve communities. The opportunity to serve as a president has pushed me beyond the limits of leadership, learning how to keep young volunteers motivated and engaged to not only dedicate their time, but also provide their financial resources to support projects. Rotaract has taught me to lead with empathy and to accord everyone the inherent human dignity irrespective of their status in society.

Onto to the next challenge now.

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Upholding Rotaract Standards The topic this evening looks simple but quite heavy.

The need to understand the question this topic is posing to us as Rotaractors is important. Hence, before I go into details and bore you with a lot of grammar, I’ll try as much as possible to help us look deep into this topic, answer the question it’s asking and enumerate the benefits if we truly follow our standards as an organisation.

I was in a Rotaract seminar about two years ago, somewhere in the North Central. The speaker introduced the topic as “Redefining the Purpose and Goals of Rotaract”. I stood up immediately and returned to my room. This action wasn’t out of spite for the speaker. Well, I need to say I later realized to be patient irrespective of how I feel about the topic.

The simple reason I stood up was because the Purpose and Goals of Rotaract are well defined and near perfect if not totally perfect. If anything should need redefinition, it should be us who are to effectively ensure that the Purpose and Goals Rotaract are being fulfilled.

I’m coming from this angle because I believe the first part to talk about when it comes to Upholding the Standards of Rotaract is critically examining whether the Purpose and Goals of Rotaract are being fulfilled. So quickly, let’s look at the purpose and goals and let’s try and extract a few standards it’s setting for us as Rotaractors.

According to the purpose and goals of Rotaract, the following are standards that should be upheld or things that should manifest in our lives as Rotaractors.

1. Learning skills that will assist in personal, leadership, and professional development 2. Addressing physical and social needs of our community 3. Building worldwide connections by making friends through service 4. Respect others irrespective of our differences ( age, occupation, societal status, race, colour etc) Now look at these standards very well, especially for those who have spent years in the club. Are you achieving these? Do people spot these qualities and

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“Good evening from the Plateau where good gigantic rocks are our stones... The very Canada in Nigeria.”

Rtr. Olaleye Gbolahan Rotaract Club of Ibadan Akobo CB, RID9125

differences in your home, schools, community? Is your community feeling the impact that you are a Rotaractor???

Because, if after years, you haven’t achieved these? What standards are we talking about? Before I move to other ones that are outside the purpose and goals... Again, I’ll ask us as Rotaractors especially those who really met “standards”.

Are we promoting and encouraging the new members to uphold these standards we met? Are we upholding any standards that we can pass on to new members???

Let us all including the speaker answer this within ourselves. Madam President was asking if upholding our standards will attract members, the answer is yes, but are we ready to uphold it? I have been typing in the wrong place. Moving further, other standards that have been part of this organization and needs to be upheld include: 1. Integrity 2. Punctuality 3. Accountability 4. Generosity 5. Proper Dressing There’s much deliberation here: Leader sir, leader sir, but Club money isn’t safe with you Leader ma, leader ma, You wear crazy jeans to fellowship They call you a leader but you come late for every fellowship Leader ma, leader ma, Ordinary #50, you won’t give for SAA Leader sir, leader sir, You are rigging club election and saying nothing will happen Ask yourself again, you behaviour and character, does it align with the ideals of Rotaract as an organisation?

You wear a Rotaract T-Shirt but you are the one always fighting in the hostel, Is this how people will join the club?

I can ask more and more questions. Don’t get me wrong. Giving is voluntary but you can’t be saying you don’t have all the time. Are we on the same page? Once again, I’ll ask we so called leaders, are there even standards to pass unto the new members. When I was a member of University of Ibadan then, far back as 2015, you dare not come to meeting without being well dressed. You can’t serve as a President and not give a financial report. These are things that have been earmarked as our own qualities as Rotaractors. Very quickly because much words isn’t the real deal, the real deal is me to properly pass the message unto you. What do we stand to benefit of we uphold the standards of Rotaract? What are the importance as related to Membership retention and extension? What do we stand to gain from upholding the standards of Rotaract?

1. Attract new members 2. Prestige 3. International Connections 4. Self development 5. Exposure Why? So for the first part I’ll quickly narrate a short story. In school then, our meeting was on Sundays... Many people thought I was a Christian which I’m not. Every Sunday dressing was top notch!!!! I’m more of a native person. So it’s always starched, ironed, and with a befitting cap. People must ask, where are you going that you dressed so nice???

The same thing happened in my apartment here in Jos and my neighbor said he thought my polished shoes were for church then I told him no, I was going for a meeting and the rest is history. The point remains! People will notice you when you are not looking and that’s one of the best way to get members. Like I enumerated earlier, you impact on the society which is also another standard to uphold is another way members join your club. Everybody wants to be part of something good. Always remember that.

In conclusion,tThe standards of Rotaract are there and they are not flawed but they will mean nothing except people see these standards manifest in us. A Rotarian once said “what Rotary will mean to the community is tantamount to its impact in the community”. In the same vein, what Rotaract will mean to people is tantamount to what Rotaractors paint it to be in their way of life, behaviour, and doings. Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity.

Once again, Gbolahan Olaleye, is my name.

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Getting the Word Out

“Rotary describes Rotaractors as young leaders who are developing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Wow! Now who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? To be 18-30 years old and have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, network, and have fun through community service?

Sign me up!”

Rtn. Caroline Njiru, MPRSK Rotary Club of Kitengela RID9212 Communications & Media Officer When I was a student at the university and even the years after when I started out on my first job, I unfortunately didn’t get the chance of ever hearing of Rotaract. As a communications student with an inclination towards entrepreneurship, I believe I would have benefited greatly from joining this esteemed organization. I’m glad I discovered Rotary much later!

Like me then, there are quite a number of youth today still missing out on the great prospect that is Rotaract because they do not know it exists or do not know how to join in. So how do we get the word out? How do we ensure that we are able to grow Rotaract and increase our impact? How to make ourselves open to partnerships with other like-minded organizations and community? By working on our Communications and Public Image, that’s how!

Here are 5 sure ways every Rotaractor can play a part in improving their club’s communication and public image.

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1. Branding: Club members can help boost their Rotaract club’s public image by branding themselves correctly. This can be as easy as wearing attractive branded gear like tee shirts to a community service event, regularly wearing your Rotaract pin or hanging up club banners at events.

To ensure that your club conforms to the Rotary standard of branding, please visit the brand center on My Rotary for step by step guidance on club logos, colours, fonts and amazing ideas and templates for brochures, newsletters, videos and much more!

2. Engage the Media: Communicate with your publics by coming up with timely human-interest stories with a news hook that interests the media you are targeting. Build rapport with bloggers and journalists from local publications

or radio and television stations so that they can cover your community service projects or events. Research the type of stories that they publish and advocate for, and then mould your piece to their interests. Also start from home by submitting articles regularly to the Rotaract Magazine, The District Timeline and the Rotarian.

3. Social Media: We are living in a technology driven world where many people get their news, impressions and even shopping done online and even base their decisions on what they are exposed to on the net. Use this to your advantage by posting your club’s projects, fundraisers and events online. You can make use of social media outlets, including blogs, Facebook, Intagram, Twitter, YouTube, Tiktok and more. Come up with creative ways of showing what Rotaract is about!

4. Increase Your Impact: Another good way of increasing your public image is by ensuring that your club is consistent in its service projects and activities. Maintain a presence in your area by having regular projects that attract the attention of the community around you and show your seriousness in carrying out your mandate. Make it easy for an outsider to contact, locate and visit you. An active and vibrant club will soon have word spread of its good work.

5. People of Action: Rotaractors are people of action who are constantly working to improve the lives of others in community. Ensure that whenever you show your club off to others, you represent it as one that is taking action to create lasting change. For that social media post, go for the picture of the member painting that classroom wall rather than the selfie of a group of people smiling into the camera. Sell the action!

In June 2021, Rotaract D9212 went to Nkoilale, Maasai Mara for a 2–day financial and business education training. Thank you for supporting #ElimishaNaRotaract Project. Read about the visit on Page 44–45.

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Suppliment Your Diet

“Our diet plays a significant role in our well-being.”

Rtr. Olaleye Gbolahan Rotaract Club of Ibadan Akobo CB, RID9125

Supplements are products that gives nutrients to help improves our normal day to day diet. They are usually manufactured from food sources, synthetic or a combination of both. They provide vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, fiber, and amino acids. They could be taken as pills, capsules, tablets and liquid. Supplements have their own benefits when included in our daily meals. Below are some benefits of supplement: 1. Provides extra nutrient not present in your normal diet For the human body to perform adequately, it needs in the right proportion all the six classes of food. However, it doesn’t stop at that as the human body needs other forms of nutrients that enhance our hormones, strengthen our bones, and boost our immune system. Although, there are small amounts of this nutrients in our daily diet, this amount isn’t enough to guarantee the well-being of certain individuals.

Hence, its important and recommended that individuals add dietary supplement to their diet to get the right amount of these nutrient needed for good health.

2. Provide nutrients which their deficiency are triggered due to medical conditions Certain medical conditions could trigger the deficiency of some important nutrients in the body such that you need to take special supplements to ensure you have enough of this nutrients in the body. People suffering from cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and related disease usually have deficiencies of nutrients like vitamin B, amino acids, and folic acids. Supplements are a good way to make sure that they don’t get affected by the lack of these nutrients in their body. All they need to do is get a supplement that provides a one or more nutrients depending on the one that is required.

3. Helps in treating a specific deficiency Supplements are also employed in the treatment of specific nutritional deficiency. Diseases like rickets, beriberi, obesity,

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eating, disorders, diabetes mellitus, and even cancer have been traced to the lack of inadequacy of certain nutrients in the body. Therefore, supplements are recommended by medical practitioners and nutritionists to tackle many of these disease. For example, a person suffering from rickets will have to take a supplement that provides vitamin D while a person suffering from scurvy will go for a different supplement that provides vitamin A. heart and blood related disease are also caused by lack of iron in the body.

4. Serves as immune booster There are certain diseases that medical researchers are yet to find their cure. There are no vaccines or medications to prevent people from contacting these diseases. The best way to make sure you don’t contact these form of diseases is to strengthen your immune system to fight their risk factors so you don’t get exposed to the possibility of getting these diseases. Supplements that provide nutrients such as vitamin D, zinc, selenium, amino acids, and vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and makes a person less susceptible to getting terminal diseases which don’t have a medications or vaccines to treat them.

5. Helps to accelerate weight gain In a world where everybody is trying to lose weight in every possible way. It will interest you to now that there are people who desire to gain weight and muscles. The reasons for this could be traced to improving their daily function or look healthier. While the best way to get muscle is by intense exercising, there are supplements that provides nutrients and necessary hormonal secretions that will accelerate the pace at which an individual gains weight. Supplements that provide protein, creatine, weight gainers, and exercising enhancement supplements helps to increase the rate at which an individual gains weight. These supplements also provide enough calories for the body and helps in muscle building.

6. Aids memory improvement Supplements are also useful for those who need to increase their brain power and improve on their memory. Vitamin D and Vitamin C supplements can help people maintain focus and make learning new things easier. Also, people who are living above the age of sixty are more susceptible to memory loss and Alzheimer. Most people in this category usually need supplements to fortify their memory. Fish oil supplements, huperzine A and vitamin E supplements are known as good memory boosters.

7. Helps to counteract effects of drugs and medication Certain medical treatments and procedures could deprive a person of certain nutrients in the body. For example, a chemotherapy to treat cancer could kill useful cells and leads to weight loss, use of supplement is a good way to get these nutrients back into the body system to counteract the effects of these medications and medical procedures.

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Message from the Immediate Past District Rotaract Representative

“You were Unlimited in a Year of Opportunities and we have mastered the basics now go forth and Serve to Change Lives with One Love.”

Rtr. Kennedy Gayah | District Rotaract Representative (DRR) 2020–2021 RID9212 (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan)

We start every Rotary Year with a purpose and a clear objective. We look forward to creating impact in the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. The past Rotary Year, we had one objective: to create opportunities in all that we engage in. We sought to involve our members better, to do better professional and leadership development activities and to mobilize our communities to rally towards real change through service. Serving as your DRR has been a pleasant journey for me, one that I will forever cherish. I have learnt a lot, had a life changing experience, but most importantly, I had the front seat view of an incredible team working round the clock to ensure that the year was a success for every Rotaractor in our district.

This has been a rather challenging year where we had to change how we do things, to view the world differently, meet and fellowship uniquely and do good when we were also uncertain of what to expect next. Covid 19 pandemic has been a huge test to the world.

Many have lost loved ones, many have gone through a torrid time in the chains of the virus, and we have had to learn to live with it. When tested, we rose to the occasion and once again we showed that Rotary is a gift to the world.

As we started the year, my message was simple: Going Back to Basics in a Year of Opportunities. This was clouded by the complexity of supporting our clubs to understand the value they create for their members and communities. We needed to do a bit of soul searching to appreciate the foundation of our diversity, spirit of a unified vision, desire to make our efforts count for something and our unhinged faith in a better tomorrow. As I look back, I am proud of what each Rotaractor has done in the past year. Our clubs are better, our district wiser and our vision brighter. Through our Strategic Plan, we have set a foundation of excellence and with that, Elevate Rotaract is rapidly becoming a reality for us. Our district is one step towards becoming a center of excellence. We have a lot to do to get to where we want to be but your contribution as an individual has seen us more confident. Rotaract’s core goal is to develop leaders and provide an enabling environment that allows young people to be able to put to test their ideas. So, I ask you to rethink your membership and evaluate if this is the type of experience you are getting.

If your answer is YES, I urge you to improve your club and help it to keep doing this and take it a notch higher. If your answer is NO, it’s time for you to step up, take leadership and help your club to create opportunities.

All we do leads to one goal. To make the world a better place than we found it. Serving you alongside DG Patrick Obath and an incredible team has contributed in making me one of the happiest and luckiest person on planet earth and through your cooperation and support, we have created a lasting change. On July 2021, the baton switched to more incredible leaders led by DRR George Otieno. I urge you to accord them the support they require and a chance to thrive. We are People of Action, problem solvers, opportunity creators and community builders. You were Unlimited in a Year of Opportunities and we have mastered the Basics now go forth and Serve to Change Lives with One Love.

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Goodbye Friends in Service.

“The wake of COVID 19 at the beginning of 2020 came as a shock to many of us...”

The Wake of COVID 19

Rtr. Philip Mwangi Rotaract Club of Kenyatta University, RID9212 There was a lot of disruption in the way of life, relationships were cut as movement was restricted, personally I stayed for long without visiting my friends and families. The worst part came when some businesses had to be closed such as restaurants, we witnessed a lot of retrenchment at work where most of us lost their jobs. Academic institutions were closed until further notice taking over one year to resume. What a waste of time and money!

Sustainability in the way of life was no longer observed as most of us depended on government donations for food, really surviving! Financial constraints really hit hard as demand for money rose especially now that most of the family members were all home for those who managed to vacate from the city on time. Though the few challenges were devastating, the pandemic brought opportunities for growth and development as we sought for survival and ensuring that our wants are inflexible downwards. I was able to unleash my creativity in coming up with a poultry project, investing locally and virtually. Also, I was virtually available and visible, I attended webinars, workshops and courses online which favourrd my skills retooling. Most importantly, most people indulged into entrepreneurship, I personally started a wholesale business which am still doing to date alongside the poultry project. I can now appreciate and utilise the opportunities I have now which had been limited by the pandemic like having a chance to be in a classroom, meet and party with friends and family. I also realised that I love playing guitar and keyboard, poster designs and video editing. What an improvement!

Lastly, apart from digital skills and other related personal development in response to the pandemic, I really learnt to always be grateful of the little things and favours in life cause it’s never normal. It is God’s grace and mercies! I’m grateful to Rotary/Rotaract family for the pandemic was an accelerator to do more and more in #ServiceAboveSelf and we as Rotaract Club of Kenyatta University really did a lot to our communities in helping them cope with the splash.

We remain grateful and grateful for the Rotary Year 2020–2021 for mitigating and handling the pandemic so strongly. #ServiceAboveSelf Kintu is a book that gives Ugandan history through the lineage of Kintu Kidda a leader (Ppookino) of the Buddu Province, who marries Nnakato and thereafter Bbabirye Nnakato’s twin sister. In his journey to swear allegiance to the King(Kabaka), he accidentally kills his adopted son Kalema. Something that affected his family and sparked a curse that Haunts his descendant. It all starts with the death of Baale just a few days to his wedding. The novel is divided into six parts interconnected.

Each section of the novel looks back in time, presenting the character’s childhood, immediate family, and connections with extended family.

Book Review: Jennifer Makumbi’s “KINTU”

I found it quite intriguing reading about different eras and time within the same generation people trying to break through the curse, traditional Africa culture relied on as well as the Christian methods. I found this such an effective piece of storytelling, the idea that the history and our African culture is still with us and in some instances it gets to win and assert itself in our present age. How Jennifer intertwine English words and still inserts Uganda words was very intriguing and showing an appreciation of our African culture.

Rtr. Marya Karimi Rotaract Club of Karura, RID9212

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Camp Cookathon – ‘The Wild Experience’

“Camp Cookathon – ‘Jamhuri with a flavor’ is set to be an annual event hosted by the Rotaract Club of Naivasha, Kenya.”

Rtr. Caleb Rabu | Rotaract Club of Naivasha, RID9212

Camp Cookathon aims to bring together Rotaractors all over the country, to experience the peaceful ambiance that the town of Naivasha has to offer while networking in a relaxed environment.

On 12th December 2020, we held a wild camping experience at Eden Eco Camp near the Banks of River Malewa deep in the jungle. To celebrate Kenya’s auspicious public holiday, we were joined by 7 Rotaract clubs including; Limuru, Kikuyu, Gigiri, Parklands, Kitengela, Westlands and Bahati. In attendance was at least 40 Rotaractors and 10 guests.

Crowned with amazing live DJ music, great food, fun activities and a nature trail, this is a camp for the books. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed quarantine on us. We had to connect virtually for quite some time. With everyone being stressed and down with all that was thrown at us with the COVID-19 we needed to let go and experience being together again. As it is often said, ‘if it is not fun, it’s not Rotary’. We had plenty of fun during the camp.

Special thanks to Afribright Limited and Soundman Productions for their support during the camp. We would also like to thank every Rotaractor who attended the camp and we hope to see even more Rotaractors and Rotarians in the next Camp Cookathon.

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KENNEDY GAYAH SHERIFF OLALEKAN

Lessons learnt by IPDRR Ionder C. Washima (D9125) and IPDRR Kennedy Gayah (D9212), and districts plan by DRR Sheriff Olalekan (D9125) and DRR George Otieno (D9212)

EMMANUEL OTIENO CLEO WASHIMA Joint Interview between DRRs 2020-2021, DRRS 2021-2022, The PR Committees for both districts, International Service Directors, DRRN (at the time) etc.

(This article is transcribed in the tense of this particular interview session and a lot may have changed including the leadership positions of the interviewees).

It is Sunday, the 20th of June 2021 at 9PM EAT, that is 7PM Nigeria Time. We are joined in by DRR Iornder C. Washima (RID9125), DRR Kennedy Gayah (RID9212), DRRE Sheriff Olalekan Oladimeji (RID9125), DRRE Emmanuel George Otieno (RID9212), DRRN Olaleye Gbolahan (RID9125), IS Director Bede Blessing (RID9125), IS Director Linda Ndanu (RID9212), IS Director Elect Sanusi Elias (RDI9125), Media and Publicity Director Balogun Kazeem Ayotunde (RID9125), Media and Publicity Director Elect Ayorinde Ibraheem (RID9125), Ass. Director for Brand Awareness and Public Image Catherine Njeri aka Caty (RID9212), Director for Brand Awareness and Public Image Elect Fredrick Ochari (RID9212), PR Committee Member Terry N Ngugi (RID9212) and Rotaract Kenya PR Director Rikkie Tumaini (RID9212).

Caty: Good evening. We will start as we wait for the rest to join in. I think most of the people who are supposed to be interviewed are on this call. My name is Catherine Mwangi, I am the assistant District PR Director for District 9212. Our moderator today is Terry Ngugi. Our co-moderators we have Kazeem from District 9125 and Fredrick from District 9212. So, uuuuh, Terry take it away.

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RID9125 & RID9212 Interview Terry: Good evening everyone. My first question will go to DRR Washima. Who is DRR Washima?

DRR Washima: Good evening everyone. My name Washima Ionder, the DRR for District 9125. Due regards to everyone present from both districts. It is a pleasure to have this union again. So, who is DRR Washima? She is a girl of very few words, a legal practioneer by profession, the first female DRR for D9125. She is the second born and the last girl in her family. She has a strong-willed personality and focused, vibrant and a proud Rotaractor.

Terry: Thank you. DRR Gayah and DRRE Sheriff are having some technical challenges. As we wait for them, we can have DRRE George. Hello George. Tell us about yourself.

DRRE George: Hello. I am George and that is myself (laughs). I am George Otieno, District 9212. I am the DRRE from my District. My classification is ICT. I am from the Rotaract Club of Langata in Nairobi Kenya. Thank you Terry.

Terry: You are welcome. Ok. I will invite Fred to ask his set of questions. Before we do that, Sheriff has joined. Hello Sheriff. We are interviewing the DRRs and DRREs. Tell us who DRRE Sheriff is.

DRRE Sheriff: Ok. My name is Rtr. Olalekan Sheriff Oladimeji. My classification is Photography and Business Development. Over the years I have served in one position or the other in District 9125. I was the charter president of a Rotaract Club in Nigeria for the year 2017/2018 and deputy district secretary for the year that followed…. So yeah, that is a bit about me… thank you Terry.

Terry: Thank you. So, Fred maybe you can take on the next set of questions.

Fredrick: Good evening everybody. My name is Fredick Ochari. Pleasure to be here with you guys. My question will go to all of you. When did your Rotaract journey start and who introduced you to Rotaract? We can start off with DRR Washima.

DRR Washima: I won’t be wrong to say it started way back several years back in secondary school. We had an Interact Club in my secondary school then, though I didn’t have enough courage to join the club. I was told there was Rotaract for people in the university that is 18 years and above. That is the first time I heard about Rotary, Rotaract and Interact and made up my mind that I would join Rotaract when I got to the university. Fast forward to the university, I found myself seated in a school park, then someone came and sat by me, that was the then president of the Rotaract Club of Benue State University by the name Musa. He initiated the conversation and invited me to a Rotaract fellowship.

That very day, it was a Monday morning, I decided to attend a Rotaract meeting and that is how I eventually became a Rotaract member.

Fredrick: Thank you very much DRR Washima. DRR Kennedy Gayah. Kindly tell us how you got to join Rotaract and who introduced you to Rotaract?

DRR Gayah: Good evening. I hope you are all having a splendid evening. Uh, nice to hear from you Cleo (DRR Washima), it’s been a while. To get into it, my first exposure to Rotaract was in 2015. I was just starting campus and I, got an opportunity to go with one of the clubs, Rotaract Club of the University of Nairobi, to one of their projects at KNH and the kind of inspiration I got from seeing young people take their time off on a Saturday to go and spend time with children in the cancer ward was exceptional. There is a very famous children cancer ward at KNH which is the main referral hospital in Kenya. One thing that really got to me is that when we were going, they didn’t carry anything. They didn’t carry gifts or anything. All they did was have a plan to make those kids laugh and to spend a day with them and when I was there, I felt some emotions come up. That got me to leaving my school, that is the School of

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RID9125 & RID9212 Interview Business, which was about 15 kms from the main campus, and I started going to main campus every Tuesday evening to fellowship with the team and I would seat at the back. What I didn’t know is that there were a number of us who did that and within no time we decided to form our own club in our own campus at Lower Kabete. That time I was in my first year. My invitation to the Lower Kabete club was Past ADRR Caroline Koki who linked me up with these people who were forming a new club at Lower Kabete. I was inducted in 2016 which was still the same year that the club was chartered and from then on its been onward and forward. Thank you.

Fredrick: DRRE George. When did your Rotaract journey start and who introduced you to Rotaract?

DRRE George: I joined Rotaract in 2015. I joined because there was a girl I liked in that Rotaract Club and she invited me to a club activity and I went hehe.

Fredrick: Thank you for that. Btw I was with George in my first Rotaract Club.

DRRE George: Ooooh yes, and I remember my first Rotaract Club event was a children’s home visit in Rongai, Ngamwanza… I feel like they were just messing up with the word “mwangaza” (meaning light in Kiswahili). Anyway, my second event was my induction because my induction was the charter party of the Rotaract Club of MMU and that is how I joined Rotaract. After that, I got to really know the club.

Fredrick: Ok. Thank you very much. DRRE Sheriff.

DRRE Sheriff: Good evening. I was fortunate to attend a high school that had an interact club though I was at the verge of leaving the school and only attended less than five meetings. The year after, I was introduced to Rotaract again by my friend who was the President Elect of the club.

Fredrick: Thank you for answering that very well. The next question: After all the years in Rotaract and serving in the different capacities, how has the experience been working and dealing with Rotaractors and Rotarians and what lessons did you learn?

DRR Washima: I learnt quite a number of things. The greatest thing I learnt is how to manage people because I see Rotaract as a reflection of the bigger society out there. There are a lot of people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and ideologies. I also improved on my leadership skills and how to relate with people at different levels.

DRR Gayah: For me I have learnt that Rotaractors and Rotarians are human beings. They are not some super heroes who exist in some alternate universe, therefore, as you work with people you need to realize that you are working with, as Cleo has said, a reflection of the society, because while we are so excited that these are people who have committed and volunteered themselves, you quickly learn that there is part of the group that still wants you to push them while there is a part of the group that will quickly take initiative. There are people who will come into the group and see an opportunity that we can do better and want to pounce on it and do something about it and really want to serve and make the society a better place. Also, there are people who want to do something so that they can be seen, or to be associated with the label ‘Rotaractors and Rotarians in name only’. So, you learn to manage all these different kinds of people. As you come into leadership in Rotaract, you will find out that it will not always be easy. There are people who will make life difficult for you but at the same time, as we always say in our district, Rotaract is a first-class exposure and mentorship in leadership. If you are able to get a very good committee or district or club, then that becomes a very important element of exposure into leadership that you will pay to be taught in the outside world.

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RID9125 & RID9212 Interview DRRE George: The first thing I have learnt is PATIENCE. I have learnt to deal with people a lot easier by being patient with them. The second thing I have learnt is RESILIENCE. Never giving up, just keeping at it. I picked up a couple of skills that I use in my professional life. For instance, design skills, people skills – learning how to deal with people, it helps to create a good reputation and it helps to create a better district because people feel like they can approach you and talk to you. I have also learnt Project Management because Rotaract and Rotary is all about projects.

Kazeem: Good evening. What message do you have to Rotarians and Rotaractors of both districts for the incoming year.

DRR Gayah: We, as Rotaract Africa, do we have a voice in Rotary International in terms of what we do and what we ought to do? Truth be told, we are not there yet. Interestingly when you look at the numbers for the last five years, as Zone 22 (Africa), we have really grown. With the kind of growth that we are having and with the kind of positive impact that we are getting, our membership in Africa still accounts to about 5% of the global membership in Rotary which now stands at about 1.2M and Rotaract itself at a membership of about 214,000 Rotaractors globally, Africa only accounts for about 6% yet we pride ourselves that over 65% of the African population is below the age of 35. So my message for the new year is whatever we have been doing is working so well and has brought us this far, however, we need to do more, invite more people into Rotary, find a way of scaling our contribution in the Rotary Foundation so that by 2030 (if that works) we need to see a minimum of 30% contribution to TRF coming from Africa so that we not only become a consuming zone, which we are one of the biggest consuming zones in terms of grants, but we also we become one of the biggest contributors.

DRR Gayah: I would also like to see a point where our membership grows to at least 20% Rotarians and 25% Rotaractors coming from Africa. My message is that, as we think about those targets, to the incoming District Governors (DGs) and District Rotaract Representatives (DRRs), we need to continue working as a unite. As a DRR and DG, don’t look at yourself as a district but look at it as growing Africa and sharing notes on how to scale up. The partnership between the two districts (RID9125 and RID9212) needs to blossom, to do more, to achieve more so that the two districts become model districts for every other district in Africa and the world.

Kazeem: Thank you Gayah. That is sufficient. Let me ask this question to DRRE George and DRRE Sheriff. What should we be expecting in the new year and from this partnership between these two districts?

DRRE George: With the joint magazine and the joint activities, my plan is to make sure that every Rotaractor is able to see things from a different perspective. I am glad that the current DRR decided we do this together because this brings out the many things that we have in common and the many things that we have different in both districts. So, the first thing is the cultural exchange. Second, specifically to my plan as DRR, one major thing is going to be in terms of professional and leadership development, which we are focusing very heavily on this year, that is, bringing opportunities to Rotaractors and making Rotarians understand that these skilled people do exist.

DRRE Sheriff: I would to say that this has been a very informative meeting and the plan personally for my district is to ensure that we maintain the relationship that has already been created between the two districts. I agree with George on the fact that the collaboration between the two districts will be more of sharing our cultural values and trying to learn from the cultures and ways of doing things from one another. A lot of collaborative efforts can be put in place to ensure that the partnership is solid. For instance, having direct access to partner with clubs in District 9212 and that is also a good one for me because over the years, getting clubs to partner in international projects has been a challenge but with this partnership, it gives clubs access to such opportunities.

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RID9125 & RID9212 Interview DRRE Sheriff: Second, for the coming year, we are looking at reaching within to embrace humanity in the sense that, we as a humanitarian organization are not just out there providing services to our community and in the process neglecting ourselves. We have many more other plans including strong structures on membership.

Terry: As we are talking about the partnership, I would like to direct this question to the current DRRs. How did the partnership come to be?

DRR Gayah: I might not share the same story with Cleo but I hope that we are close enough to have the same lines on the story. Let me start by saying that throughout the year and even before this partnership I have really admired how Cleo works. She is very committed, and she likes to think outside the box which is probably one of the things that I probably like to do. That is what brought us together. We were working on another project together, that is Rotaract Africa MDIO, and were selected to serve in a subcommittee that was helping write the bylaws for Rotaract Africa.

Slowly Cleo and I started doing a lot of things together and we got into a professional and working understanding that we knew we could count on one another. There was a district in India that had approached me and it didn’t work, also the district has also approached Cleo and didn’t also work though very independent projects, and one of these great evenings I was talking about something with Cleo and we brough it up and one thing led to another and we figured out that there are a lot of things we could do together if we started thinking along the same lines. The first thing we did is link Blessing and Linda together, the IS Directors for our districts and they worked a lot of magic at the back… I had a chat with DRRE George and IPDRR Samuel Karanja and shared the drafted agreement and once they were all comfortable with it, we sent it to our DGs who signed it and approved and in January 2020, we launched it. I think that story could be similar to what Cleo says but I’m looking forward to hear what she says. So Cleo over to you.

DRR Washima: Hehe I think you have said everything, but what I can add is that we initially started planning some time back when what I intended having in my year was having an international visit to another district and another country. It has really been my desire, even before I became a DRR, it has been such a long time that our district embarked on an international journey. So, I set out to achieve that. So far, I love the synergy and I hope it keeps on. Just like DRR Kennedy said earlier, concerning foundation, this partnership is something we can walk together as partner districts to improve on our foundation and possibly access grants more easily and do wonders in that aspect together. Also, cultural exchange is major. I am looking forward to meeting some of you at the Institute.

DRR Gayah: Just to come in after Cleo, Cleo reminded me about the plan that we had about hosting her district in Nairobi and we had a whole plan written down and Linda was leading that team. On1st February 2020 when we also had Elias (IS Director Elect RID9125) attend our District Officers Training Seminar and those are some of the things we discussed. Little did we know that we will come back and work together and do amazing things. So Cleo thank you so much.

Terry: Wow! This is just amazing. I can’t wait to see the great things the two districts will be do as a result of this partnership. I would like to recognize DRRN Olaleye. Maybe you can unmute yourself and say something concerning this partnership.

DRRN Olaleye: Good evening. I want to first appreciate both DRRs for this initiative. It is something we have been craving for and looking forward to. I believe our clubs should go out of our district to other districts and make reliable and lasting partnerships that will help improve their projects. Thank you very much.

Terry: Thank you DRRN Olaleye. This next question I will direct to the DRRs. What next for you after your DRRship?

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RID9125 & RID9212 Interview DRR Washima: I have always told people it will be a resting period for me but I don’t really know if I will be able to rest that much given other commitments I have. I will be actively available to support my successor in every way possible. Also, my goal is to eventually join Rotary though I can’t ascertain when. There are a lot of things I left hanging due to my position as a DRR, which I consider very dear to me. For instance, school. I left that pending.

DRR Gayah: Well, after the year, George wants me to hang around and support him on trainings for clubs and the district team. He is looking at tapping at the experience that I have gained and to just work with him and see him thrive. I think there is a saying that you have not really succeeded until the person who comes after you succeeds. So if George succeeds then I will be a success as a DRR and if George fails, it means I did not prepare him for success which means that I was a terrible leader. So I’m hoping George can validate me being a good leader. Beyond that, I don’t know if Cleo mentioned it but Cleo and I were elected by our fellow DRRs to serve in the executive committee of Rotaract Africa and Cleo is supporting training at Africa level and she recently did an amazing training for the DRREs and I just want to appreciate her once more.

Clapppppps…

DRR Gayah: I, on the other hand, I’m supporting Rotaract Africa as the President. There is a lot we can do as Africa and I am looking forward to working with Cleo and all the other team members in that team so that we make Rotary and Rotaract in Africa blossom. Thank you so much.

Terry: Wow! That is amazing. The chemistry between the two districts is just wow! I want to close off the session.

Thank you all for attending this meeting and I cannot wait to see what the magazine will look like. Over to you Cate.

Caty: Thank you Terry. Uh! A lot has been said, the session has been really wonderful. I am looking forward to the transcribed interview on the magazine and I am looking forward to this collaboration on the magazine. Have a good night and looking forward to working with all of you. Cheers!

Abbreviations ADRR – Assistant District Rotaract Representative DG – District Governor DRR – District Rotaract Representative DRRE – District Rotaract Representative Elect DRRN – District Rotaract Representative Nominee IPDRR – Immediate Past District Rotaract Representative IS – International Service KNH – Kenya National Hospital MMU – Multimedia University TRF – The Rotary Foundation Zone 22 – Africa

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Promoting Literacy through Rotaract One of Rotary’s Area of Focus is Promoting Literacy and Basic Education. Read through to find out how some of the Rotaract Clubs in Districts 9125 and 9212 have promoted literacy in the Rotary Year 2020–2021.

Read about some of the projects on pages 39–41.

Adeyemi Primary School Literacy Project – Nigeria

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Rotaract Club of Adeyemi Federal University of Education Ondo, RID9125 PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES FOR INDIGENT PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS.

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On the 19th of March 2021, the Club executed her star project which is Payment of Tuition for 12 indigent pupils of Adeyemi Primary School. The pupils have over time been having challenges paying their school fees and in the spirit of goodwill and service, the club catered for all outstanding bills of the 12 pupils. We were received graciously by the head Mistress and teachers of the school. 7 rotaractors were present and we also had in attendance guardians of the beneficiaries.

Rtr. Rita Luswata Rotaract Club of Eldoret, RID9212 Kakuba literacy project started four years ago in 2015/16 Rotary year. It is a phased project and 2021/22 Rotary year is the final phase of the project. The project is runned by the Rotaract Club of Nateete with the support of the mother club, Rotary Club of Nateete Kampala, Rotaract Club of Lake Victoria and Rotaract Club of Eldoret in D9212. Kakuba Primary School is a school with over 200 students. Almost all areas of focus of Rotary have been captured in one project. Basic education and literacy being the foundation of the project, scholastic materials are delivered to the school promptly, classrooms are painted and a half built classroom block has been completed.

The construction designs were headed by the late Past President Rctr. Raymond Sekitayira. His contribution to the project will never be forgotten. Under water and sanitation the pupils are taught how to wash their hands and the girl child given sanitary towels. The community is also empowered economically to sustain themselves through lessons of baking mandazi and making liquid soap. In support of reducing global warming fruit trees are planted in the school.

With our motto: Service Above Self, more lives are going to be changed for the better. To more service to humanity.

Kakuba Literacy Project – Eldoret, Kenya

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Tikur Anbesa Ward Library Project, Ethiopia

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“With a vision to pass wisdom & knowledge to the next generation, the project aims to make an easier access of books & other learning materials to everyone.”

Rtr. Saba Habtu | Community Service Director 2021–2022 Rotaract Club of Fanos, RID9212

Rotaract club of Fanos coined the pass it on project when it was under formation. As the project’s main aim is to equip the young generation with a habit for reading and through it, to help develop their mental capacity, an action plan was written to make this vision come into reality. This action plan was to contribute a fully operating mini-library to a place where it was most needed.

We started to look for a place which was both in dire need of books and has no access to it. We chose Tikur Anbesa as our starting spot because the project managers and the coordinators attended their undergraduate studies there and knew the children’s ward in the hospital would greatly benefit from such a project. We hoped reading from early stage will help them develop a love for reading which will follow them for a lifetime. It will open up their imaginations and help them grow their creative abilities. And as we would know now, it was the best decision to open a mini library at the children’s ward.

On the first day of the mini-library, we got a visit from a father of a 14 year old child who saw the book shelf when he was passing by. He told is his son was getting treatment for leukemia and asked us if he could borrow a book for him. He then went out to explain his son’s love for books and how he has been asking him to buy him one. We lent the book, feeling glad that our first day was met with a success. Over the coming weeks, the book shelf area would continue to be crowded by excited children and parents who are receiving their treatment at the hospital but the impact of our project was deeply engraved in my heart when one day I saw the same kid returning a large book he borrowed the day before. Thinking that he didn’t finish it, I asked the kid if he didn’t like the book. And he said that he enjoyed the book very much, and that he spent the night reading it. This touched me because if he was passionate enough to delay sleep over a book, then it meant this kid has got something to make him forget about his pain and suffering. And I was happy because I knew that besides giving knowledge, books are also a way of forgetting where we are and immersing ourselves wherever we want.

The pass it on project is much more than a project and working on it has changed our views immensely and claiming it has changed our lives would simply be an understatement. We plan to continue to pass wisdom and knowledge to our and the coming generation.

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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Mugumoini Community Center Library Project – Kibera, Kenya

The Rotaract Club of The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) in partnership with Rotaract Club of Lang’ata, Kenya Yearbook Editorial board, OnePlanet Publishers and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) launched a new library on the 20th of February 2021 at the Mugumo-ini community center which lies between Kibra and Lang’ata constituencies.

Through a book drive campaign and donations from respective partners we were able to stock up the library with approximately 2,000 books both new and gently used which included new curriculum books, revision books and storybooks for primary and secondary students. The library has a capacity of 100 students and St John’s community school Kibra are the most immediate beneficiaries of the initiative as the school is just a distance from the community center. The students will be able to visit the library during English/Kiswahili lessons and other available time. This will improve the reading culture of the students. The library will provide a place for the children to study and do their homework as most of schools within are community schools which are unable to provide adequate learning materials for the students. Additionally, most families in Mugumo-ini live in single-room tenements which lack requisite facilities such as electricity and electronic gadgets thus a challenge for the children to undertake their studies.

Being a community library, it is be open to all and there are no charges for accessing the library.

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The #EndSARS Protests

Lessons on Active Citizen Participation and Nation-building Rtr. Sakeenat Musa Bawa RAC Nextgen, RID9125

On the 3rd of October 2020, young Nigerians took to the streets of Lagos and Abuja to protest for an end to police brutality, and also to demand for the total disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police Force. Before the protests, the EndSARS hashtag had trended on social media platforms since 2016. For a long time, police brutality has been a menace to the society.Young Nigerians came out en masse for over two weeks to demand action from the government. The protest spread from Lagos and Abuja to more than 20 other cities in the country. The demands were simple: 1. End SARS 2. Reform the police 3. Prosecute erring police officers 4. Release Nigerians illegally locked up by officers 5. Compensation for victims of police brutality.

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The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) The Nigeria Police Force established the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a Special Tactical Unit, in 1992 primarily to tackle rising cases of armed robberies and kidnappings by criminal minded elements across Nigeria. However, over time, perhaps due to its intended anonymity and independent operating model, the SARS unit became increasingly notorious for its excessive heavy-handedness. In fact, in some instances, operatives of the unit were themselves accused of perpetrating the very crimes they were established to combat. Indeed, its operatives have, at various times, been implicated in horrible cases of human rights violations, and have gone on to earn a reputation for arbitrary arrests, torture, rape, extortion, unlawful detention, and extrajudicial killings.

The Nigerian government’s response to public outcry over police brutality and use of excessive force has unfortunately, over the years, been at best, lethargic, and at worst, dishonest. Therefore, the gulf of trust between the ever expanding youthful population of Nigeria, which was also the demography that was most targeted by the brutality and excessive heavy-handedness of the SARS unit, and the Government kept on growing, and stretching the tolerance capacities to their elastic limits.

That was why, that in the course of the protests, although the government had tasked all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with setting up panels of inquiry into public complaints on police brutality and harassment, the protesters doubted the sincerity of the investigations, and the Government’s willingness to implement any police reform recommendations. This doubt might have been further reinforced by, for example, the Federal Government’s halfhearted attempts at disbanding the Special Anti-Robbery Squad multiple times within the last five years; first in 2014, then in 2015, and again in 2017. That probably was why its latest announcement of the disbandment on 11 October 2020 was viewed with scepticism. Then, announcement of the establishment of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) squad in place of the disbanded SARS two days was viewed by the protesters as demonstration of the government’s lack of political will to address unlawful imprisonment, extortion, and extrajudicial killings.

In the end, there were a lot of learning points from the protests: either from before, during, or after the protests.

Amongst which would be: A. Active Citizen Participation A major factor the protest showed was that there is a huge divide between the Nigerian citizens and the Government.

The longevity and consistency of democratic rule in Nigeria has led to a: 1. Rise in the political consciousness of the citizenry 2. Proliferation of various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with various areas of interest and concern.

Civil society organizations are a vehicle through which citizens can: a. Collate and protect their interests b. Voice their preference c. Exercise the power necessary to effect change.

This will however require CSOs working together and playing political roles that include: advocacy, mobilization, research, and policy analysis. Participation of citizens should not be an obstacle for government actions; it should be an integral part of its action.

B. Nation building There is a need for nation building strategies to be adopted and worked on systematically to protect the interest and sovereignty of the nation. According to Columbia University sociologist Andreas Wimmer, three factors tend to determine the success of nation building over the long run: • the early development of Civil Society Organisations • the rise of a state capable of providing public goods evenly across a territory • the emergence of a shared medium of communication.

In conclusion, it is important for Nigerians, both those in government and the citizens to reflect upon the protests, the injustice that led to the protests and the aftermath of the protests. We have to collectively find a way to build a structure that works for every Nigerian, no citizen should be left behind.

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Safe Return To Schools

An overview of Interact District 9212 on the Safe Return to Schools amid COVID–19: Challenges and Experiences SAFE RETURN TO SCHOOLS is a partnership between Rotary and Unicef to ensure students return to school safely amid COVID–19.

Rtr. Ruth Kihoro Rotaract Club of Nairobi Central D9212 Interact Chair 2020–2021

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In my service as the District Interact Chair, I have engaged with Interactors in their meetings and projects. When organizing the Cultural Exchange with India or with the Interact Club of Alexandria Marine Star, I understood that Interactors have so much to offer from organization and innovation to excellence in projects and activities. Interacting with them has renewed my passion and inspired me to continue with my Rotaract journey.

Going forward, I propose that Rotaractors as well as Rotarians should include Interactors in activities to encourage mentorship and transition since they are the future of Rotaract and Rotary.

An overview of Interact District 9212 on the Safe Return to Schools amid COVID–19: Challenges and Experiences allowed to visit my friends. I decided to sneak out from home to hang out with my friends as we partied without observing the Covid-19 protocols. Coming to school was tough because we had to observe the Covid-19 protocols but felt safer than when at home.

Safe Return To Schools

education and more about social interaction.

As more and more time passed, we began to adjust to the new school environment. All the things we had to be reminded of now become a reflex. It’s not completely back to normal, but through time we can get used to it, for we are human beings and it is a part of our nature to adopt and overcome.

Mishel Awino (President 2021–2022) Machakos Academy Girls’, Kenya My dad hires out cars and business peaks during vacations. When Covid-19 hit, his business deteriorated. He would be excited when he got a client. One day he received a call from the police. He learnt that the client, who had previously hired his car, was a robber. He was immediately considered a suspect. The police demanded a bond of Kes. 200,000.Where could we get it from?

Therefore, he was remanded. We were confused since school was reopening and yet, we had no school fees. I had to remain at home. It was stressful seeing students reporting to school while we sat back at home.

May the Lord heal our land from this Covid-19!

Veronicah Mumbua Machakos Academy Girls’, Kenya The struggle! The challenge that I went through! All I needed was attention. Having my parents go to work at dawn and return home at dusk was not easy. Mind you, I have health problems, struggling with depression and gone through surgery of the appendix, all I needed was love and attention from my parents. But NO! They never came through for me and neither did my friends. Mother had restricted my movement. I was not ever

Hearan Tewodros School of Tomorrow, Ethiopia Covid-19 has forced a lot of schools, businesses and other institutions to shut down for almost a year. This impacted a lot of our lives in many different ways. For students, school shutting down was the biggest impact because it meant we had to get out of our normal routines.

When we were told to go back to school, everyone had mixed emotions. We were excited to see our friends and go back to our normal routines, yet the fear of the virus stayed in the back of our heads. Adjusting to the new precautionary measures was hard. We had to fight the urge to hug a friend every time we saw them. We had to learn to understand expressions only by looking at each other’s eyes. We had to get used to keeping a safe distance at all times. We had to remember to sanitize our hands any time we touched any surface. We didn’t quite get the school environment we once had. And the fact that school is every-other-day didn’t help our case.

The first few weeks were awkward. It felt like no one had anything in common to talk about. All we had to talk about our individual experiences at home. And that wasn’t exactly the world’s greatest topic. We had nothing to do during break times except walk around the compound making small talk. We spent half of our time missing our beds and phone screens at home. The other half thinking about what school was like before the pandemic. A very small part of our brains thought about our grades. It was as if school was less about

Michelle Wairimu Machakos Academy Girls’, Kenya First of all it has been a bumpy road for me as a student. The main reason was the Covid-19 pandemic. I had to be stuck at home with my father due to Covid-19. My father’s work kept deteriorating and he kept staying in the house. All the time, he would tell me to read or touch a book but I would continue watching my Korean series while trying to talk to me, he would turn off the Wi-Fi so to get my attention.

Whenever he got a call or a message about work he would get very happy. When I went back to school I found that there was a change in school routine, social distancing, wearing of masks and different term dates! That’s how the abnormality came to be the new normal.

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Safe Return to Schools

Bruh Lemma Interact Club of EPS , Ethiopia

Esther Manga Machakos Academy Girls’, Kenya The experience has not been exactly smooth, I must say. There have been difficulties in keeping social distance in towns because of the large number of students trying to find possible means of transport to school. Then again, the so called social distancing in class is almost impossible. It is worsened by the perennial wearing of masks. The most disturbing part about the school distancing is that we cannot even have conversations with our classmates. There has been a change of the term dates which students cannot stop complaining about. I must admit, that what seemed abnormal became the new normal.

Going back to school, for many, was a mix of understanding that we get to socialize again, at the expense of working our now lazy brains. Few days after our anticlimactic return, the time we had spent away all but vanished, and the work we had to do strained our minds that hadn’t changed in capability since the previous year. Getting used to the new environment left most of us wondering how we ever did so much in previous years.

Now we drift along the currents of the turbulent year behind us, into the storm awaiting us in this one.

As in-person learning resumed, typical social norms were broken as smiles were masked away and social distancing observed.

Friendships took their toll as mental health deteriorated due to the adverse effects of the pandemic and self-isolation.

Caroline Mwende Machakos Academy Girls’, Kenya

Purity Muthoni Machakos Academy Girls’, Kenya They say East or West home is best but this might be a lie. Life hasn’t been the same since my father got retrenched. Marital conflicts arose between himself and my mother.

Everything changed. Mum became the bread winner. She worked extra to get more money.

Bills had to be paid. Unfortunately, mum fell sick. The situation worsened when I had to hustle in order to lessen the burden. I deferred my studied to help my siblings finish their education. I had a feeling of premonition and confusion towards school. Who’s God? Mum’s employer came through. I was really happy. I was eventually going back to school.

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Suhayl Mirza Visa Oshwal Mombasa, Kenya

My first two weeks in school were unbelievable.

We couldn’t hug. We had to keep physical distance. The wearing of masks made it worse.

Despite all this, I was relieved to be going back to school away from the melancholy at home. I was happy to be returning to school although I had neither shopping nor pocket money. I was glad to be meeting the joyous students.

I was busy with school work though I was concerned with what was happening at home.

I was afraid I would be sent home for fee balance.

Our vigilant school held strict safety measures such as regular temperature checks, dedicated sanitation points and enforcing social distancing by allocating designated ‘ bubbles’ to each class. I found it rather challenging initially due to the change in sleep schedule and general uncertainty about the future.

Over time, we adapted and persevered as the only way to get out of the pandemic is together but apart.

THE HEART SEEKS FOR BEAUTY

Written by Sharon Jelagat They say love is blind They say love knows no err Love comes from the heart And the heart seeks for beauty Beauty that cleans dirt from the mirror of our minds To reflect light back to each other

Behind The Masks

Rtr. Nancy Njeri Rotaract Club of DeKUT D9212 ADRR 2020–2021 & District Projects Director 2021–2022 You know the way most times in a SWOT analysis a threat can easily turn into an opportunity, that is exactly what this COVID-19 season has been for my Rotaract experience. At first it was scary, as an A-DRR, I was worried about the future of some of my clubs, I was sad that I did not get to go for a physical DCA, Sunshine Rally too. But the thing is, during this virtual season I have gotten to know even more Rotaractors, my clubs have gotten more members, I have seen, used and/or learnt various virtual platforms for planning, meeting and generally having fun. And as the country opens up, and we hold more and more physical events, hit me up, I was called Karúgendo for a reason.

Rtr. Ayiera Mochiemo Rotaract Club of Multimedia University D9212 Deputy DCA Chair 2020–2021 These days when someone says COVID-19, so many things come to mind... Wuhan, Mutahi Kagwe, “vaa mask yako” curfew, lockdowns and all the memes that came with it. For me what comes to mind is me heading to class in my pyjamas and graduating in bed... Lol. I promise it’s not what you think. Covid came at a time when it was almost a week to my finals which believe me, I ended up doing 4 months later.

Clearly my experience during this pandemic has been neither here nor there, more like “niko tu”.

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Elimisha Na Rotaract D9212 Service Project

“Its Friday noon, the long-anticipated journey is here. From Machakos, Rongai, Syokimau, Ngara and Nyeri, the team of 5 convene at Jevanjee, strangers by faces, partners at heart. Buckle up! We take you to Nkoilale Mara for #ElimishaNaRotaract.”

Bags at the boot, everyone buckled in, a prayer was said and the journey officially begins. The trip was a unique one, full of laughter , pans , fun , full of good energy ,no one would tell that a few hours earlier everyone in that Noah was a stranger to the other. Well! this is going to be an amazing weekend I thought.

We arrive, it’s around 7pm, the Mara winds so cold but the warmth of the Maasai people is felt in the air. We meet Musa at goswani town, he is the coordinator for Humans For Education, and he will be our guide for the next few days. He then leads us to Mara Silalei , our home for the next few days. A 5mins drive and we get there, Patrick our chef and host, so kind and friendly, warmly welcomes us and dinner is served. We fill our tummies and right after, everyone brings their laptops and notebooks to do the finale touches on the presentations for the 2days training. Since everyone was familiar with their training sessions and topics, this did not take long, we helped each other where we could, the day is over, everyone went to their assigned rooms. It was a goodnight for everyone.

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Day One Saturday, the first training day, breakfast is served at 5am, we and by we I mean, Nancy, Mercy, Alex, Christine and I assemble at the table, fresh and eager to start the day. Our goal was clear, we were here to do an intense 2days workshop and that was reason enough to ensure by 6am, we had left Mara Silalei and on our way to the training center, A clinic build by Humans For Education at Nkoilale Village. We moved chairs and tables, projector and laptop on check, soon we were all set up and ready to meet our students. Let me introduce our students , the team was made up of 15 people, primary school directors, headmasters/mistresses, managers and teachers. Soon enough they were all seated and the financial literacy course began. The day was a success, and I confidently say it was because , we kept time, we followed the prepared timetable and completed all the lessons set for that day. In addition, the group was amazing , they were eager to learn, they asked the relevant questions and answered all the questions posed at them , they were lovely and friendly folks, and by the way did I mention how kind the Maasai people are?, well now you know!

Day Two is Here Sunday morning, same energy as yesterdays, actually ore excitement. The classes I would say were more interactive, I give credit to familiarity. As you are well aware that Rotaractors energy is always high, we enjoyed teaching with energy and passion, one would have thought that we were lecturers by profession. Alex Muturi (RAC UoN) the main tutor, the guru among us in financial literacy, did a splendid job. He showed confidence , patience and passion . He interacted with the students on individual levels and left no question unanswered.

The aim of todays lesson was creation of a business plan, and by 5pm every student had a written business plan ready to be executed. Day two is over and the #ElimishaNaRotaract team is content and proud of how the workshop was a success. The group of students is content , we could tell from the vote of thanks speeches from the audience and their excitement on our soon return to complete the classes. Snap! a group picture, we say our goodbyes. This weekend might have come to an end but it was just the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

The #ElimishaNaRotaract team goes back to Mara Silalei, courtesy of Humans For Education, there is Nyama Choma and a bonfire. We eat, sit around the fire and discuss the achievements of the workshop, we also discuss on areas to improve and most importantly how to fundraise for the project. We are in love. Now more than ever we want to be part of this project. We now fully grasp what the project is about and we can’t wait to share the news with the rest of the Rotary family. Everyone is exhausted, people leave the fire place one by one. The night is over. Monday morning, we get a treat, Humans For Education caters for a game drive. it was peaceful and fulfilling ,we couldn’t be more grateful. We were now ready for Nairobi. Soon everyone was at their respectful homes. The trip was officially over.

Summary So, you may wonder in a nutshell what #ElimishaNaRotaract is all about. Allow me, Humans For Education foundation has recently partnered with Rotaract District to create an impact in Nkoilale village, a remote village in Maasai Mara. The aim is to educate and improve the literacy levels of the people in that community. How? you may ask. The aim is to help the Schools and families to create business for themselves in order to generate money to educate their children. The lessons are on financial literacy , digital literacy and business. The students are in groups, this cohort was of primary school teachers, the next will be women etc.

That said, This was the pilot, any Rotaractor with different skills can be part of this project. Keep your antennas high and focus, follow up on the pdates and trainings from the #ElimishaNaRotaract team, be part of this movement.

Adios, Ndanu District 9212 Projects Committee Member Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nu9RZPKjbFzY4DVt5

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What I Wish I Knew When I was

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“If there’s one thing you learn as you get older, it’s that no one knows entirely what they are doing, everyone is just winging it & that life is really about how you handle the unknown, & being resilient in spite of failing again & again & again.”

Rtn. Miriam Komu Rotary Club of Ongata Rongai, RID9212

Nurture your relationships We are our relationships. Our life is made rich by the people around us, much like we enrich their experiences with our presence. Although I’ve always had good friends, and to this day, I am still very close to my friends from school and previous workmates, I’ve always kept people at arm’s length. I never got to know my friends well enough, and I maintained most of my relationships at a rather superficial level.

This is one of the most critical things I wish I knew ahead of time. I’d be the one who reaches out to friends, I’d do little things that make people’s day, I’d say “I love you” more and hug some more. There will be certain milestones in your life were you need a support system, and people are going to need you to be part of their support system too. Parents will die, friends will get married, others will get divorced, children will be born, some fall seriously ill, a lot of earth shattering life changes will happen. Be someone who they can count on, show up and make time for them.

It’s okay to make mistakes and fail I grew up terrified of making mistakes. Now I believe failure should never be a goal itself, but we all need to accept it as an integral part of reaching a goal. The more you fear failure, or fear rejection for that matter, the fewer opportunities you will embrace, and you will do anything in your power to shield yourself from risks. The way to reframe my mind so many years later was to accept that i don’t know everything. To learn, I must try, experiment, and accept that the unknown will be met with failure every so often. So, I might as well fail more and fail fast because each failure brings me one step closer to success.

That goes hand in hand with the concept of starting before you feel ready. My life has been clouded by this idea of putting all the pieces in place before I move to the next step. The problem with that way of thinking is that you never feel ready, so you never move forward. I’ve since learnt to be okay with failure and mistakes and to accept that failure is a natural part of your growth.

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Express your feelings and be vulnerable During my childhood, there were several people in my life whom I thought had everything figured out. They always seemed like “rocks.” They took care of business, and nothing seemed to stand in their way. So, that external appearance of an “iron

man” was the image I thought I must project for people to take me seriously. To prove to the world that I am worthy, I cannot let them see any of my weaknesses. In time, that mentality translated into equating vulnerability with weakness.

The problem is that when you suppress those feelings and emotions that you believe might make the people around you think that you don’t have it all figured out, you also contain other emotions as well. The reality is that vulnerability creates connection. Being able to open yourself up and spell out when you are in pain, when you are struggling, or need help brings you closer to those who love and care for you. By allowing others to enter your world—your full world—you invite them in and begin to strengthen those relationships. I now know that through vulnerability and expression of emotions, you learn more about yourself and grow. Vulnerability opens conversations, but you must be vulnerable only with the people you trust.

Don’t worry too much about what others think of you Everyone is worried about themselves. Everybody has some kind of plan and goals.

We are all different, and it’s okay to be different. The more you worry about what other people think, the more you’ll be stuck in places trying to figure out what they want or need from you. Most people that you meet in your daily life have no investment in you whatsoever. Yet, you still give them the same power over you. If you condition every action in your life and try to arrange it so that it doesn’t upset or offend anyone, soon enough, you won’t be able to take any action. Because you are not a mind reader, you cannot know what people think. But your brain will start to make those things up.

Seek and take feedback only from those you intimately trust However, not worrying about what others think doesn’t mean you get to be a pain but just be a decent human being, and follow your vision and goals.

Start Saving early to ensure financial security This one stings differently. For the first few years of my work life, I never saved much.

There was no clear vision back then of what I wanted in life. I had no goals, no ideas about the future. I was coasting life. Today, looking back, I realize how much of a mistake that was. If I had a time machine, I’d rush back to me at twenty five and save at least 10% of my income every month and invest it wisely.

Seek role models not competitors When I was growing up in the estates we used to get some glimpses of the outside world through clandestine media, and I remember wishing I was “them.” Them out there who seemed to have everything. Some mates lived in better houses, others drove early in life, some had their dream jobs in their twenties etc. So we could work hard and spend so much to be like “them” or even better. Instead of letting myself fall prey to those emotions, I now realize that I should’ve actively looked at everything out there as a source of inspiration, not as a cause of competition.

By deliberately looking for people who know more, have more, have done better, I would have access to their nuggets of knowledge and apply them to my own life. One element that I now find especially critical is never to compare myself to others. Instead, I must look at those who’ve done better as a source of inspiration. The only person you should compare yourself to is yourself from yesterday. If you have improved by 1%, you’ve done an excellent job. Seek mentors and people you can learn from. Their experience and success should be nothing more than a catalyst and motivation.

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Invest in your self Once I graduated, I was eager to be done with formal learning, and I took a few years off from learning new things. During that time, I did teach myself a few things, and I had to do some on-the-job training, but that was it. And if you think about it, that was all mental training: nothing but skills. As time passed, that comfort zone only got smaller and smaller, and my fear of stepping outside of it grew. I was stuck. I had no vision or clearly defined goals. That all started to change in my late 20s when I started to do some reflection and self-discovery. Since then, lots have changed, but I can only imagine where I would’ve been if I had started this process early. This has spawned this idea in my head that none of us should ever stop learning. The more you learn, the more chances you have to be successful. Thinking that you know enough plain wrong.

Consistently push your body, mind, and heart out of the comfort zone.

Continue to invest in your growth (money, time, energy) for as long as you live. As you grow and improve, remember to stop and help those around you.

Keep your health in check Sometimes we feel immortal during our twenties. That feeling that no matter what, tomorrow morning, you’ll be anew, and all the things you’ve done the day before won’t matter anymore. The truth is that it does matter. Your health left unchecked decays slowly and silently, underneath the shiny armor you keep on the outside. One day, soon enough, you’ll start to feel the effects. At first, you’ll deny them and double down on the wrong things you put your body through. For most of us, it probably takes a visit to the doctor to snap you out of it, but by the time you get to that doctor, it might be too late.

The damage is permanent or at least, really hard to reverse. Don’t ignore your health.

It’s at the base of everything. Keep your health in check. You are not immortal. Exercise, eat healthy food and see a doctor once a year for a wellness check. Don’t let stuff add up; it will be hard, if not impossible, to reverse later in life.

Don’t poison your body or mind.

Your Expectations Are The Only Ones You Need To Meet Society at large sets a lot of benchmarks, that they think you should meet, or conform to, but understand you don’t have to live your life according to an ideal you do not believe in, and you don’t have to apologize for it. Whether it’s choosing to take a risk in a creative field, or not to have children or get married, or to take a job you know you love but the people around you don’t understand, this is your life. Some choices and risks will be especially difficult, and will be harder to accomplish than you ever imagined, but if it is what you really, truly want, then the work will be worth it, and the people around you who doubted you will be among the first to be supportive when it works out. Do your thing at your own pace.

Figure out What You’re Actually Looking for in the dating scene.

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you may settle for what you get, and get so wrapped up in being chosen that you forget to choose! So, figure out what’s important to you. Is it a sense of humor, ambition, an adventurous spirit, a desire to have kids?

Be flexible and open minded, and understand that while most people probably won’t meet all the criteria, that doesn’t mean they should be written off, and they may still meet most. Still, this is a good tool to ensure you hold out for a really good one. Oh yeah, and ask yourself if you meet your own criteria. If you don’t, start working on yourself.

Would you date you, based on the list you made? Check yourself before you wreck yourself.

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Life in the twenties is a beautiful place to have fun too. Make the most of it.

“If I can gerrit, you can gerrit, we can all gerrit.”

Rtr. Michelle Waweru Rotaract Club of Kenyatta University, RID9212

The Pandemic: Zombie Apocalypse?

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit Amen. I’m religious, Christian to be specific, and for a while I was fully convinced the end of the world was neigh. On 12th March 2020, the Minister of Health Kenya got announced the first case of Corona Virus. It was one of those things I and a lot of other Kenyans couldn’t wrap their heads around. Yet the government filled every one of our channels and radio stations with calls to take this virus seriously. A virus we had never seen before, heard or even anticipated? I’m surprised we did not witness extreme cases of mass hysteria. Our leaders have over the months been famously quoted saying,‘’Those who will survive will be those willing to follow the guidelines.’’ ‘’The responsibility lies on the shoulders of each and every one of us.’’ And arguably the most famous one...‘’If I can gerrit, you can gerrit, we can all gerrit.’’

This all felt like the rubber stamp on the fact that we were living in modern day doomsday. The zombie apocalypse was in the corner or so some sceptics swore. In all honesty I think the hardest part of this virus was to switch from the life we had known ever since to this new normal. Then the effects of this virus started being obvious. Other than the fact that most educational activities were postponed indefinitely leaving most students in a limbo except those lucky enough to study online, also most incomes were cut short.

Businesses fell, employees were laid off, imports and exports were stopped to curb the spread. It was a tough economic year not only for the country but even for the whole world as the economic system came to a halt. Even in economically powerful countries such as the United States, an economic recession was seen worse than what was witnessed in the Great Depression. With schools closed indefinitely, I can, as a student, confirm that school became much more stressful than it usually is. I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it was for the KCPE and KCSE candidates. It’s nothing short of a miracle that they finally got to do their examinations successfully. With the academic calendar totally messed up, it brought a lot of pressure on the Ministry of Education for a more flexible school calendar, but that’s a story for another day.

And doesn’t it scare you that one of the safest known constituents of the society, the family, has now turned into the most dangerous with people killing each other in the name of love. Bizarre murder incidents are reported every day and experts have confirmed as one of the side effects of all the pressure inflicted on Kenyans, an increase in cases of mental illnesses. It might as well be declared as the second pandemic by now even with cases of suicides rising.

Cases of teenage pregnancies have been on an all time high reminding us that the idle mind will always be the devil’s choicest workshop.

But it has not been all doom and destruction. The time spent in lockdown and quarantine has led to most Kenyans turning to their creative selves such as starting YouTube channels and innovating interesting things. The other day we watched university students invent ventilators using locally available materials. Most have even used the time for introspection. Lest we forget the politicians who have not only used this opportunity to spread messages of hope but to also promote constitutional amendments. All in all, can we say that the pandemic has affected lives? Not really. I guess it has changed lives forever, leaving quite the indelible mark.

In all honesty though, the question that still haunts me after all is said and done is, are we really prepared for the zombie apocalypse?

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Content Ideas For Your Online Business

“Content is the lifeblood of any online business; it is the lubricant that keeps the machine of your business working perfectly.”

Rtr. Olaleye Gbolahan Rotaract Club of Ibadan Akobo CB, RID9125 Creating content is not an easy task, but if you want to scale your business faster, you need to get into the art. Through your content, you educate your audience, grab their attention and get them to buy what you sell. Here are content ideas for your business: Talk about the solutions your business offers: Each target audience has their pain points. Pain points are the problems people have and they will pay any amount of money to have them solved. Once you have identified your target audience, the next thing is to research their pain points. You can do this by conducting opinion polls, searching for information online, etc. After this, you educate your audience on how your product is the perfect solution to their problems. Once people can establish a connection between their want or need and your product, they will patronise you. Besides, educating your audience establish an air of authority and credibility around your business. It is no mistake that the business that teaches is the business that sells.

Negate your target audience fears: People need to know, like and trust you before they can buy from you. No one will give their money to a business they have fears about. As much as you communicate your business values, you should also distill any fears your target audience has. Create content on why your target audience should choose you over your competitors and how your business stands out. For example, some people may not buy from you because they think you may not deliver the merchandise once you get their money. A lot of people have fallen victim to online fraud and they do not want to be burned the second time. But if your content can give them some sort of assurance, they will patronise you.

Share customers’ reviews: You should try to always put an human face on your online business. Once someone buys from you, let others know. If people cannot see that your business is real and people indeed patronise you, they will think of your business as a ghost. Seeing reviews further establish your online business as credible, and attracts other people to patronise your business. You can also share funny experiences you have had with customers and the lessons you have learnt in the course of doing business.

Talk about the versatility of your products: You have a higher chance of selling more over your competitors if your products are versatile. The present economic situation in the world has forced people to downsize their costs of living while seeking innovative and inexpensive ways to live comfortably. If you can show how a product from you can solve five problems your target audience has, your clientele would increase. This is the push some people need to buy from you. Be creative about the solutions your business offers and communicate this to people excellently.

Scour social media for content ideas: Social media is a platform that majorly thrives on content, either text, audio or visual. It is unofficially the largest opinion poll too; you can find different perspectives to a matter on social

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media. From what people say, you can get content for your business. Join communities on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Your target audience are on these platforms and they air their views freely. Read through the comment sections and see how your target audience thinks or what they expect. Repurpose what you read into content pillars and discuss extensively about them.

As such, your business will reasonate more with your audience as they will believe that you are up to date with current trends.

Repurpose your content: You do not have to create new content every time for your business.

Simply use one of the ones you have created earlier and tweak it. You can add more flesh to it, you can add something in the news that makes the content relevant, you can talk about it in light of global trends, etc. If you have multiple platforms where you publish content, you can simply exchange content across the platforms.

For example, you can turn your podcast content into a video to be uploaded on your YouTube channel, you can turn a blog post on your website into infographics for your business social media platforms.

You do not have to wait to be perfect in content creation before you start creating content for your business. An unwritten rule of thumb says that the more you create content, the more you get content ideas.

Oh covid-19 Dennis Kiprotich RAC Menengai, D9212 You kicked the doors open, You made yourself at peace in our world Oh covid-19, Troubles you brought our way Masks became our daily companion Mourning you brought with it Grieving you turned the world to be Joy you gladly stole Homes you easily wrecked, No mercy was with you Our lives easily disrupted , All bowed to you Our medics clueless you turned them Our doctors you tagged them along Our loved ones prematurely you took Dreams you easily shuttered Without fear you swept the world Other crimes you made thrive Domestic violence, rape and depression all increased Oh covid-19, when are you leaving?

We will not miss you, that we promise

Sustainable Development Rtr. Philip Mwangi | Rotaract Club of Kenyatta University I believe in the power of togetherness cause together we are a rejuvenated super force that will achieve absolutely anything. The call for action towards Sustainability, Climate change, Environmental management and conservation, peace, justice, tree planting, service above self among other global goals is a collective responsibility. I believe that young people are the solution, the old are the solution and the younger ones will be empowered by us to be better starting now. It is the high time that we own up every challenge we are in whether local or globally, it’s one planet! We do not need to do a lot, no, not all. The little big things are the ones that matter when done consistently with passion and commitment. Do it. Do it alone, with everyone, anywhere and at any time. Be the one to do something that might never benefit you but will surely benefit millions of lives out there.

We are the solution! Take action! #ServiceAboveSelf

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Behind The Masks

Rtr. Mary Ngendo Rotaract Club of Karura Past Rotaract Kenya Country Chair The Friday before the government announced that public gatherings had been banned due to Covid 19,I was at Jamhuri Park with the team finalizing receiving gifts from sponsors of the planned Rotary Sunshine Rally the following day. This takes months of planning and due to Covid 19 we had to cancel the one day in a year when we organize, transport, feed, gift and have fun with over 5000 children who are abled differently.It shook all of us but the encouraging thing was how rotarians, rotaractors and friends invested in still distributing the perishable items to some of the homes who were scheduled to attend and in Kibera slum which neighbours Jamhuri Park. Life changed,but with hope in our hearts, we shall overcome.

Career wise, I moved from hospitality industry which was hard hit to Accounting field,jewellery business and mentorship.

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Rtr. Rikkie Tumaini Rotaract Club of Muthaiga Rotaract Kenya PR Director 2020–2021 My unprecedented times didn’t actually start when covid started in March, they started as soon as the Kenyan government got involved I joke..but actually things did become a bit slow, being a photographer and getting my income from events photography and corporates, it became hard to get jobs but good thing I got a new niche which is family portraits and it has helped me to date. I learnt of a new market and having specialized since covid started and I’d say thanks to covid I now have a new feature in my portfolio.

Behind The Masks

Florence Ojee Rotaract Club of Karen For the past year, it has been challenging being an affiliate of the club due to the pandemic. Most meetings were virtual and due to varied circumstances, few could attend and this was reflected in the struggles had trying to meet the meeting quorum. Meeting attendance in comparison with the total members has often been abysmal.

All of a sudden there was more time to spend with ourselves, our families and our pets – plants included, apparently they count too, ha!

don’t see their teeth as they smile, I hear the ring in their laughter and see the creases at the corner of their eyes. Am amused by the fact that I have worked for months with great people, some of whom I don’t know how they look like without the masks. For the time we shared at work and the dedication they showed, the epitome of service above self. It is love for humanity and sacrifice I see. I have learnt; I have hope the pandemic will pass. I see life in a new light.

We did however have a tree planting exercise which came as a relief for members to finally interact either for the first time or after an extended period of not managing to get together.

Rachael Njeri Rotaract Club of Karen In the beginning of 2020, I first heard of Rotary from my mother, a Rotarian in RC Karen. I tagged along with her as she went for her weekly rotary meetings. I remember being so fascinated throughout the meeting as I heard how eloquently people spoke, I knew in my heart that one day I would speak as boldly (I was quite shy at the time). I later on joined Rotaract club of Karen.

Janet Wanja Rotaract Club of Nairobi Central Before the pandemic, life was awesome, no, actually it was fantastic. Attending Rotaract meeting almost every week of the month. Attending two rotaract events in a month, while at the same time juggling school/work/personal life all together.

Then the whole world came to a stop. No more physical meetings, going outside meant masking up, all events postponed or cancelled, in short no more jubilant celebratory type of life. No more sitting too long in traffic because traffic was abit light and we spent more hours at home.

Rona hit us and it was not easy, people lost psyche. However, I had not seen the fun side to online meetings; you can literally join any meeting from ANYWHERE in the world, meeting new people was very fun!

Lwal Tabitha Rotaract Club of Kabarak University Being a third year student on attachment at a hospital during a pandemic is quite scary. I am no superhero; faith and hope keep me going. Everyday seeing patients get better and going home after being admitted brings me joy. Even though I

Theresa Waliaula Rotaract Club of Milimani Behind the mask lies a rotaractor who’d be thrilled to join their friend’s at a newnormal event. Earlier, here in Kenya, the third wave got us back to basics. I, on one hand, pardon the people who are the receiving end of majority of Rotaract’s projects. That we seek to help a child read, a person eat, and the environment less dirty, indeed the community at large has felt the ripple of the pandemic. I genuinely loved the fact that the family of Rotary and Rotaract has grown closer through the use of technology and a powerful display of resilience.

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“Online dating helps connect you to like–minded people.”

Online Dating

Rtr. Olaleye Gbolahan Rotaract Club of Ibadan Akobo CB, RID9125

The concept of online dating is now widely accepted in the 21st century. The emergence of information and communication technology has also played a significant role in helping people meet life partners on dating websites and mobile applications. It’s amazing and almost unthinkable how you meet a total stranger on the internet and they gradually become the dearest person to you in life. We have hears many testimonies of people from different background and geographical location getting married and living a good life through online dating. It’s no doubt that online dating has helped people find their soul mates and changed their lifestyle in the process. The question is how this becomes possible over time.

Introverts and shy people rally suck at blind dates and hanging out. This sometimes make people misunderstand them and get a wrong impression. However, these set of people are usually good at meeting people on social media.

Therefore, it I easier for them to meet and get along with people on dating apps and websites in this manner, they have the opportunity to get used to such person and they don’t feel like a stranger anymore the first time they meet physically.

This simple scenario has been a saving grace for many who fall in this category.

In addition to this, some people have given up on love after several heartbreaks. At first, they visit these dating sites just to have fun and not get into depression until once again they fall in love once more. However, this time they are more careful and take it slow. Online dating also has the advantage of giving you the opportunity to properly assess a potential partner and know if you both will get along really well. The red flags are always spotted from afar with online dating and could prevent people from getting unnecessary heartbreaks. After months of intensive conversations, you might be ready for your first physical meeting that could lead to a journey of everlasting love.

Online dating also helps connect you to likeminded people. We have seen several couples prospering in same profession or in business, this is possible because they both think alike. Sighting people from afar might not reveal

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their perception towards certain subject matters in life. On the contrary, talking to people on social media platforms can reveal a lot to you about who they are and the trajectory of their thoughts. Which better person should be your soul mate if not someone who thinks in line with you?

More so, many people have gotten their orientation and lifestyle changed positively through online dating. The concept of peer pressure applies in this case and you start to exhibit and emulate the habits of a person you frequently talk to on a social mesial or a dating platform. You start to try out certain things they do and even adopt some of their positive routine. With them, you can set deadlines for particular tasks and help evaluate each other at the end of such tasks.

Altogether, they help change your lifestyle positively.

Furthermore, online dating helps you to expand your options in searching for a life partner. Everyone has the right to have a taste and search for particular qualities in a life partner. However, many a times, these qualities are not just present somewhere close to you but in a world where millions of people and profiles are available on dating platforms, it becomes quite easy to find a life partner and soul mates.

Online dating also gives ghee opportunity tot change your thinking about certain things and certain places in life.

Meeting someone from a different geographical location and background exposes you to more information about the lifestyle of such location. In fact, you get more enlightened about things happening around the world interacting with people on dating sites. This further helps restructure your mndset and plays a significant role in changing your lifestyle.

In other case, people have moved across borders and continents to meet and live with their soul mates which couldn’t have been possible if not for online dating and interaction. In fact, some people later find their new place or country more pleasing accommodating, and conducive than the place they have lived before meeting their partner. This triggers a complete overhaul of their previous lifestyle and welcomes them to a new world filled with joy and happiness as they enjoy everlasting love with their life partners.

In conclusion, online dating has made it easier for people to find their soul mate and positively change their lifestyle.

It helps people expand their options in finding a life partner, makes it easier to meet people, connect people to likeminded partners, gives the opportunity to properly evaluate people before meeting them and definitely faster than old fashioned ways of dating.

Supporting the Environment through Rotaract One of Rotary’s Area of Focus is Supporting the Environment through initiatives such a stree planting, adopt a river, awareness initiatives and activities geared towards saving the planet and restoring earth’s ecosystem. Read through to find out how some of the Rotaract Clubs in District 9212 have supported the environment in the Rotary Year 2020–2021.

Read about some of the projects on pages 54–57.

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GRC Ethiopia

Green Rotaract Concept, Ethiopia Rtr. Bethlehem Abebe

Rotaract, a well-oiled community service, leadership, professional development & fellowship machine, found its footing to continue contributing to the development of the society & its members even amidst COVID-19. Creative, energetic, passionate, & imaginative, Rotaract members have been coming up with different ideas to raise morale & continue funding projects. Virtual meetings, virtual coffee times, home planting challenges & virtual concerts have been common occurrences that keep the momentum going.

As GRC-ET, in-person projects (walk & pick, tree planting & watering, and materials recycling & reusing) were challenged & partially remedied when virtual sessions were introduced. #ClimateStrikeOnline, #gardening-challenge & social media awareness creation campaigns have been the highlights of the 2020–2021 Rotary Year.

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“Our focus has been on the Southern & Eastern side of the park which have been greatly affected by human development namely roads, factories & the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) which cuts right through the park. Our goal is to create a green line from Mlolongo all the way to Carnivore.”

Bring Back the Green

Rotaract Club of Karura, RID9212 Bring Back the Green in the Park Project was initiated in 2017 by three noble companies named Mishono Apparel, Aromah the Restaurant and Skippy Adventures Tours and Events. All the three companies operate in the heart of Nairobi and had a desire to give back to society. We all agreed than Nairobi National Park would be our protégé and we worked towards being ambassadors of the park through tree planting to save the animals, plants, insects and birds that live in the park.

We knew it was going to take more than the three of us to come up with substantial number of trees so we decided to reach out to like-minded organizations to join us and make the movement impactful. So far, we have worked with more than 20 organizations and more than 500 individuals to plant 10,000 trees in the park. Over the years we have worked closely with Nairobi Green Line who provide the trees, prepare the land before hand and take care of the seedlings for three (3) years until they are able to stand on their own. Our greatest success story has been our 98% tree survival rate which has been achieved by our partners Nairobi Green Line.

So far we have done 7 editions and the Rotaract Club of Karura has supported us in our 5th and 6th edition which was a major success; we managed to plant 600 trees. This success story brought us to a historic win of the Sam Awori awards.We intend to partner with them in our 8th edition and we are confident of double our precious record to 1,000 trees.

PARTNERS: Rotaract Club of Muthaiga, Rotaract Club of Ruiru, Rotary Club of K.U, Rotarct Youth Zone, Rotaract Club of Limuru, Rotaract Club of Lang’ata, The Green Concept, 3E’Z Experience, Kenya Scouts Association, Cheza Game, Sung Timber, Ocha Kwetu Permaculture Centre, Daiso Arts, Swyvl, TOSK, Events Marketing Solutions, Consolidated Bank Of Kenya, Young United Footbal Club, Kenya Meat Commision, Victoria Courts, P.C.E.A Church Gitaru, Musa Gitau Primary, Hisia Psychology, NEMA, Kenya Association, Kitu Smart Africa and Njesh World Limited.

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Mangroove Tree Planting

Rotaract Club of Malindi Kenya, RID9212 & Partners

Dabaso, Kirepwe Island PARTNERS: RAC Watamu, RAC Kilifi & other stakeholders including the Kirepwe Community & nearby Schools

Junda Creek, Mombasa PARTNERS: RAC Karura, RAC Youthzone, RAC Mombasa Bahari, RAC Watamu, RAC Kilifi, RAC Kampala South, RAC JKUAT Pwani, RAC Lang’ata, RAC Karen, Skippy Adventures, Green Rotaract Concept and Brain Youthzone. We planted over 10,000 propagules.

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Plant

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Fruity Trees #Challenge

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1 – RAC Kenyatta University tree planting initiatives and environmental education at Kenyatta University Primary School where they planted 200 seedlings ie a mixture of indigenous and fruit trees. One of the main focus areas of RAC Kenyattta University is environmental conservation.

2 – RAC Menengai Nakuru tree planting initiatives at Hyrax Museum where they planted 50 fruit trees and it was a replacement of some that had died and we planted 20 fruit trees at Pangani Special School which was acting as a launch of Memorandum of Understanding between Pangani special school and RAC Menengai where they want to set up a tree nursery for the club.

3 & 4 – RAC Lang’ata & RAC Limuru’s tree planting activity where they planted 50 avocado trees in Umoja Primary, Tigoni.

5 – Tree planting organized by RAC Abugida and Green Rotaract Concept Ethiopia at ENPA School.

D9212 Green Rotaract Concept

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6 – Green Rotaractors at Work, courtesy of Green Rotaract Concept (GRC) Ethiopia.

7 – RAC Nairobi Muthaiga North tree planting initiatives at Garden Estate Academy.

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“The Wheels to Live project is a program started 5 years ago by the then president of the club, PP Ken Wanga. The need to have a sustainable project that would keep the members engaged necessitated the conception of this noble course.”

Wheels to Live

Rotaract Club of Embu, RID9212 The main purpose was to identify people within the society in need of a wheelchair and issue them with one.

Beneficiaries The club through the community service docket identifies the beneficiaries through its members, community, and through the social media platforms. The identified beneficiaries go through a vigorous process of assessment and verification by the community service docket before been selected. The process operates on a first come first serve basis due to financial constraints. So far we have reached beneficiaries So far we have reached over 50 beneficiaries in the last 5 years from all over Kenya including but not limited to Embu, Kirinyaga, Meru, Thika, Muranga, Isiolo and Nakuru counties, and the trajectory set to shoot higher going forward.

Monitoring and Funding After the issuance of the wheelchair, the club runs a monitoring program for the purpose of improving the program. Members of the club visit the beneficiaries to assess how the wheelchair has affected their life over time and also assess how well they are taking care of the donation. The project for the longest time has been funded by the rotaractors from the rotaract club of Embu and the friends of the club. The funds are raised through fundraisers and pledges by the members towards the project. We also have well-wishers sponsor us with wheelchairs to be issued to the beneficiaries identified by the club.

Partnerships Over time the club has always tried to engage meaniful partners to help the club reach out more beneficiaries within the community.

The club during P.P Emily era reached out the APDK society to help in assessing beneficiaries. The club members were taught on the key aspects to consider before deciding on the type of wheelchairs to issue. Later during P.P Njoroge era, we identified an organization that specializes in giving out wheelchairs to the needy in the society. The walkabout foundation based in Nanyuki was engaged by the President where he was invited for a training on how to identify assess beneficiaries. The partnership was actualized during Presidents Mercy time where the first beneficiaries received the first customized wheelchairs. The partnership is continuing and more beneficiaries continue to benefit from this partnership. The program is in its fifty year running from President Ken, Emily, Pius, Njoro, and now Mercy. It is expected continue running especially after securing the partnership with the walkabout foundation. Apart from donating wheelchairs the program also give out crunches, belts and walkers as recommended by medical experts.

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Good Governance, Leadership & Development

The Role of the Youth in Achieving Good Governance, Leadership & Development: A Case Study of Nigeria Oluwadamilare O. Ojo Rotaract Club of University College Hospital Ibadan Nigeria, RID9125 Just like everything rises and falls on leadership as enunciated by John C. Maxwell, no nation can experience true development without harnessing the power of her youthful population. According to the Nigerian National Youth Policy (2019), youths are young people aged 18 – 29 years. They make up a significant proportion of the Nigerian population. Therefore, the role of youths in achieving good governance, leadership and development in Nigeria cannot be undermined. This is pragmatically evidenced by the Not-Too-Young-To-Run bill signed into law on the 31st of May 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. The bill effectively reduced the age to run for President from 40 years to 30 years, Governor and Senator from 35 to 30, and House of Representatives and State of Assembly from 30 to 25.

No doubt good governance, leadership and development are inextricably interwoven concepts. The governance is said to be good if able to effectively and efficiently manage the available resources to improve the lives of the citizens, eradicating poverty and championing prosperity. Leadership is service, acting through others. When good leadership

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and governance complement each other, the society undergoes sustainable development with improvement of the living conditions of the people. Sadly, this is not the case in Nigeria. To change the narrative, youth involvement is key.

It is the role of the youths to promote peace and unity, security and stability which are a sine qua non for the nation development. There should be a paradigm shift in the value system of youths. Youths should begin to stand up for transparent, free and fair electoral processes. The youth should no more see themselves as agents which the corrupt politicians would be using as hoodlums during general elections in order to initiate rigging and other electoral malpractices for their selfish interests. They should not engage in any activities that can pose a threat to lives and properties. Youth must refrain from social vices such as political assassinations, political hooliganism, religious bigotry, armed robbery, vandalism, drug addiction, prostitution, cybercrimes, among others. They must imbibe and maintain responsible conducts at all time to avoid political exclusion and being taken for granted.

There are eight (8) major elements of good governance, namely: obeys the rule of law, participatory, equitable and inclusive, effective and efficient, consensus-oriented, transparent, responsible, and accountable.. It is a role of the youth to explore and employ every legitimate means to hold the public and political office holders responsible and accountable. One of these means is by signing an appropriate petition. The advent of the social media has also made it possible to call the politicians to order when derailing from the justifiable cause. The 2020 #EndSARS protest was a paradigm of the power of the social media in this 21st century.

Youths must not talk the talk alone; they must also walk the talk. The era of apportioning blame has gone. Youths have so much leadership potentials and innovations which when appropriately developed and channelled would yield tremendous developmental results. At all levels of governance and leadership, youths must come out of their shells to meaningfully participate in politics, selectively join political parties, conscientiously cast votes, and fiercely contest to hold public and political offices in a bid to bring their innovative ideas on board. In other words, youths must wake up to the reality of not only the future leaders but also the leaders of today. The extent at which youths are involved in the political affairs of the nation would determine the sustainability of her political development and transformation.

In conclusion, youths are indispensable instruments for driving lasting positive changes in Nigeria. It is high time the youth became integrated into the grass-roots politics. Thanks to the organisations like Rotary International which provide an enabling ground for the youth to develop their leadership skills while contributing their quota to the societal development through selfless service to humanity. As youths (Rotaractors), we are well equipped to lead at various levels of government. It is when we are involved that we can straighten out all what is wrong in the system. This has started in Oyo State Nigeria, with the historic appointment of a 27-year-old youth as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in 2019. More exhilarating is the fact that the current Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly is a vibrant youth. Through political socialisation and active participation, there can be a massive movement towards participatory democracy in a bid to ensure democratic consolidation and overall development of our nation.

Rtr. Oluwadamilare O. Ojo is a self-motivated writer whose passion rests on a tripod of good governance, good health and all-round excellence. He has many published articles to his credit.

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Donate A Boob Project

“Would you donate a boob for someone? Well, in life, we are only as brave as our actions.”

Rotaract Club of UoN Lower Kabete, RID9212

For most breast cancer survivors, breast reconstruction is often the true sign of healing. However, most women cannot afford this life changing procedure and have to live with the stigmatization and rejection of having breast cancer and end up being defined by it. Breast reconstruction involves rebuilding the shape and look of the breast autologous tissue or acquiring prosthetic implants with the goal of reconstructing a natural looking breast.

Breast cancer patients have to undergo mastectomy to mark the end of their cancer treatment. Sadly, for most breast cancer survivors, they cannot afford to undergo breast reconstruction. Women living in slums and rural areas are forced to wear cabbage or banana leaves, shirts, rugs and even socks to cover up their shame. As Rotaract Club of UON Lower Kabete Chapter, we chose to put an end to stigmatization towards breast cancer survivors by providing them with knitted artificial breast prosthesis with the aim of boosting the patient’s self-worth and giving them a better fit in society.

This project started out as an idea after our club president, Rtr. Santana Akumu went online to see how best we could help cancer survivors, when she came across pictures of knitted prosthetic boobs, she knew this was it, she pitched the idea to our Community Service Director, Rtr.Melvin Kinya who in turn worked with her in finding an organization we could work with. That’s when we came across Limau Cancer Connection that helps cancer patients by providing them with basic needs such as food, clothes, medical bills and psychological support. With the help of the organization we were able to acquire yarns used in knitting the boobs and connections to recovered patients who knit the boobs.

We held a meeting with the organization and researched on the total cost of making the boobs as well as found

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a distribution channel for the boobs knitted. In order to help 40 patients as planned, we decided to do the project in two phases, fundraise for Ksh.20,000 in the first phase then the rest Ksh.20,000 in the next phase, this was because our budget read a pair of boobs would cost Ksh. 1,000; Ksh.850 for the yarn (100%cotton and which would not affect the ladies) and Ksh.150 for the fiber (put inside the boobs to give definition).

The club made contact with the ladies knitting the boobs from Dandora and they knitted 80 boobs at Ksh. 20,000. All club representatives collected the boobs from the knitters and delivered them to Dr. Siwillis at Cancer Care Kenya who has a list of trustworthy beneficiaries of the breast prosthesis. When we started off the project our aim was to help 40 patients but we ended up helping more than 80 ladies, 79 boobs already distributed to Dr. Siwillis who gives them out in three hospitals; AIC Kijabe hospital in Kijabe, Nakuru PGH in Nakuru and Cancer Care Kenya in Nairobi, and 60 more boobs in production.We ended up having more ladies benefiting from our project more than we had expected all thanks to cost variances and to your contribution.

Fundraising and Partnerships Our fundraising process was a bit lowkey and at first we weren’t sure if we could manage both phases looking into our club’s pocket. We therefore looked for partner clubs for the project and worked closely with Rotaract Clubs of ; Jkuat, Dekut, Limuru and Karen. They were very supportive and cooperative during the project and we are glad to have invited them to join us. We used various methods to raise money for the project, posting about it on social media and well-wishers sent us their contribution, our club members also came in handy in raising money, our mother club Rotary club of Nairobi Peponi helped us reach out to many more beneficiaries and we are grateful to them. Other clubs that made our project successful are Rotary Club of North Stafford, Rotaract Club of Thika Technical and MUA. Together we were able to raise Ksh.70,750 for the project.

Summary Despite the challenges experienced in the course of the project we can gladly say as a club it was a worthwhile experience keeping in mind this was our first huge project!It is our hope that we shall be able to help more ladies in the future and give them a better tomorrow.

Our second phase of the project was to involve ladies who have undergone breast reconstruction through 3D Areola Tattoo an amazing procedure to mimic the areola but for now we are putting it on hold as we look for more partner clubs, if you would like to join, contact our President, Melvin Murithi on +254 797 305240.

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Behind The Masks

Rtr. Lydia Lukera Rotaract Club of Eldoret Deputy Rotaract Kenya Country Chair 2020–2021 Rotaract Kenya Country Chair & DRRE 2021–2022 The COVID Pandemic came at a period when I hadn’t prepared myself but on the plus side gave me enough time to think about it.

It gave me an opportunity to improve a few skills and overcome my fear for trying new things.

Haha I can proudly say that I can bake, write 😂 and I am a good cook.

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Rtr. Fredrick Ochari Rotaract Club of Ongata Rongai D9212 Director for Public Relations & Communications 2021–2022 Accepting the reality of there being a pandemic was so thrilling. It brought a lot of uncertainty about how life would be like. Will things ever be the same again? Maybe not. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Who knows? I decided to be positive about the whole thing. I used the circumstance for good. I did a lot of self-evaluation and self-discovery during the free time I had. I have witnessed tremendous growth emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I’ve learned that we can always turn our fear to work for our good.

You should figure out how.

“Good . Fast. Cheap. You can not have all three, but two.”

The Fundamental Truths

Abdwahab Adekola Rotaract Club of Great Ife, RID9125 Having spent years working in IT, developing software and troubleshooting networks, I have always wished I could share this interesting guiding principles with people who might not have come across them. These are principles that could guide everyone on every projects and decisions: at home, in the streets, and in the market. These guiding pricniples are: 1. It has to work: if you can think of it, then you can achieve it. There is this Albert Einstein quote that I so much love, it goes like this: if you think you can, or you think you cannot, you are right. There is also a Chinese proverb: the person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it. Things are possible. You can resolve that conflict with your colleague. You can get that degree. We cannot leave things to NO, or to IMPOSSIBILITY. The moment we recognize what we have to do to make things better, to make the world a better place, then we have to understand that it is possible, we just have to go the extra mile.

2. No matter how hard you push and no matter what the priority is, you cannot increase the speed of light. All things take time. Truly it has to work. But you must not rush it. You must have heard of this before: No matter how hard you try; you can’t make a baby in much less than 9 months. Trying to speed this up *might* make it slower, but it won’t make it happen any quicker. For any process, any stage you have to pass through be ready to give it its due duration. It might look like it is not moving, but it is, can you tell me the point when you grew taller?

3. It is always something. Good, Fast, Cheap: you cannot have all three, but two. If it is good and it is fast, it cannot be cheap. Look at it from the perspective of internet data services in Nigeria. If a solution is good and cheap, it cannot be fast. Fast and cheap, ouuh, it cannot be good. We would always have to forego some things.

Life does not come in full measure. Some level of compromise has to be tolerated.

4. It is more complicated than you think. I would talk about this together with the next principle.

5. For all resources, whatever it is, you need more. The previous one and this relates. As a project manager, I have realized that no project would ever go as planned. That is how life is generally. There would always be something that would change the course of events in one little way – bad or good. it has been researched that human beings do underestimate issues at hand. We always think we have time, this happens mostly to experienced, professional people, because we believe we have done something similar before. However, it is when you dive in that you’d realized that is more complicated than you think. You need more time, more funding, more people, more materials …than you estimated at the beginning. The takeaway from this is that we should always know that we need more than we think we need because it is more complicated than what we are thinking.

6. One size never fits all. Remember GOOD-CHEAP-FAST? You cannot have one fix to cover all. A particular pair of shoes cannot go all functions. If you want to use just a pair, that means you want it cheap, and probably fast, we all know that’s …a bad idea. Products are designed with particular purpose in mind, trying to stretch them may not end well. Truly, ideas, products, solutions could be multipurpose, however there are limits. Your academic degree has where it is being recognized. There are different spanner sizes, sets of screw drivers. You have to use the most appropriate tools, the right methods, and the best approach to get jobs done.

The writer, Rtr Abdwahab ADEKOLA, is a software developer and IT Analyst in one of the leading financial institutions in Nigeria. He is the founder of Mailhouse.com.ng and Lostfinder. com.ng, the platform that connects owners of lost items to the finder of the items. Catch him on Twitter: twitter.com/wahabind and on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/adekolaabdwahab/

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Building A Legacy That Gives...

Get to know The Rotary Foundation (TRF) a little bit better. We interviewed the District 9212 TRF Director 2021–2022, Monica Wanjiku and the Immediate Past TRF Directors for the clubs in District 9212 that were top contributors in the Rotary Year 2020–2021.

INDIVIDUAL GIVING 1.

How do I contribute to the Rotary Foundation both as an individual and as a club?

(What are the options for Rotary Foundation giving?) You can donate via the district till number 9023419 or via my rotary www.rotary.org/donate 2. Why should I give to the Rotary Foundation? You get transform more lives in the world.

3. Where do I learn more about TRF? My rotary has all the information, you can as well reach out to the district TRF committee.

4. When is the most appropriate time to contribute to TRF? There is no specific time, you can give daily, monthly depending on how your pocket allows you.

5. Who is best fitted to give to TRF? Anybody can give.

6. How much I should one give to TRF? There is no limit but every rotaractor should atleast give Kes 500 ($5) or more annually. Those who want to achieve PHF recognition should give $1000.

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Who/what is a PHF? Is there a marching policy for Rotaractors to become PHF’s? A PHF is a person who has contributed $1000 or in whose name that amount is contributed. PHF stands for Paul Harris Fellow named after the 1st Rotary International President.

CLUB GIVING

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What is expected of Rotaract clubs by TRF? Clubs are expected to create awareness to their club members, donate atleast $50 in order to achieve the Rotary Giving Certificate and plan events to raise money towards polio or any other approved foundation grant.

2. With the new Elevate Rotaract status, how does that affect Rotaractors giving to TRF? Giving clubs will have a higher chance of applying for global grants.

3. How much money is a club expected to give to TRF? (Please tell us more about the Rotaract giving certificate) atleast $50, the giving certificate is achieved when atleast 5 Rotaractors of a club donate $10 each. The giving certificate is a recognition from my rotary for clubs that has donated to the foundation.

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What is the relationship between Global grants and TRF giving? What does this mean to Rotaract Clubs? Global grants is an approved grant from my Rotary I.e annual fund, polio plus. When you donate to the foundation you choose the grant you want your donation to go to. When Rotaract clubs give they can apply for grants with another Rotary club towards their projects I.e water and sanitation.

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How can clubs give more to TRF? Plannng events to raise awareness and raise funds I.e hiking, camping etc 6. What can be done to raise more awareness about TRF with Rotaract Clubs? Training, invite the District TRF committee to train your members,provide helpful materials from my rotary.

Building A Legacy That Gives...

Rotaract Club of Thika was recognized as the First Runners Up in the 2020–2021 Sam Owori Outstanding Rotary Foundation Donation by a Club Awards. The TRF Director, Rtr. Eva Kaburu (who by the way recently became a Paul Harris Fellow), shared with us what it means to give to The Rotary Foundation.

1. How would you describe your club in a few words? Hehe well, my club is a club of fun loving people who are each others support system.

2. Your club was recently awarded/ recognized by Rotaract District 9212 as being one of the top three contributing clubs. What is your club secret to motivating members to contribute to TRF? Members naturally like to give to Rotary projects so the idea of helping needy people globally is beautiful. Also taking advantage of the District matching offer for PHF. 3. What strategy does your club use to raise funds for TRF? Tell us more about your fundraising efforts. The club organizes an event to promote awareness of TRF and the same time the funds raised got to TRF for individuals who participated.

4. What challenges and experiences has your club had when fundraising for TRF? The biggest challenge , as with any other Rotaract Club, is members prefer to fundraise for community service projects that the club is doing rather than send the funds to TRF. 5. What do you want other clubs and, TRF and fundraising directors to learn from you? The most important this is have your members understand more about TRF. When the term TRF is nolonger alien to them, they will be more willing to contribute.

6. As a leader that asks people for money, of course nicely, is there a time that you were very scared that you wouldn’t

meet your club’s fundraising goals? If so, how did you handle it and what did you learn from it? Not meeting your goal doesn’t mean you have failed.

Life has many dynamics so understand the dynamics that caused you to miss your goal this time and find solutions to mitigate them next time. So we focus less on the fundraising goal and more on getting more members to give.

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Tell us about yourself as a person.

What drives you. What is your philosophy? I personally love giving especially to those who cannot offer me anything in return. I believe the more God blesses me, the more He needs me to help others. My philosophy is ‘Haba na haba hujaza kinabalu ... As a TRF Director, it has opened me to learn more about a whole different level of giving in the international level and different ways of giving.

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Tell us something you’ve learnt about money, fundraising and charity? Your money can be the difference between someone sleeping hungry today or having a warm meal today.

9. What is your end goal as TRF Director? Support the club to reaching higher targets and apply for District grants.

10. As we conclude, what advice would you give to Rotaract Clubs struggling to raise funds for TRF or very far off from achieving their TRF goals? The important thing is not to give up and also set realistic goals according to your members capability and willingness to give.

Parting Shot: Think Service, Success Will Follow 67

No Shave TRF November

“The goal is to create awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free. Donate the money we typically spend on shaving and grooming to a local organization that works on cancer prevention and aid those fighting the battle.”

Rotaract Club of Mella Ethiopia, RID9212

What is No shave November?

It is a month-long journey during which participants stop shaving and grooming in order to evoke conversation and raise cancer awareness.

In November 2007, the eight Hill siblings lost their father to an 18-month battle with colon cancer. The family then launched #NoShaveNovember, an organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for cancer, and built off a reality many cancer patients face — hair loss following chemotherapy treatment. The target impact of these project is to create awareness about cancer and to support those who have cancer or cancer associations. We get involved by a. Putting down our razor for less than 30 days and save our hair and beard-maintenance expenses to the cause. b. Ladies, we skip our November haircut/style, and donate that money! Of course, we can also donate the money saved on razors and waxes, too, as well as other shaving supplies. c. Share our views and our nice photos with hashtag #noshavenovember on our social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram groups) d. And we participate in the discussion that will be continued during the whole month to raise awareness of cancer.

On November 2019, Rotaract Mella, pledge for #Noshavenovember jointly with the Rotaract Clubx of Bicholim Goa India, Rajkot Gujarat India, Bombay India, Butwal South Nepal, Coimbatore Crystal India, Chandigarh Northern Winds India, and Faisalabad Pakistan. On November 2020, Rotaract Mella, pledge for #Noshavenovember jointly with 20 Rotaract clubs in India. i.e. Ambarnath, RID 3142 jointly with Rotaract club of Gulshan Lake City (RID 3281), Rotaract club of Universal Business School (RID 3131), Alumni (RID 3131), Faridabad Sanskar (RID 3011), Patna Youth (RID 3250), NIBM (RID 3220), UAF (RID 3272), Galgotias Educational Institution (RID 3011), Nagpur Vision (RID 3030), Nasik Metro (RID 3030), Venugram Belgaum (RID 3170), Lideres Potosinos (RID 4130), Panjim (RID 3170), Talegaon City (RID 3131), Karad City (RID 3132), Junagadh (RID 3060), SK Somaiya (RID 3141), 3rd Eye (RID 3150) and Colombo Regent (RID 3120).

This year we raised 15,000 birrs (about 350 USD) from our club members and our mother club members. The money raised by “NO SHAVE NOVEMBER” project was donated to Tesfa Addis parents’ childhood cancer organization (TAPCCO). Tesfa Addis parents’ childhood cancer organization (TAPCCO) is a non- profit organization established by parents of the children with cancer and individuals interested in helping these children back in 2012 with the aim of supporting all children with cancer during their treatment and follow-up. The organization strives to improve the quality of the life for children with cancer, support their families, and assist paediatric haematology/ oncology facilities to be centres of excellence. Currently there are about 100 children and guardians in the institution. The organization provide nutritional supplements, give psychosocial support for children and guardians, assist parents buy chemotherapy drugs as needed, provide lodging and funding for transport for parents from regions, provide educational material for the children in the wereda, bereavement support and assist oncology unit of Black Lion general specialized hospital. The contribution was made in the “movie night” event that is organized by another young volunteers. Members participated in the event, watch movies with the children and also play and read books to the children.

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CADENZA

Music Contest, Collaboration and fundraising with a twist.

Rotaract Club of JKUAT, RID9212

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What is CADENZA? Cadenza as a sustainable fund-raising project implemented to support Sisu Nena Sawiya, the flagship project of the club. 1st digital fund raising project activated within the Kurunegala district. Official YouTube channel of the club reached more than 2000 subscribers. Opened the way for the young singers to enhance their skills giving a little push and a little recognition.

Music is a therapy that heals the wilted souls and bring them back to life.

It is an art which can relax the frustrated minds, busy lifestyle, relieve stress, reduce anxiety lifting the spirits, thus it can be considered as a complete package for improving our souls and mind equally.

Cadenza is the first digital fund-raising music contest competition.

Activated within the Kurunegala district in Sri Lanka. Integration of this online competition upgrades the public image of the club during this pandemic situation, maintaining proper sanitation habits and minimizing physical contacts. Project cadenza was implemented as a fund-raising event for the flagship project” Sisu Nena Sawiya” of the club. The project was first announced at the 6th installation ceremony, along with the initiation of their new official YouTube channel, marking a remarkable milestone, graced by Amelia Wijesooriya, one of the most talented contestants of Voice Teen Sri Lanka.The project was then initiated by inviting the talented nightingales of the Rotaract clubs all over the Island.

The Rotaract Club of JKUAT also participated in the project as a way of promoting the goodwill initiated by a twin club agreement with the Rotaract Club of Kurunegala.

The young singers were continuously motivated and developed their creative skills giving them the opportunity to analyze and evaluate their techniques while observing the other contestants. We firmly believe that the online music contest competition encourages the contestants to participate in digital events more often and to convince that the competition is more than just about winning and losing.

This exclusive event was sponsored by Surada Campus and Agra Luxury Apartments, Kurunegala.

Kurunegala Rotaract club coming together with Surada Campus and Agra Luxury Apartments explosure this tremendous event Cadenza on 12th of September 2020.

This partnership betweeen the Rotaract club of Kurunegala and that of JKUAT continues to flourish as they even work on other projects together such as a joint bulletin, which is a way of cultural exchange.

Memes

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Editor’s Note: Part Two – Tribute of Sorts Edited by Rtr. Caleb Rabu | PR Fellow, & Communications & Image Consultant Rotaract Club of Naivasha HOW THE ROTARY YEAR (2020–2021) BEGAN Right about the time when we took office, Corona virus was just gaining momentum in Kenya. Everything was shifting online, from meetings to social activities, as a way of maintaining social distance. Wamugunda Mwangi, D9212 Director for Public Image and Brand Awareness 2020/2021, reached out to me to be his deputy and to support the team and the district as a Creative Director. I was hesitant at first because I had just served as Rotaract Kenya PR Director and designer of The Rotaractor Magazine in the previous year. This is one of those things I go Emmanuel George Otieno (E.G.O.) or advice, and E.G.O. (now District Rotaract Representative 2021/2022 as I write this piece) has a ‘twisted’, intriguing way of offering advice...How do I put it? I think a freaking intellect is a better term. So, he gave me two scenarios: one, what happens when I take up the position and two what happens if I don’t and left me to make the final decision.

Y’all know what happened next.

In July 2020, Wamugunda sent out a call for recruitment to Rotaractors in the District PR Committee. As a team, we started strategizing on how we could increase our online presence while being a steppingstone for Rotaract Clubs in the district (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan) of course in matters PR. It wasn’t as easy as I had thought it would be and I will let you know why just in a few – ensure you pay attention to this next part.

OUR MILESTONES Over the Rotary year, (2020–2021), there are those things we were able to achieve as a team and through your contributions as Rotaract Clubs in the district. Just to name but a few of the notable milestones: 1. We launched two district magazines and, though late, this will be the third issue in collaboration with District 9125 and with the current District 9212 team (Year 2021–2022).

2. On this issue, we commenced ads from Rotaract clubs and from individual businesses. Money raised from the individual business ads which will be utilized in supporting the district projects, or country-based projects such as those in Ethiopia and South Sudan, or as agreed by the district leadership. We, as a team, are hoping this initiative will be adapted by the new PR teams in the years to come.

3. When the year commenced, we began shifting to online/interactive including the magazine where sections that need to be filled have editable text boxes such as crosswords.

4. We carried out various social media marketing campaigns. The campaigns ran for a week or longer. Some notable ones are as below: • Spot it Stop it digital campaign by the Safe Return to Schools Projects District Committee • International Volunteers Week • World Polio Day • Sam Owori District Awards 5. We created a telegram channel to expand our modes of communication. Still a work in progress.

LESSONS FROM BEING DISTRICT 9212 DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR PUBLIC IMAGE AND BRAND AWARENESS 2020–2021 I know most of you are probably asking yourselves a couple of questions. How and why did I handle two Rotaract leadership positions? What was it like serving as deputy District PR Director? What were my most accomplishments as a person? What challenges did I experience in leadership? I got elected as my Rotaract club’s Professional Director weeks after being elected as the deputy district PR Director and being a ‘not so big’ club, I couldn’t say no to the position and it was something that I wanted for a long time and finally had the opportunity to become it, and therefore,

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I figured why not take it up and see how everything goes. On the plus side, I had supportive teams on both positions and effective plans that we kept reviewing. Of course, there were a few challenges here and there. Nothing is ever a bed of roses. Being the deputy D9212 Director 2020/2021, I got to work with many people including Rotaractors, Rotarians, various district committees, and other external partners/sponsors. The important thing is knowing what works for you, what works for your team, and then figuring out how to merge these two and reaching a common ground.

What next after district deputy PR Director leadership? I have always been a tad bit shy hehe... I think I will take some time off to work on that. Well, other than that, I will be a call away to assist the current team where they need support.

TRIBUTE OF SORTS First, Wamugunda. When you first called me to serve in the district PR committee, I was quite unsure whether I would have the energy to provide my full support. I am glad I accepted the position. Most of all, I am grateful for the experience.

Terry. You have always been my right-hand person. When I needed advice, you were always there to offer a lending hand in anything I needed…heck even when I needed to vent. I am a better person because of you and your amazing jovial self. Thank you for supporting Rotaract D9212 PR. Cairo…My go-to designer. Two strangers turned colleagues and most of all friends. Through the district PR committee, I met you in the most unexpected way. Words cannot explain how important you’ve been to my life. I remember at one point in time, I posted my rate card on my WhatsApp status, and you called me to rant in what was probably one of the longest call we have ever had and told me to pull it down and took me through pricing design briefs and negotiating. That to me was one of the kindest, most genuine things a friend has done for me. The fact that you own a creative agency and the creative work you do is something I really admire. Hats off to you Kairu Githire.

Rikkie Tumaini. In all honesty, when you got elected as Rotaract Kenya PR Director, I was excited that I would be working with someone whom I consider a good friend and whom I have known for quite some time. Big up man for all the good work you did on Rotaract Kenya PR. You are the realest MVP! Liyo Bisrat (Immediate Past Rotaract Ethiopia PR Director) and Netsanet Asmelash (Immediate Past Rotaract Ethiopia Country Chair). I acknowledge the good work you have both done in enhancing Rotaract Ethiopia’s public image.

Liyo, I remember the first meeting we set for the district PR a year ago, the whole of Rotaract Ethiopia PR team missed because of the difference in time (where you most frequently use Local Time rather than the 24-Hour system).

I think this was the first step of me being mindful of the diverse cultures and backgrounds brought about by the geographical differences hehe. Thank you for supporting Rotaract District 9212 PR. You made it easy and enjoyable to work with you. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors and hoping to work with you again soon. Also, I am very grateful for teaching me a few Amharic words.

Amesegenalehu! Thank you!

Timothy Ndegwa (for the creative support to District 9212), Davies Ombasa (for managing District 9212 social media account), Mwanamkasi Juma (for the creative support to District 9212), Lauryn Kemunto (for managing District 9212 social media account), Marie Nash (for managing District 9212 social media account), Rtn. Noel Gitonga (for managing District 9212 social media account), Teddie Ambale (for managing District 9212 social media account), and Caleb Rabu (for the

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support as Marketing and Sponsorships Lead when calling for ads for the magazine)… your contribution to the PR committee and your commitment to Rotaract D9212 did not go unnoticed. I appreciate all of you.

Lastly, I want to thank Rotaract District 9125 (Nigeria) for collaborating in this magazine and for the immense support that they have accorded us, led by Rtr. Balogun Kazeem (Immediate Past District 9125 Publicity Director) and most of all their IPDRR Cleo I. Washima.

This chapter in our book is over. It will forever remain one of my favorites. However, we cannot keep rereading it hoping a different ending. All we can do is appreciate the far we got, the people we met and the great lessons we learnt as we share the same with the teams to come.

D9212 PR Committee 2020–2021, you are the real legends of tomorrow.

THE FUTURE As I come to the end of my “long not very long” note (sorry not sorry), Chase (Fredrick Ochari) and team I wish you the very best in your year. I can see the good work you are already doing in training PR directors regularly and the exciting branding on the district and country’s social media platforms. Y’all got this! In the words of one Bill Taylor, “the true mark of a leader is the willingness to stick with a bold course of action — an unconventional business strategy, a unique product-development roadmap, a controversial marketing campaign — even as the rest of the world wonders why you’re not marching in step with the status quo. In other words, real leaders are happy to zig while others zag.

They understand that in an era of hyper-competition and non-stop disruption, the only way to stand out from the crowd is to stand for something special.” We came, we saw, we conquered and now we leave it to our successors to continue the work that we began and the work that our predecessors began.

Thank you! Asante! Amesegenalehu! E Seun! Nagode! Daalu!

With this short note I sign off, Catherine Njeri Mwangi | Rotaract Club of Kitengela Retired – Rotaract RID9212 Deputy PR Director & The Rotaractor Magazine Editor in Chief 2020–2021

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Terry Ngugi – RID9212 PR Committee Member 2020–2022 & Designer | Rotaract Club of Karura Rikkie Tumaini – Rotaract Kenya PR Director 2020–2021 & Photographer of The Rotaractor | Rotaract Club of Muthaiga Caleb Rabu – The Rotaractor Marketing & Sponsorships Lead | Rotaract Club of Naivasha Balogun Kazeem – RID9125 Director for Publicity 2020–2021 | Rotaract Club of Federal School of Surveying, Oyo, Nigeria Fredrick Ochari – RID9212 Director for PR & Communications 2021–2022 & Photographer of The Rotaractor | Rotaract Club of Ongata Rongai 6. Juliet Kurui – RID9212 Interact Chair 2021–2022 | Rotaract Club of UoN Kikuyu Campus

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Crossword If you enjoy crossword puzzles, then you would definitely like ABRECT. Abrect is a word game that is played by at least two players. Players in turn supply letters in aim to form words that have their letters in the trace of a rectangle. To learn few more things on how to play Abrect, kindly see this https://bit.ly/3gngi3R Below is the results of the game played by some players. The game is of at least 4-letters.

How many words can you find, some words have been identified for you: PAST, POLE, ELOPE, PASTE, AGAPE

Here are some of the words observed while playing: Tape, Step,Pets, Steep, Lock, Cape, Peep, Repay,Paste,Past,Post,Repost,ReposE, Tone, Stop, Note, LoPe, Elope, Pole, Cope, Copy, Cone, Bite, Cycle, Spent, Poke, Spoke, Nest,Sell,Well,Weep, Less, Kiss, gate, page, spat, agape, steer, peer, cage,pace, rope, Apex, capex, pore, pose, sore, beer,beep, rose, stone, spot, open, kick, lone, kite,bike, cell, icon, type, token, bend, send, open, seer Let me know what you think, I can be reached on 08162750310 Abrect is also from the same ARBIND which handles lostfinder.com.ng to connect lost items with their rightful owners.

Cheers!

Rtr. Adekola Abdulwahab

Alumni, Rotaract Club of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile–ife Nigeria, 75 RID9125

Welcome Team George (D9212) & Sheriff (D9125) Karibu (Kiswahili) (Ethiopia Amharic) Kaabo! Barka Da Zuwa! Nabata! (Nigeria Yoruba, Hausa & Igbo) Team #ServeToChangeLives

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