The Wave
Editor’s note
In This Issue
Volume 5 Issue 12 June 2017
For this final Wave, you will get most of highlights from the 92nd DCA which took place in Arusha this past May. The DCA was full of amazing moments including the presentation by the Early Act club of St Jude, announcement of the DGDN Sentamu, DGE Sharmila receiving the highest honor in Rotary and most of all the handover of leadership to the incoming DG Kenneth Mugisha. Top most moments of DCA have to be the presence of the Guest of Honor the Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and the address from Her Highness the Queen of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda. Apart from the coverage of the DCA, we also have the last word from PDG Tusu whom I greatly appreciate his contribution each month and we also have some district and club news. Finally, I would like to thank you all for taking the time to read the Wave for the past year and everyone who has contributed to it. Most of all special thanks and gratitude to District Governor Jayesh for the opportunity and my fellow team mates Julie Kamuzze who is taking over the reigns as the incoming Editor, Catherine Njuguna, Eric Emmanuel and Asnath Ndosi for assisting each month ensuring we have something to share with you. Final thanks to Anne Nkutu for showing me the ropes and being the inspiration for this 2016/17 Wave Newsletter. It is our hope you enjoy this last Wave for this year. Farewell Emma 2| The Wave June 2017
Editor’s note
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DG’s corner
2
RI President’s message
3
DCA Highlights
4
EarlyAct spotlight
6
End Polio at DCA
7
RI Notice
8
The Queen at DCA
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DCA Pictorial
10
Tusu’s corner
12
Rotary Dar Marathon
13
Club News
14
“If you have the love of your fellow men in your hearts, my friends, you are a potential Rotarian.” - Paul Harris on the role of friendship in Rotary
DG’s corner
RI President’s message
DG’s Final Wave Message
My Fellow Rotarians, As we come to the end of this Rotary year, let me take this opportunity to thank all Rotarians for giving me this opportunity to serve as your District Governor. We have had a fantastic year whose achievements we highlighted at the 92nd District Conference and Assembly in Arusha in early May. During this year, I have learnt and seen amazing miracles being performed by our Rotarians in serving Humanity. We do all these good things and but then keep quiet about it. We now have to learn to publicize the great work that we do so that we may attract more members to do even greater work in serving Humanity. I believe we have celebrated the Centennial of our Foundation in style as well by both giving as well as utilizing the resources that TRF provides. Rotarians in our district have also responded to our call for securing the future of TRF and, so far, over twenty Rotarians have become new members of the Bequest Society. As we now head to Atlanta to celebrate the Centennial and to proclaim one of our own as a President Nominee of Rotary International, we can go there knowing that we are one of the stronger Rotary districts in the world and we will keep on getting stronger. Once again it has been an honour to serve as your District Governor this year.
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desire reflected in each of us who to give a helping hand to those rowing up in who need it. Whether it means have chosen to be part of this Chattanooga, Tenn., great organization. It is natural for building a blood bank in Uganda, my brothers and I delivering an X-ray machine to a parents to want to make things learned young to work village in Guatemala, or taking better for their children. Through hard. It was a lesson taught to Rotary, we can do so much more: care of refugees in Lebanon, us by our father, who had come Rotarians are doing what is We can make things better, not to the United States, alone, as needed most for the people only for our own children, but a teenager. He wanted our lives who are most in need. They’re for all children. We have the to be better and easier than working hard for the his had been; he Whether it means building a blood bank in Uganda, communities they wanted to give us delivering an X-ray machine to a village in Guatemala, or care about, helping the education and taking care of refugees in Lebanon, Rotarians are doing the people of those opportunities that what is needed most for the people who are most in need. communities lead he had missed. We better lives. always knew, when he came home at To me, that is the essence of 8 o’clock in the morning after opportunity to care for and lift Rotary: that desire to be of working a night shift at the paper up those who need us the most assistance, that willingness to mill, that he was doing it for us. – whether they are in our own work for the good of others. In community or on the other side of Rotary, when someone needs Looking back, through the the world. help and you can give that help, prism of many years, I see in my father’s hard work not only an expression of his love for us, but the universal desire of each generation to care for and lift up the next. And looking back at this year of service in Rotary, I see that
As Judy and I have traveled the world for Rotary over the last two years, we’ve been reminded, again and again, of what motivates us in Rotary: the simple desire to be of assistance,
you don’t walk away. You don’t turn your back. You say, I’m here for you. I’ll do whatever I can. And I know that whatever I do, I’m not doing it alone – I’m doing it with Rotary Serving Humanity.
DGE Sharmila receives the highest honor in Rotary District Governor Elect Sharmila Bhatt was recognized for her work in Rotary at the recently concluded DCA which took place in Arusha and was presented with one of the highest awards in Rotary the ‘Service above Self Award.’
Tanzania Prime Minister to join Rotary One of the highlights of the 92nd DCA was the opening address by the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Hon Kassim Majaliwa, in which he declared to join Rotary after discovering all the good works being done by Rotarians to transform our communities. Prime Minister Majaliwa was the Guest of Honor at the event’s opening ceremony. While making the opening remarks he said the Tanzania government recognized and appreciated the support and contribution of Rotary to improving the lives of Tanzanians. The Rotary clubs he said had dedicated their time and resources to serve the needy in the community. “As Rotary, you have supported to improve our education sector, improve water and sanitation facilities and other important sectors for the community. It was therefore important for me to come and join you in this important gathering. I urge you to continue supporting the government of Tanzania as you have done and especially support in the fight against malaria,” he said. He said he was happy together with his wife to join Rotary and take part in all the to provide community service and do good in the world. PM Majaliwa will be the highest ranking government official to ever join Rotary in Tanzania. 4| The Wave June 2017
Commenting on the award Sharmila said “Being told you are appreciated is one of the simplest and most uplifting things you can hear. Thank you to my determined team of Rotarians.” As Rotary’s highest honor for individual Rotarians, this award recognizes up to 150 Rotarians annually who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, in any form and at any level, with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary.
Early actors steal the show at DCA92 The standing ovation from Rotarians for the two young ladies from the Early Act club of St Jude’s said it all. They were Noreen Wenseslaus and Miriam Miraji, the incoming and current presidents of their club who shared their experiences in their club during the session on Youth – Our future. The Early Act club of St Jude’s school in Arusha is the first in East Africa. Early Act clubs were introduced recently into the rotary family for young people alongside Interact and Rotaract. The clubs target young boys and girls aged 6 – 13 years. 6| The Wave June 2017
Nora and Miriam shared their overall gratitude for Rotary, which was enabling them to get a good education. Rotary is a major partner of St Jude’s which provides free quality education to bright but needy children in Arusha and its environs. They are both recipients of the free education. And they shared their journey and experiences at the school.
year.
They were therefore glad when the Early Act club was initiated in the school sponsored by the Rotary club of USA River alongside an interact club. They were both chartered early this
They were accompanied by their mentor Sebastian Cox , a teacher at St Jude’s. And when they were done all Rotarians were on their feet applauding their confidence and good oratory skills.
The club has initiated a project to recycling of paper by making art out of waste paper. They said their involvement in the club had given them a lot of exposure allowing them to also grow as leaders of tomorrow. They ended their talk by getting all the Rotarians in the room to promise to sponsor Early Act clubs and send them photos as evidence
End Polio Walk at DCA92 Facts about Polo:
By Rotaractor Sebastian Cox
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n a cold Saturday morning many Rotarians at the 92nd DCA turned Arusha into a ‘sea of red’ to raise funds and awareness for Polioplus. The walk was led by District Governor Jayesh Asher and Zone Coordinator Geeta Manik with support from the Interactors from The School of St Jude. In the days leading up to the walk at the DCA, Rotaractors and Rotarians sold red ‘End Polio Now’ caps to Rotarians with all the funds raised going directly to Polioplus. In addition to the caps all delegates received complementary ‘End Polio Now’ t-shirts in their conference. On the morning of the walk, Rotarians wore their caps and t-shirts and completed the 1.1km walk around some of Arusha’s most famous landmarks. The walk was a success with Rotarians raising over $2000 for Polioplus. We would like to thank the Rotaract of the University of Canberra from District 9710 in Australia who sponsored the production of the t-shirt and caps.
• Poliomyelitis (polio) is a paralyzing and potentially fatal disease that still threatens children in some parts of the world. • The poliovirus invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. • It can strike at any age but mainly affects children under five. • Polio is incurable, but completely vaccinepreventable. • In 1985, Rotary launched its PolioPlus program, the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication through the mass vaccination of children. • Today, there are only three countries that have never stopped transmission of the wild poliovirus: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. • Less than 75 polio cases were confirmed worldwide in 2015, which is a reduction of more than 99.9 percent since the 1980s, when
Notice
The Queen inspires Rotarians and Rotaractors alike
Dear current District Governors and incoming District Governors (Zone 20A) The 2017 Institute for Zone 20A as well as training for District Governors Elect, District Governor Nominee and District Membership Chairs will be held in Johannesburg from 11 – 16 September 2017. The training sessions will take place from Monday 11 September to Wednesday 13 September and the Institute from 14 September to 16 September. A provisional programme can be found on the website. Registration for both Training and the Institute is now open at http:// www.rotaryinstitute2017-joburgrsa.org.za/ . On behalf of the HOC I would appreciate it if you could spread the word throughout your district and encourage Rotarians to attend this important gathering which will include the RI President Ian Risely as well as other dignitaries. The theme for the Institute is “World Peace through Understanding” Promotional material that can be used to promote the Institute can be found on the website. A French version of the website is being prepared and should be available within the next month. PDG Tom McGhee (D9370) (on behalf of the organising committee)
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2nd DCA had amazing moments and one of them was the presence and address by the Queen of Baganda, Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda to Rotarians and Rotaractors present. The Queen reminded Rotarians that Youth is a very critical stage in life. It’s the most energetic, creative and productive stage. Society has a responsibility to give youth a conducive environment. To ignore the youth would be irresponsible. Youth are the change makers. They need to be empowered to make change for the better. Create jobs, training, mentoring for them. And
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Rotary must continue equipping youth to be effective leaders through the Youth Service because Africa needs leaders who live by ethical standards. “True leadership is grounded in “Obuntu bulamu” Or “Obuntu”! Thus transparency, honestly, integrity,..values that Rotary espouses. Ekisot dnaakaate kya Nabagereka is a mentorship Programme for youths in the concept of Obuntu Bulamu. The values and skills imparted by ekisaakaate are relevant to all youth of diverse backgrounds. We should put in effort and replicate this to all youths wherever they
are,” she added. And to the youth she advised “It’s 70% up to you to choose to become a better person. Character is the key to success. Character determines the choices you make. Your choices deter-mine Your reputation. Your reputation opens or closes doors for you.. Make good use of your youth before the cock crows on you. When it does you won’t be able to turn the clock back. Rotary is providing immense opportunity to skill the youth. To whom much is given, Much is expected both by society and God,” she concluded.
The 92nd DCA - Arusha In Photos 1
Welcome to Arusha Cocktail Night + Arabian Night
1. Conference 2. Assembly 3. Closing Session
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3 Masai Night
DG Ken’s Installation
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Tusu’s corner
Tradition, the Murderer of Innovation
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have been honoured by PDG Bob and now DG Jayesh to lead the Membership Development and Rotary Extension crusade in our District for the last and the current Rotary years. I will now hand over to my friend and colleague in the struggle, Joseph Kasozi, who I believe will take our effort to greater heights. No, we have not worked alone: we have worked with a wonderful Team of District Governor’s Special Representatives who truly do all the heavy lifting. Have we succeeded? Depends on how you measure success: if it is bringing 30 or so new clubs on board with a net growth in membership of 700 over two years (average growth 11% per year), we have succeeded. If it is following the old tradition of starting new clubs, we have failed. If it is achieving a new club survival rate of 100%, with most new clubs growing rather than decreasing in membership, we have succeeded. If it is following all the written guidelines – things like District Governor’s Special Representative for starting a new club should be a Past President (though most were), we have failed. We went for results, not process; for innovation, not tradition, for passion, not experience. You see, Tradition murders Innovation. It is amazing how often Rotarians ask the question: why have we remained at only 1.2million members over the last 25 years?
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Duh? As they say, only a mad man keeps on doing something the same way and expects different results. In the case of Rotary, how it is done the same way has been carefully documented in our procedures that, to many of us, have become like a religious text to be accepted without question and defended against blasphemers. We are stuck in rituals and norms even as Rotary dies around us. Joseph and I decided we were not mad. Bob and Jayesh decided they were not mad. The DGSRs (well, the
overwhelming majority) decided they were not mad. We did things different. We defied tradition. We have faced opposition, so much so that we have often expended more energy debating with and pushing against existing clubs and other Rotarians than on starting new clubs. Growth of membership is in new clubs, not old clubs. This is the story of the population growth all over the world: the young men and women go off and start new homes
Rotary and CCBRT in partnership for a new clinic
and grow new families. Picture this, a situation where a new home must be started by someone who has experience in being married. Or the growth of a population is based on those who have been married for a long time producing more and more children in their families (and I do accept that there are quite a few Barokas out there going for the Lakunles). OK, maybe I exaggerate, but I hope the point is made. In all this, incidentally, is a life lesson I have shared before but must reiterate. In their young days, individuals, organisations, grow through innovation. When they achieve success, they codify what made them succeed and convert it to personal or organizational tradition, forgetting that innovation is about keeping ahead of a changing environment and changing opportunities so that one is always ready to seize the advantage. Tradition on the other hand assumes that the environment and opportunities remain invariant, permitting the same age old approaches to create success. What an illusion, or if I may, madness! Let us wake up friends and review our entire Rotary. Throw out Traditions that are Murdering Innovation. Adopt to the changing times and opportunities – in your personal, business, community, and Rotary life. This is the only path to success. Rtn Tusu
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7th May 2017, Dar es Salaam: Rotary Tanzania has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation (CCBRT) where by Rotary is pledging funds to support the construction of CCBRT’s new clinic to provide appointment based, private eye, orthopeadic and ear, nose and throat (ENT), physiotherapy as well as imaging services. Through Rotary Dar Marathon in Partnership with Bank M will support CCBRT by contributing funds amounting to USD 1.5M over a period of 2017-2019. The grant is in in support of CCBRT’s social enterprise project, which aims to expand revenues to be able to support subsidised care in the Disability Hospital. Funds will be used to complete construction of the Clinic, which will open in February 2018, and support the equipping and outfitting of the
facility. Speaking on this new initiative of Rotarians providing communities with quality heath care facilities, Rotary Dar Marathon Board Chair Sharmila Bhatt said “We are very pleased to support an institution like CCBRT providing high quality care to patients and especially in the area of disability. Part of this investment will be raised locally through Rotary Dar Marathon in partnership with Bank M while other funds will be obtained through our Rotary Foundation.” Erwin Telemans, CCBRT’s CEO, commented on the new partnership with enthusiasm. “We’re lucky to have Rotary as a partner in this exciting endeavour,” he said. “We hope more partners will see the opportunity in supporting CCBRT’s growth as a social enterprise.” Rotary always aspires to serve the community by investing in
areas where the most good can be achieved and through this project CCBRT will be able to continue offering affordable disability care to more people who cannot afford to pay for services from profits attained through the new private clinic. The Rotary Dar Marathon Chairperson 2017 Catherinerose Barretto said “On behalf of the presidents of the seven clubs of Rotary in Dar es Salaam which are the organizers of the Rotary Dar Marathon each year, I would like to take this opportunity to share our excitement on this project and we hope all our other supporters individuals and companies alike will continue to support the marathon so that we can achieve this very ambitious and significant goal.” Rotary Dar Marathon which enters its 9th year this year will take place on the 14th of October – Nyerere day and it includes a 5km and 9km walk, 21km half marathon and introducing a 42km cycling race.
Club News
Gift of mobility
The Wave
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Rtn. Pesha addressing rotarians and beneficiaries of the wheel chair
he Rotary Club-of Dar es salaam- Mikocheni received and donated 27 wheel chairs to needy community members in Dar es Salaam. The wheel chairs were among 100 wheel chairs donated by the Rotary club of Moshi to Rotary Clubs in Uganda and Tanzania to distribute to needy members in their community. This was part of marking the Rotary Foundation’s 100th anniversary. Rotarian Cyril Pesha, past president from the Rotary club of Dar es Salaam-Mzizima was the invited guest of honor as a senior Rotarian. He urged the parents with children living with disabilities to continue caring for them because disability was not inability. He assured them among the children were tomorrow’s president, doctors and pilots among others. However, they can only achieve their full potential if they are well cared for. Jane Pesha, the president of the Rotary Mikocheni Club shared briefly on Rotary Clubs which she said brought together volunteers who want to use their time and
resource to transform the world and make it a better place for everyone. “The Rotary Foundation is our Foundation which we Rotarians from all over the world contribute money to. In return it allows us to do our community service. This year, the Foundation is 100 years and during this time, it has disbursed USD 3 billion to lifechanging, sustainable projects. Rotary clubs all over the world are marking this important milestone,” Rotarian Jane said. She also thanked the Rotary Club of Moshi, which has collaborated with Rotary Clubs of Ireland and Great Britain to organize for the wheel chairs. The club had sent word round and had received over 50 needy cases for wheel chair but had received 27 wheel chairs. Majority of the recipients were children and young men and women. The Mikocheni club on its part, earlier in this year, planted 100 trees in various parts of the city to mark this important milestone.
The Wave is the official newsletter of the District Governor of Rotary District 9211, Tanzania & Uganda.
Editorial Team Tanzania Rtn. Emma Mbaga - Editor President Jane pesha
Rtn. Catherine Njuguna - Assistant Editor Rtn. Asnath Ndosi - Contributor Rtr. Eric Emmanuel - Designer
Uganda Rtn. Julie Kamuzze-Musoke - Assistant Editor Rtn. Patricia Karugaba Kyazze - Contributor Some of the beneficiaries who received wheel chairs enjoying their new found ease of moving their children
Contact:- dg9211news@gmail.com