Rotarians the world over, have made significant contributions to improve the lives of the less advantaged people. In addition, Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. Rotary promotes peace through training adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict and help refugees who have fled dangerous areas. Rotary also sensitizes communities to fight diseases through access to low cost and free health care in developing countries.
Rotary clubs in District 9211 participated in the World Malaria Day on 25th April 2021 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, a day after the closure of the 96th DCA. Polio eradication has been our signature project for a long time.
Most clubs have partnered with international Rotary Clubs to access matching grants projects that fight disease, like providing safe water, sanitation and hygiene, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies. The uptake of Rotary grants has been low with the exception of a few clubs. I salute Rotary Club of Mbarara for leading the way in this endeavor. Let us emulate them.
Attending District Conferences and conventions are avenues of networking and sourcing various project funding. Of late, protecting the environment has gained prominence which should be embraced by all clubs in our region. We can plant trees and go beyond. Sensitizing communities and schools in conserving the environment by promoting clean energy technologies (Solar energy) and efficient cooking stoves can reduce pressure on forests and other biomass. For instance participating in the saving and protecting the river Rwizi can have huge impact in greater Mbarara and neighbouring districts.
It is imperative that we Rotarians in the respective clubs make our existence relevant and visible in the communities we operate from. We should focus on what people talk about us and not what we think we are.
Rotary and Rotaract Clubs have no doubt been affected by the dreaded COVID – 19. We have lost colleagues and beloved ones. It has also affected the physical attendance of fellowships. As it has been said, since we have survived COVID -19 so far we can overcome other obstacles ahead of us. The resilience we have exhibited should be used as launch pad for better performance of our clubs. Challenges bring opportunities. Little wonder that our theme is “Rotary Opens Opportunities”
This calls for innovation and adaptability. Let us use available ICT tools to reach out to our fellow members through webinar (video and audio conferencing) to improve attendance during fellowships and other rotary activities. District 9211 (and later D9213 and D9214) will provide dedicated ICT officers to support clubs to take advantage of the innovations in ICT aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness.
Let us also work closely with Rotaractors in all activities as we are partners in service. They are particularly handy in innovative way ICT since they are computer savvy. Remember Rotaractors are the easiest to recruit in Rotary. In any case we are now at par!
By and by, let all of us be focused on improving the lives of the less advantaged communities by generating projects that are relevant, have impact and make us visible.
