We have increasing demands on our services. As our membership increases new members have suggestions for new projects and as government funding dries up there are increasing requests from existing projects quite apart from the ever increasing cost of living.
We are very fortunate in our existing support base both here and overseas but we have no idea how long we will have that backup. The object of this meeting is to discuss the way forward. The board needs guidance from membership as to their involvement and their ideas.
This extends beyond fundraising to what is required socially as well. Online meetings have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Are we doing enough to meet each other face to face?
Last Week
Ron Smith gave us a very interesting talk on his visit to Greenland on business and specifically about the museum at the former wartime US Airforce base. He actually landed on the runway that was built by the Americans.
The museum was quite a surprise because of the large number of exhibits, from cartoons to weaponry. It was well displayed and well maintained though I did wonder how many visitors there were per annum.
Many thanks, Ron, for such an interesting and well illustrated talk.
Next Week
A change of plan.
Douglas Grossett will be demonstrating and talking about the art of making jewelry.
This is one of the eternity rings he has made.
He told me that he can plug a microscope into the computer and show us many interesting details.
International - Kenya
In the remote villages of Ndandini and Kyaithani in eastern Kenya, families live on less than $1 per day, and their homes are not connected to any electrical grid. Most cannot afford kerosene or paraffin to light their homes, which means students cannot see to do their homework in the evenings. The Rotary clubs of Sunshine Coast-Sechelt, British Columbia, and Machakos, Kenya, learned about the problem while working in the area on other projects.
About 1,500 students attending local schools were each provided a solar light under a rent-to-own programme; students pay $1 per month, less than the cost of paraffin, for eight months, after which they own the light. The proceeds are used to provide another student with a solar light the following year. Project partner Kenya Connect, noting that the time students spend reading has tripled with the introduction of the solar lights, described the programme as “a game changer in our efforts to improve the quality of education for rural schools.” The project also included the construction of computer labs at two schools and a solar system to provide enough power for the entire setup. More than 200 teachers received training on digital learning and ways to better make use of computers in their teaching.
Mike Ratcliffe of Vilafonte Wines is just back from holiday and is struggling to catch up with work.
Ron Smith has stepped into the breach with what promises to be a fascinating talk on the US Military's use of Greenland as an unsinkable aircraft carrier during World War II to prevent Nazi Germany invading. In much the same way Britain invaded and occupied Iceland for the duration of the War.
As you can see it's doubtful that it was was a sought after posting!
Ron told me how interesting the museum there is and his talk will prove that he really did go there rather than swanning about in the Seychelles.
Last Week
Saturday saw the induction of Andrew Paschalides as our President for 2024/2025. It was a very enjoyable lunch at the Fourways Gardens Club and the food was excellent. President Andrew announced his Board for the year and it's updated on Knight & Day. Everyone, including Past President Ron Smith, kept their speeches and reports short and to the point. Congratulations to all involved in the organisation of the event.
Many thanks to Jim Rankin for his photograph of Past President Ron handing over the Club Jewel to President Andrew; his photography is far superior to mine.
Last Wednesday was a Business Meeting and in many ways a roundup of the Rotary Year. Fundraising is very much a priority as we are taking on more responsibilities and that will be the main discussion at the Project Meeting last week. It was also decided to rather have the breakfast/brunch on Saturday 3rd August rather than an evening social event on the 5th Wednesday of the month.
Next Week
Fund Raising Discussion Meeting
International - Australia: Project Red Socks
Red Socks is a project of the Rotary Club of Townsville Sunrise, Qld, initiated in 2014 following the passing of longtime member Denis Denmead from prostate cancer.
Dennis was born in England and was a devout supporter of the Arsenal Football Club. As a result, he only wore red socks – Arsenal’s primary colour.
Project Red Socks aims to promote prostate cancer awareness and encourage men over 50 years old to visit their doctor for a full prostate check. They are then presented with a pair of red socks.
The project helps promote the message of a leading Townsville urologist/prostate specialist that ‘untested men are a dying breed’.
Recently, the Hervey Range Rural Fire Brigade partnered with the Rotary Club of Townsville Sunrise to deliver 120 Red Socks packs to local households, including rural properties in the community.
Each household received a pair of Rotary Red Socks, a message on what Rotary is about, and information on the need for men aged over 50, or those with a family history, to consult with their doctor about prostate cancer.
Statistics show a 20 per cent increase in prostate cancer death rates in rural areas compared with metropolitan areas.
There are also significant mental health concerns for some males diagnosed with this disease.
Like other rural communities where the project has been successfully introduced, the Hervey Range project will encourage men in the area to become more aware of this disease and take early preventative testing action to ensure they don’t become part of the 20 per cent statistic. Early detection is essential for effective treatment of the disease.
In the 10 years Project Red Socks has been running, 10,000 pairs of socks with the Rotary warning message have been delivered throughout Australia and overseas.
Community targeted rural awareness projects are an easy project for Rotary clubs to undertake, at the same time promoting Rotary and saving lives.
There's not much you can say about a Business Meeting in advance as you will all get the agenda anyway.
Last Week
Professor Steven Friedman spoke to us on the GNU and pointed out that it's really a coalition between the ANC and the DA but is called a Government of National Unity for political reasons. This was before the cabinet was announced. It was, as always, a very interesting talk and it's worthwhile having him as a guest from time to time.
Next Week
It's a bit of a conundrum as Mike Ratcliffe is currently on holiday and I haven't received a confirmation so I have invited a replacement and I am waiting to hear from them. I will update the speaker on the side panel as soon as possible. Don't worry, it won't be me.
International - Refugee Needs
This World Refugee Day, 20 June, let’s celebrate the resilience of displaced communities. As a Rotary partner in disaster response, we are constantly adapting the support we offer to meet a community’s needs and uphold industry best practices. Our practical and flexible approach to shelter allows us to provide the right support for people after they experience traumatic events.
Dome tents
From our first response to the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat, India, we became known for our domed tents. As we responded in different climates, we adapted our tent design, adding extra ventilation, further rain protection, and a silver lining for heat retention and reflection.
UN Family Tent Families use the UN Family Tent in Northern Syria, where people have been displaced for many years.
We learned from the people we supported and from other organisations in the sector that sometimes a standard approach across organisations can help avoid unnecessary conflict between communities. For example, in Syria in 2013, ShelterBox worked alongside governments and other charities to provide a standard disaster shelter, the UN Family Tent. These tents are large and better suited to some of the communities that were displaced for more than a year.
Shelter kits
A tent is not always the right shelter solution. When there has been a flood or homes are destroyed in war or extreme weather, there isn’t always space for a tent or solid ground on which to place them. In situations where homes are minimally to moderately damaged, homes may still need repairs before they are safe.
ShelterBox also provides shelter kits with practical items to repair homes or to create shelter where tents are not possible. In 2014, we began providing shelter kits in Paraguay and northern Syria because our responses in urban areas needed more flexible shelter. We provided practical kits, including two heavy-duty tarpaulins, a spade, a hammer, a saw, nails, and wire, which recipients could use to create shelter that best fit their space.
We provided shelter kits for families to repair roofs and walls after Typhoon Rai fell in the Philippines in early 2022.
Other materials and solutions
In Burkina Faso, we support people displaced by conflict. We have been adapting shelter structures to suit cultural customs and extreme climate situations, providing the Sahelian Tent. The design uses tarpaulins stretched over a locally sourced wooden frame and has large openings to allow good airflow – much like the tents that nomads of the Sahel live in.
The Sahelian Tent supporting displaced people fleeing violence in Burkina Faso.
In Nigeria, ShelterBox partnered with ACTED, an organization that worked with carpenters to build Bama Shelters that were more suited to local construction practises, to support communities displaced by violence. People expected to remain in transitional shelter for longer than a year in limited space and with a large flux in the number of people living there. Using heavy-duty tarpaulins wrapped around a timber frame, the Bama Shelters create homes for up to five people and have windows and an internal partition to provide privacy or to allow smaller families to live together.
Philomena lives with her family in a Bama Shelter in a displacement camp in Nigeria after violent attacks forced them to flee.
Steven Friedman is director of the Centre for the
Study of Democracy at the University of Johannesburg. His current research focuses on democratic theory, and over
the past decade, he has largely written on the relationship between
democracy, social inequality and economic growth. In particular, he has
stressed the role of citizen voice in strengthening democracy and
promoting equality and has also analysed biases in South Africa’s
democratisation which has obstructed democratic participation by the
poor. Dr. Friedman has also researched and written widely on the South
African transition to democracy, both before and after the elections of
1994. During the 1980s, he produced a series of studies of reform
apartheid and its implications for a democratic future.
Dr. Friedman recently published Race, Class and Power: Harold Wolpe and the Radical Critique of Apartheid,
a study of radical social thought in the fight against apartheid and
its implications for contemporary South Africa. He is currently working
on a study which assigns primacy to the role of collective action in
creating and sustaining democratic systems of government and a project
which is examining the way in which commonly used phrases and terms in
the South African policy debate unwittingly reinforce attitudes which
are hostile to democracy. His most recent published articles include
“The Ambiguous Legacy of Liberalism: Less a Theory of Society, More a
State of Mind?” in Intellectual Traditions in South Africa: Ideas, Individuals and Institutions, edited by Peter Vale, Lawrence Hamilton and Estelle H. Prinsloo;
“What We Know Can’t Hurt Them: Origins, Sources of Sustenance, and
Survival Prospects of Budget Transparency in South Africa” in Open Budgets: The Political Economy of Transparency, Participation and Accountability edited
by Sanjeev Khagram, Archon Fung and Paolo de Renzio; “From Classroom to
Class Struggle: Radical Academics and the Rebirth of Trade Unionism in
the 1970s” published in Journal of Asian and African Studies and “South Africa: Electoral Dominance, Identity Politics and Democracy’ in Party Systems and Democracy in Africa edited by Renske Doorenspleet and Lia Nijzink. He has authored columns for various newspapers including the Weekly Mail, Business Day, and Mail and Guardian.
He received his BA (Hons) in Political Science at the University of the Witwatersrand, and a D. Litt from Rhodes University.
Next Week
It's a Business Meeting. The first one of thenew Rotary Year when the new board and the old one meet together despite there obviously being an overlap.
Last Week
It was a Project Meeting with the emphasis on sorting out the solar installation at Bethany.
International - IT Professionals Forum Rotary Fellowship
TheIT Professionals Forum Rotary Fellowshipis a new community aimed at harnessing theexpertiseof tech-savvy members to foster significant societal change through innovation and technology. This new fellowshiprepresentsa bold step forward in integrating advanced technology solutions within the Rotary community to enhance global service initiatives.
Mission and Vision
The IT Professionals Rotary Fellowship is founded on the principle of leveraging technology to improve lives—a vision that aligns seamlessly with Rotary’s enduring commitment to Service Above Self. By blending the technical expertise of its members with the philanthropicobjectivesof Rotary, the fellowship aims to address complex challenges across diverse communities worldwide.
Empowering Technological Transformation
The fellowship stands at the intersection of technology and community service, uniquely positioned to drive transformative projects. From developing digital literacy programs and implementing sustainable technology infrastructures in underserved areas to creating innovative solutions for health and education, the possibilities are limitless.
“The potential of technology to solve complex problems and improve the quality of life is enormous. Through this fellowship, we bring together the brightest minds in IT to multiply the impact of their skills by applying them to meaningful projects,” explained the Fellowship Chair, Rotarian Rakesh Babuji.
Opportunities for Members
Membership in the IT Professionals Rotary Fellowship opens a plethora of opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as the chance to make a substantial impact in:
1.Professional Development: Members will have access to a wealth of resources, includingcutting-edgeworkshops, webinars, and conferences that discuss emerging technologies and their applications. This continuous learning environment not only keeps members updated on the latest technological trends but also equips them with new tools to tackle projects effectively.
2.Networking: The fellowshipfacilitatesa global network where professionals can connect, collaborate, and share insights with peers who share a common vision of service through technology. These connections can lead to innovative projects and solutions tailored to community needs.
3.Project Leadership and Participation: Members can lead orparticipatein projects that align with theirexpertiseand interests. Whether it’s deploying a new database system for a nonprofit, designing educational software for schools in remote areas, or developing a mobile health application, each project provides tangible benefits to communities and invaluable experience to the members involved.
4.Recognition and Growth: As members contribute to various projects and initiatives, they gain recognition within the Rotary community and their professional fields, enhancing their personal growth and professional stature.
There seem to be a number of new projects up for discussion including Rest A While where Andrew Paschalides took me to have a look at the kitchen. There are problems at Bethany with the solar installation and Christmas in July at Gerald Fitzpatrick Home amongst others.
There will be a report on the Emzini Meeting.
Another problem we have to face is the extra money that will be required for any new projects.
Next Week - Professor Steven Friedman
He will be talking about the progress withe the Government of National Unity (GNU) and what is likely to happen in the future. By the time he speaks to us the new cabinet will have been finalised and sworn in. It promises to be a very interesting meeting.
Last Week
Dave Holmes talked about his epic tour of South Africa on his Matchless motorcycle. Unfortunately I was unable to attend but I gather it was a fascinating talk and he was a most entertaining speaker.
A couple of members have said that they would have liked to hear more and chat to him. As a result I have asked him if he would be prepared to attend our next social breakfast/brunch and he would be delighted to come.
Dave Holmes will be talking about his 4 200km round South Africa on his vintage Matchless Motorcycle. We'll hear about his trials and tribulations and his triumphs. A remarkable achievement. Matchless is one of the oldest marques of British motorcycles, manufactured in Plumstead, London, between 1899 and 1966. A wide range of models were produced under the Matchless name, ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke twins. Matchless had a long history of racing success; a Matchless ridden by Charlie Collier won the first single-cylinder race in the first Isle of Man TT in 1907.
Golf Day
Last Wednesday saw our Rotary Club Golf Day come to fruition. It's too early to know of our financial benefit but it was good to meet those who supported us because they were so enthusiastic about the day despite the freezing cold weather.
Congratulations, Bill Brunjes, on your organisation of the event. Here is his team of assistants from which he is conspicuously absent! I don't know how he manages to have so many prizes for participants.
The Saturday Brunch at Emzini in Westdene
This really exceeded expectations as we had three interesting talks on how to create community and a video of how this was achieved where Westdene Dam and Park is concerned.
Mark Napier talked about the Dam specifically and the involvement of the Soweto Canoe Club.
Richard Griffin gave us a broader talk on the involvement of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg North Central on community involvement and ways of assisting people with employment and many other things.
Debbie Cockrell came in later as she had been running a workshop really just to meet us.
I must especially thank Richard for providing a wonderful brunch at an affordable price.
This is the first meeting and I am sure we all look forward to future cooperation between the two clubs.
Next Week
It's a Project Meeting. The wheelchairs have arrived. Preparations for Christmas in July for Gerald Fitzpatrick Home and also on the Emzini Meeting...but I am sure that will not be all.
International - England
Rotary clubs in District 1200 hold a full menu of skills tests in disciplines including writing, speaking, music, technology, and more, but the Young Chef event is among the most popular. At a district-level qualifier directed by connoisseurs of the Rotary Club of Burnham-on-Sea in February, seven high school students whipped up three-course menus in two hours. The victorious victuals included venison steaks accompanied by fondant sweet potato, pea puree with juniper berry red wine sauce, and strawberry mille-feuille, a puff pastry dessert. The winning chef and a runner-up advanced to the regional final in Cardiff, Wales, in March. “We find it a rewarding competition for us as well as the contestants,” says Jane Gibbs, a Burnham-on-Sea club member who has organized Young Chef assemblies for more than a dozen years.
Rotary Club of Knights Pendragon Golf Day at The Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club, 1Fairway Ave, Linksfield North, Johannesburg, 2192
Everyone is welcome to attend the Golf Day just to see what's happening during the day or to attend the prize giving and dinner in the evening or just to have a drink.
It's important that we socialise with the players who are supporting our golf day and just being there shows that we appreciate their support.
Social Breakfast/Brunch at Emzini, Westdene. Saturday 8th June @ 09:30
This is more than a social breakfast because of the interest shown by the club in the Rotary Club of Johannesburg N Central's Projects at the Westdene Dam. The owner of the restaurant, Richard Griffin, is also Secretary of the Rotary Club and he is organising some members from his club to meet us.
It promises to be a very interesting morning....and the food is good.
I have sent out a request for numbers attending on the Club WhatsApp Group. If you are not in that group and would like to attend just email me peter@pjsfood.co.za
Last Week - Business Meeting
Discussion revolved around a couple of future regular happenings such as Christmas in July at Gerald Fitzpatrick Home as well as other minor things such as the provision of hearing aids for one of the residents. There were considerable discussions on the proposed expansion of vegetable growing projects in townships that we are involved with and if they were sustainable long term.
As we are now in the last month of the Rotary Year the transition to a new President and Board was very much in mind.
Next Week - Dave Holmes
Dave Holmes will be talking about his 4 200km tour of South Africa on his vintage Matchless motorcycle. He is older than many of us. The motorcycle's name is Murgatroyd.
International - Philippines
The Rotary Club of Iloilo South’s remarkable achievements during the Rotary year 2023-2024 and impactful projects, particularly the “Lakat Liwat” (Walk Again) initiative in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Coimbatore India and the “Bagong Kamay” (New Arms) project with the support of L4N and ambassadors Engr. Reynaldo Cabato and Mrs. Grace Cabato, showcase the club’s commitment to making a significant difference in the lives of others.
The “Lakat Liwat” project is centered around mobility and rehabilitation, providing assistance to those who face challenges with walking. Such initiatives by Pp Evacis Jaena during the Rotary international convention in Australia was not only change lives but also contribute to enhancing the quality of life for individuals in need. Similarly, the “Bagong Kamay” project suggests a focus on providing new arms prosthetics, to those who have lost limbs. This type of project is life changing, offering individuals newfound independence and opportunities.
As of today, we are pleased to announce that the “Lakat Liwat” project has benefited 240 limb prosthetics recipients, while the “Bagong Kamay” project has supported 150 arm prosthetics recipients. These numbers reflect the tangible and positive difference our club has made in the lives of those in need.
A special acknowledgment goes to incoming PE Jaypee Patriarca and PP Nieva Patriarca, who have been at the forefront of these initiatives. Their tireless efforts in preparing, have undoubtedly been instrumental in the success of the prosthetics projects. Their commitment and leadership have set a positive example for the Rotary Club of Iloilo South members and have contributed to the unwavering support received from the club’s President and its members. Projects of this nature not only transform the lives of the direct beneficiaries but also create a lasting impact on the community by promoting inclusivity and offering individuals a chance to lead fulfilling lives. The impact of the “Lakat Liwat” and “Bagong Kamay” projects extends far beyond the provision of free prosthetics. The stories of recipients engaging in livelihood activities such as driving tricycles and offering cellphone repairs illustrate the transformative power of these initiatives. These projects have not only restored physical mobility but have also empowered individuals to pursue meaningful and productive lives.
By uplifting the morale of the beneficiaries, our Rotary Club has contributed to creating a sense of purpose and self-worth among those who have received prosthetics. This is a testament to the holistic nature of Rotary projects, which not only address immediate physical needs but also strive to enhance overall well-being and quality of life.
The success stories emerging from these projects are worth sharing as they inspire others and highlight the positive ripple effects of Rotary’s commitment to service. These individuals are not just recipients of prosthetics; they are active participants in their communities, contributing to economic activities and demonstrating resilience and determination. It’s through projects like these that Rotary Club of Iloilo South continues to make a lasting impact on communities, fostering empowerment and inclusivity. Their stories could serve as powerful narratives to further emphasize the significance of these initiatives.
The Rotary Club of Iloilo South with its humanitarian endeavors strive to continue to sustain the “Lakat Liwat” and “Bagong Kamay” projects to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need not only now but in the years to come.
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