I wish to thank Past President Ian for standing in for me last Monday. Things have been a bit hectic for me at home and work, upon the arrival of our new little daughter. My wife and I thank everyone who has expressed their best wishes upon our new arrival. This week, almost marks the end of my year as your President, with only a month and a half to go until I am obliged to hand over the reins to the new incoming President, Sue Raveane. I trust that you will all come to the Changeover on Saturday 7th July, to hear progress on all of our projects over the last financial year and to welcome Sue to the Presidency.
Last Monday, our meeting was held at 12.45pm once again, in our new venue at the North Shore Baptist Church hall, in the heart of Crows Nest. The new venue appears to be working efficiently with the help of members. Encouraging communication between members and guests, Past President Ian requested every member present to update the meeting with progress in their portfolio and their week, and guests introduced themselves too.
Our special guests included supporters of our presenters ‘School for Life’, which is based in Uganda, which our Club has contributed to for the last few years. Their presentation appealed to all people, to ‘Get Involved’, with the school. This fledgling school which got off the ground in 2008, now has over 600 pupils. It is possible for all, to contribute to the progress of the school, for as little as $52 a month, which provides a child with access to education, clean water, 3 meals a day and healthcare, three essential things which we, in Australia, take for granted. Please consider this, $52 a month. See you next week.
Next Meeting is on Monday the 14th of May 2018 our Speaker will be Lynne Acworth.
Eradicating Obstetric Fistula in Ethiopia
Lynne will talk about the work of Catherine & Reg Hamlin. Catherine was voted Senior Citizen of NSW for 2017.
The title of my talk is The Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation
We believe no woman should suffer the indignity of an obstetric fistula. What is an obstetric fistula?
One of the worst things that can happen to a woman or girl is an obstetric fistula, an internal injury caused by an obstructed labour during childbirth that leaves her incontinent, humiliated and often cut off from her community. An obstetric fistula is a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum. It leaves survivors leaking urine or faeces – and sometimes both – through their vagina.
Australian surgeon Dr Catherine Hamlin is a pioneer in the treatment of obstetric fistulas. She still has the same adventurous spirit that took her to Ethiopia almost 60 years ago.
Her dream is to eradicate obstetric fistula forever, so that every woman can be free from these atrocious internal injuries.
Obstetric fistula can mostly be repaired with a single life-changing surgery that can take no more than an hour. Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia takes a total care approach. One that seeks to repair, mend and heal all the scars – emotional and physical that come with this heartbreaking injury.
Dr Catherine Hamlin’s dream is to eradicate obstetric fistula forever, so that every woman can be free from this debilitating and isolating condition.
Last Monday's Meeting, 7 May 2018, Janepher Nansubuga and Annabelle Chauncy presented the School for Life Foundation, based in Uganda
The Foundation started with; two young, passionate Australian entrepreneurs, Annabelle Chauncy OAM and David Everett OAM founded School For Life in 2008. Annabelle and Dave met whilst working as volunteers in Kenya, where they became convinced that education is the only real way to mobilise a community and create a positive and sustainable future. Determined to build a school in rural Uganda, Annabelle and Dave returned to Australia and raised over $500,000 in partnership with Rotary. In 2011 Katuuso Primary and Vocational School opened and welcomed its first students. The School for Life Foundation is a not-for-profit organization working in rural Uganda, where it empowers communities to help themselves and create their own opportunities. To do that, they build schools to provide communities with a quality education, including primary and secondary schooling, vocational training and other services – such as employment and healthcare solutions. Education has been key to opening up other opportunities in healthcare, agriculture and the environment. We provide health and nutrition services, promote and implement sustainable projects, and we have established tailoring and agricultural programs to promote sustainable economic development in communities where we work. They explained that with your help they can transform developing communities in emerging countries to become educated, productive, sustainable and profitable places – where people can enjoy a healthy, happy and more prosperous future.
Janepher Nansubuga explained that she grew up in rural Uganda and lost her parents at 16, which meant she and her siblings had to move to live with her grandmother in Kampala. Education there was harsh – no meals all day and beatings. Janepher decided she had to change things for her family and began working to pay for private education for herself and a sister and subsequently all her siblings. She eventually worked her way through teacher training and then started work as a teacher. She has been with School for Life since its beginnings and her outstanding approach to education has seen her develop into the role of Director of Schools.
It is easy for members to contribute to the progress of the school, for as little as $52 a month, which provides a child with access to education, clean water, 3 meals a day and healthcare, three essential things which we, in Australia, take for granted.
Other News
The International Toast was made by member Howard, to the Rotary Club of Split, Croatia. Since being Chartered in 2008, currently the youngest Rotary Club in Split, has strategically focused almost all of its projects towards improving the quality of life of our children with special needs, with the support of many institutions engaged in helping the disadvantaged group of children
Reminders
Red Shield Appeal Day 27 May 2018
Next Board Meeting Monday 4th of June.
Rotary Leadership Course, 5th and 19th of May. Cost to be borne by Club
District Changeover for this year will be July the 7th.
Tom is organising a special ,read cheaper tickets, night for Strictly Ballroom on Wednesday ,the 23rd of May. Please advise Tom on numbers .Refer flyer below.Tickets are selling fast .Get 'em while they're HOT!!
Rotary International is now more than a year into the process of revisiting Rotary’s strategic plan, a process that will allow us to examine our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in order to move the organisation in a direction that will allow Rotary to thrive in the years ahead. Our new vision statement is the first lap in that three-year journey.
“Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
You may have seen the vision statement and wondered what its relevance is to you. If Rotary were a ship approaching land, our new vision statement would be the lighthouse that keeps us from running aground. Our vision statement explains what we want to achieve, in the same way that our mission statement explains our focus, and our strategic plan represents how we are going to get there. Learn more
Hello Rotarians,
.Tickets are selling fast .Get 'em while they're HOT!!