Rotary International « Rotary District 1220

Report on Empowering Girls Project

Posted by webmaster Mark on April 5, 2023

Report by Val Leivers regarding DG Martyn’s project to empower girls in India

I have recently returned from my first visit to the school in Secunderabad since COVID and was able to meet the students and staff in their well-equipped vocational room. All the girls were busy and obviously really enjoying learning their new skills in tailoring.

I was impressed with the two teachers, who are also professional tailors when not instructing in school.

We currently have 42 girls on the course, 25 in year 9 and 17 in year 8 and it is hoped to increase the numbers before the end of the year.

The girls thought it was funny that I had difficulty using a treadle machine as I usually use an electric machine or hand sew. The green sari blouse I am wearing here was made for me by the girls.

The students receive a good academic education alongside their vocational instruction which provides them with valuable employment skills for the future. The students are learning all the basic tailoring skills needed and are already making clothes for themselves and family.

They can now make items for sale, such as cushions and bags to raise funds for the school.

When the first group complete their academic education next year, some may decide to start their own business. Who knows, some may be ready to teach alongside the teachers in the school?

I was delighted when, just before I left India, the girls presented me with a dress, shown below, which they had designed and tailored for me. Someone must have told them that my favorite colour is blue!

Funds are still needed to sponsor girls who are waiting to be included on the course and take this excellent project into the future. Your support really has empowered these girls and given them a future, both academically and vocationally.

If your club would like a face-to-face presentation about this and other projects we have completed in India, I will be delighted to receive an invitation from you!

On behalf of Dr Prasad, the staff, the girls, and DG Martyn, I thank you for your support, it is really appreciated by so many.

Val Leivers, Rotary Club of Sherwood Sunrisers.

Posted in: Rotary International

Rotary response to Ukraine crisis

Posted by webmaster Mark on March 1, 2022

It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.

At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the devastating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.

As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission.

Following a meeting this afternoon with Rotary International General Secretary, John Hewko, which included more than 40 Rotarian leaders from Ukraine and neighbouring countries, plans have been put in place for Rotary to respond and support the horrific and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

On a global level, a central disaster response fund is being launched, which will be coordinated through The Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees. Our efforts will principally focus on refugees escaping the war.

There are many existing infrastructures that we can work through to reach those most in need, including the Rotary Action Group for Refugees and Intercountry Committees.

Collaboration has also begun with ShelterBox, our global partner in disaster response, and they are in direct contact with Rotarians in Eastern Europe. As well as ShelterBox, Rotary is also in contact with other emergency response organisations including Red Cross and the United Nations to ensure our efforts are complementary and coordinated.

In Great Britain and Ireland, we have established an operational taskforce, which will be led by Allan Smith, Rotary GB&I Humanitarian Disaster Response Lead. This will give Rotarians, who are always so quick to respond with support in situations such as this, a central point of contact and assistance through their District International Team.

In addition, we have our own Rotary GB&I Disaster Recovery Trust, which can also act as a vehicle for channelling donations that can be used for the recovery phase of this crisis. An appeal will be established in due course.

Rotary International will be communicating directly with all members around the world, and will advise Rotarians on how they can provide humanitarian relief via My Rotary.

Our thoughts are very much with the people of Ukraine, and our fellow Rotary members. Rotary will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.

Posted in: Emergency, International, Rotary International

Rotary 2013 Theme Announced

Posted by webmaster Mark on February 2, 2013

Announced at the RI Assembly, RI President-elect Ron D.Burton has chosen the theme “ENGAGE ROTARY, CHANGE LIVES” for his year as RI President in 2013-14.

Ron urges every Rotarian to get involved, to get engaged, and to change lives, a perfect transition from my year as president that will continue to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace. Please join me in wishing Ron and Jetta the best of luck during their year.

RI President 2012-13
Sakuji Tanaka

To learn more and listen to /watch President Elect Ron’s address to RI Assembly click on this link http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/130114_IA13_theme.aspx

Posted in: Rotary International