Striving for World Understanding & Peace

Having now passed the halfway mark of the current Rotary year we need to reflect on our success and how we can improve on and build a stronger Rotary within our Zone. Perhaps it is also time to reflect on exactly why we joined Rotary and why we are so shy (sometimes selfish) in not sharing our great organisation with people who are suitably qualified to become members within our Clubs.

As I write to you I personally celebrate two decades of service with our beloved organisation. Having first being invited to join Rotary in 1993 and having being inducted some six months later 3 February 1994, I sit in awe of what privileges I have been able to enjoy being part of this worldwide organisation of fellow humanitarians. I give thanks to my sponsor for having introduced me to Rotary and to the thousands of individuals around the world with whom I have been able to and continue to engage with over the years, shaping and sharing the many exploits, stories, projects and fellowship that we all enjoy. It is also sheer co-incidence or perhaps divine intervention, that my home Rotary Club, High Noon, celebrates its 10th anniversary on the same day. In celebration thereof and apart from other planned events, 30 of us will be jetting off to Mumbai and Chennai in India during the first week of February to attend a District Conference in Mumbai and participate in a Polio NID in Chennai.

Since my last article in Rotary Africa, much has been done and much work is on the horizon. At the end of November GETS got Governors-Elect going in Jerusalem. I had the privilege of being a part of the training team for incoming Governors. This multi-zone event which was held in Jerusalem, Israel provides training for incoming Governors on various aspects of Rotary and includes a section that prepares them for their main training in San Diego. Much has been written about the conflict in the area and whilst life looks safe and comfortable, the calmness during the week belied the tensions that still exist between the Israelites and Palestinians. It was not all work and no play as the organisors of the event pulled out all stops to provide the delegates with a variety of events which included meeting the young and dynamic mayor of Jerusalem, an evening with the Jerusalem symphony orchestra, a gala dinner and a very casual yet moving Israeli night. As I write Governors-elect are in San Diego for the International Assembly which is their final training programme before they get back into their respective Districts to start the training for their teams during their year of Governorship.

As you read this article you would already have been introduced to the new Rotary theme that will take us forward into 2014/2015. February also ushers in Rotary International's 109th anniversary and Clubs worldwide are planning events to celebrate another year of service to mankind. Like all big occasions it is the perfect time to get in some much needed public image work and grasp the opportunity of sharing your Club's achievements with the local community.

World Understanding is our monthly theme in February. Rotary International is a 109 year old beacon of World Understanding that crosses all political, religious, and countries borders. Rotarians have spread the message of World Understanding through acts of kindness, compassion, fellowship, and a common theme, Service Above Self. You and I and 1.3 million others have seized opportunities to serve at home and abroad through hands-on projects and financial commitments. Many of our Rotarians work tirelessly to spread goodwill. I don’t know about you but I still get goose bumps nearly every time I read about PolioPlus and the three life changing drops of vaccine. Rotarians have embraced the dream of a Polio- Free world and if that isn’t World Understanding I don’t know what is. Personally, I look forward to our trip to India and to celebrate with the Indian nation three years Polio-Free.

 

Perhaps the words of Past RI President Jonathan Majiyagbe from Nigeria is so appropriate for World Understanding month:

“For me, Rotary is one great gateway that leads to many doors - the chance to meet great people you would otherwise never meet, to learn about cultures you never knew existed, to break bread with otherwise total strangers and so break down the barriers of ignorance and intolerance, to support a strong Rotary Foundation and its programs and participate in a crusade for building world understanding and peace.”

Advancing world understanding and peace, which is expressed in the fourth part of the Object of Rotary, is an important focus of Rotarian service. The internationality of our membership puts us in a unique situation to promote peace and goodwill. Through club-to-club contacts, international service projects, peace programmes, and cultural and educational exchanges we, as Rotary clubs worldwide, make a meaningful contribution to world understanding and peace.

Parting is such sweet sorrow and as we planned our holidays breaks, one could not help but feel a sense of nostalgia seep through as we mourned the passing away of one of the world's greatest leaders. Mr Mandela was a true epitome of humanity and humbleness. He touched countless lives and inspired people to reach out to those in need. He inspired compassion, hope and strength and the friendships he encountered along the way continue to inspire change and goodwill. All of these are the characteristics we seek in Rotary. He was well decorated by the many accolades and awards he received amongst which was Rotary highest honour, Rotary's Award for World Understanding, something that we celebrate in February each year.  Nelson Mandela's place in history is unique and his legacy is carved in every nook and cranny of our country. Of him, it can be truly said that "he walked with kings, but never lost the common touch", to paraphrase Rudyard Kipling. Revered, exalted and almost immortalised, few would argue that he was the greatest statesman our world has known.

Finally, may your final five months of the current Rotary year be filled with projects that touch your lives in a positive way as you continue to Engage Rotary and Change Lives.

Natty Moodley - RC Zone 20(A) South

Rotary Africa

February 2014