district newsletter december 2015 (english)

7/23/2019 District Newsletter December 2015 (English)

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Rotaract District 7030 Newsletter

December 2015 Edition



WH T’S IN THIS ISSUE

District Rotaract Representative Message

Rotaract District 7030 Focus

I. District Leadership Training 2015

II. The Effectiveness of Social Media in Disaster Preparedness – A brief

Case Study

Rotary International Focus

Get to Know…Your Rotaract District Presidents 2015-2016

Club Stories

III. Rotaract Club of Arima

IV. Rotaract Club of F.R.E.S.H.

V. Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central

VI. Rotaract Club of Piarco (U.W.I.)

VII. Rotaract Club of Pointe-à-Pitre

VIII.

Rotaract Club of Port of Spain West

IX. Rotaract Club of Tobago

District Reminders

Charter Anniversaries



DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE MESSAGE

As we draw near to the end of 2015, most of us will be taking the time

to reflect on what we have been able to accomplish over any adversity

faced. For our District, however, we are at a different point as weapproach our halfway mark in our Rotary year. At this time, we stop

momentarily to ensure that the service we are providing to both our

fellow Rotaractors and the wider community is in line with our Rotary

principles, our District’s plans and objectives and our own Club level

goals. It is a time for us to refocus, reprioritize and reenergize

ourselves so that we can continue working towards a successful year.

Guided by our lessons learned from mistakes we are able to chart a

new way forward that will position us once more on our path to Rota-

readiness!

By all accounts, our Rotaractors seemed well on their way to Rota-readiness at our successfully executed 26th Annual District Leadership

Training Seminar held on 19th – 22nd November. This was the forum that

allowed for our skills to be sharpened, our minds stimulated and our

interest peaked as we were enriched by the expertise of various friends of Rotaract, Rotarians, Past

Rotaractors and our own Rotaract membership. Events such as these provide us with essential face to

face time that is imperative to the success of our District and refuels us for the journey ahead.

As December begins, Rotary International asks for us to make Disease Prevention and Treatment

which speaks to the core of our organization in our goal to eradicate Polio, part of our journey.

Therefore, I encourage each of you to continue living your Y.E.S.!, remembering at all times our

commitment to service above self.

YIR,

DRR Giselle Holder

Rotaract District 7030

December 2015



ROTARACT DISTRICT 7030 FOCUS

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2015



THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN DISASTER

PREPAREDNESS – A BRIEF CASE STUDY

PROBLEM & CONSTRAINTS

The main problem was that information, contained in bulletins or updates concerning disaster-

causing events e.g. tropical storms and hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc. could not

be disseminated in real-time. There were time lags of up to 48 hours in some cases.

Even worse, in other cases, several Rotaractors weren’t in the communications loop.

The constraint was that the District Disaster Preparedness Officer (DDPO) had to initially

communicate with the District Team and Presidents directly, usually via email. As such, information

took time to be disseminated via this channel to the various Memberships in District 7030. It was

evident that this wasn’t done at times.

As DDPO, there was no administrative access to Rotaract District 7030’s official Facebook outlets.Therefore, time would elapse before updates or bulletins, which were submitted by the DDPO, were

officially posted, if they were at all.

APPLIED SOLUTION

The communication link between the DDPO and the District Team, Presidents, Boards and

Memberships of Rotaract District 7030 must should be direct, simultaneous and able to accommodate

real-time dissemination of relevant information or data.

It was observed that the most consistently and readily accessed form of media amongst Rotaractors in

District 7030 is Facebook. This is followed by WhatsApp.

It is also observed that various regional and international media organisations, Disaster Management

Agencies, Meteorological Services, relief organisations and academic/scientific institutions have a

strong and consistent social media presence, especially on Facebook.

Therefore, the DDPO would utilise this major social media application to facilitate this aforementioned

communications link.

This would be used in conjunction with regular email transmissions and WhatsApp messaging for

individual and immediate correspondence.

This communications link took the form of the Facebook Group: RI Rotaract District 7030 Disaster

Preparedness and Awareness Action Group.

RESULTS

At least 450 Rotaractors (past and present) and Rotarians in the Facebook Group have access to a

shared media platform from which they can receive relevant and real-time information with respect to

disaster preparedness and awareness directly from the DDPO and are also able to do the same via

group member access in an interactive, amicable, online environment.



The consistent dissemination of information concerning disaster-causing hazards/events in a real-

time manner also aided in efforts for preparation and disaster management and relief in times of

need.

Immediate example: Tropical Storm Erica and the subsequent devastation experienced by the

Commonwealth of Dominica due to its passing.

Several Clubs in the region were able to communicate with their Dominican counterparts (Rotaract

Club of Roseau and Rotary Club of Portsmouth) via this Facebook Group, with the coordination for the

procurement of suitable relief supplies and the shipments of same being carried out via the Group.

OBSERVATIONS

Immediate and reliable communication is key amongst individuals in order to effectively coordinate

meaningful efforts towards significant objectives.

Rotaractors in the District are now more engaged in terms of the concepts of Risk/Disaster

Preparedness and Management and with regard to establishing links with their respective Disaster

Management Agencies.

This social media platform would enable Clubs to actively make a positive difference in their

communities and in unison for the sake of entire territories in the region, in the event of disasters, and

to not just simply be by-standers.



ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Presidential Message: December 2015

When the Canadian army liberated the Netherlands in 1945, they found the

country on the brink of starvation. Seeing the suffering of so many, and

especially moved by the faces of the children, four Canadian privates

stationed near Apeldoorn that year decided to make that Christmas special

for as many Dutch children as they could. Together, they made the rounds

among their fellow soldiers, collecting chocolate bars and chewing gum,

candy and comic books. In their spare moments, they built toy trucks out of

wood and wire, sawed scrap lumber for building blocks; one, risking the

military police, sold his cigarette ration on the black market, using the

money to buy rag dolls. Each thought longingly of his own family at home;

each channeled his energies instead toward the children whose Christmasthey knew they could brighten.

By 1 December, four sacks of gifts lay ready; the soldiers eagerly looked forward to the 25th. But two

days later, they learned the date they were to depart for Canada: 6 December, long before

Christmas. With mixed emotions, the soldiers decided that the best plan simply would be to take

their sacks over to the local orphanage and leave them there to await Christmas. The night before

they were to leave the Netherlands, the four set off for the orphanage, one of them in a makeshift

white beard and red cap. On their way, they were surprised to hear church bells ringing and see

houses lit brightly, with Christmas still some weeks away. As they approached the orphanage, boots

crunching in the snow, they saw through the windows that the children, two dozen girls and boys,

were gathered at their evening meal. Only a few months after the war's end, food was still scarce; themeal was small, and the children's faces pale and thin.

"Santa Claus" raised the knocker on the door and knocked three times, hard. As if by magic, the

chatter of young voices inside fell silent; a priest opened the door. His polite expression gave way to

one of shock, as the children behind him erupted into cheers, rushing forward and swarming the

private who had dressed for Christmas three weeks early – but exactly on time. For in the

Netherlands, Sinterklaas comes on St. Nicholas Eve: 5 December.

For an hour, joyful chaos reigned as packages were opened and exclaimed over, sweets were tasted,

dolls caressed. The last wooden truck, the last bar of chocolate, went into the hands of a little boy who

had been waiting patiently all the while. After thanking the men, he turned to the priest and said

something to him in Dutch, his face alight with happiness. The priest smiled and nodded. "What didhe say?" one of the soldiers asked. The priest looked at them with eyes full of tears. "He said, 'We told

you he would come.'"

By sending joy out into the world, we do not sacrifice it for ourselves – we only multiply it. As we

enter this season of giving, let us multiply the gifts we have been given by sharing them with others.

Through acts of caring, kindness, and generosity, in our clubs and through our Foundation, we

become and remain a gift to the world.



GET TO KNOW…

YOUR ROTARACT DISTRICT

PRESIDENTS

2015-2016



Name: Aurélie Elosel (President of the Rotaract Club of

Saint Pierre, 2015-2016)

Age: 22 years

Nationality: French

Date of Birth: 29th December 1993

Hobbies/Interests: Paining, Hiking

Degree programme/Occupation: Bachelor in Business and

Management / Junior Logician

Year Inducted: 2014

I joined Rotaract because…

organizing and developing projects is one of my favourite activities. Also my parents from a very young

age taught me to help the less fortunate. Today, seeing projects come to fruition through fellowship,

encourages me to continue despite the difficulties

My fondest moment thus far in Rotaract was…

The recruitment of new young people. In a month because of communication and meetings we went from

two members to a great team of 10 active and motivated persons. We will continue recruiting

I believe that Rotaract is important because…

It is an opportunity to gain as much as you give. The ability to build friendships, network, receive training

while doing great work for the community. A great foundation in developing socially conscious citizens

guided by the Four Way Test.



Name: Ezra Peter (President of Rotaract

Club of Roseau, 2015-2016)

Age: 28

Nationality: Dominican

Birthday: 6th May, 1987

Hobbies/Interests: Nature/Adventurous

activities, Travelling, Music, Cooking,

Socializing, Shopping and fashion, Helping

others

Degree programme/Occupation:

Construction Administrative Manager

Year Inducted: 2008

I joined Rotaract because…

I love helping people and giving back and Rotaract gives me the opportunity to do just that.

My fondest moment thus far in Rotaract was…

Winning the awards for Rotaractor of the year, Director of the year, Committee of the year (Finance) and

the President’s Award at my club’s handing over ceremony 2014. Hard work pays off! The opportunity to

serve on the district team in 2011 as District Liaison Officer is also very dear to me.

I believe that Rotaract is important because…

It gives you the opportunity to develop yourself both personally and professionally, it helps you to gain

new experiences and insight, it’s an avenue to give back and help others and it provides opportunities

for fun, fellowship, travel and networking.



CLUB STORIES



ROTARACT CLUB OF ARIMA

THE ROTARACT CLUB OF ARIMA LENDS IT SUPPORT TO THE FOURTH

ANNUAL BUDDY WALK HELD BY THE DOWN SYNDROME FAMILY NETWORK

TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR DOWN SYNDROME DURING DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

The Down Syndrome Family Network (DFSN),

founded in 2011, is a non-profit organization based in

Trinidad and Tobago. Its mission is to support loved

ones and care-givers of individuals with Down

Syndrome through advocacy, education and research

in order for those individuals to live as independently

as possible and become valued members of their

community and society.

DSFN, in partnership with the USA’s National Down

Syndrome Society (NDSS), held its Fourth Annual

Buddy Walk at Nelson Mandela Park, St. Clair, Port-of-

Spain, Trinidadon Sunday 18th October 2015.NDSS

established the Buddy Walk® programme in 1995 to

promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome and to celebrate Down Syndrome

Awareness Month in October. This is the third year that the Rotaract Club of Arima has participated

and lent its support for this worthwhile and publically visible event with persons with Down

Syndrome and their support groups in mind.

Rotaractors were instrumental in the fundraising

venture (selling of branded hats and jerseys),

geared towards raising funds for the organisation

to continue its efforts to

raise awareness and

provide support to the

members of their

community.

The Rotaract Club of

Arima, by supporting the

DSFN Buddy Walk, sent a

message in support of the

acceptance and inclusionof people with Down

Syndrome as well as

people of all abilities in

society.



ROTARACT CLUB OF ARIMA RETURNS TO THE GRADUATION PAVILION AT

THE UTT O’MEARA CAMPUS TO HOST ITS ANNUAL YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

SYMPOSIUM (Y.E.S.) FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF NORTH EAST

TRINIDAD

The Rotaract Club of Arima held its annual YouthEmpowerment Symposium, this time making a return to

the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Graduation

Pavilion at the O’Meara Campus, O’Meara Industrial

Estate, Arima, Trinidad, on Thursday 22nd October 2015.

Typically, YES would field interactive discussions on

various aspects of office/professional etiquette andprotocol; image enhancement, personal development

and/or relevant career guidance and educationaldevelopment. This project’s concept is similar to that of

the UWI World of Work Programme.

YES 2015’s Programme was modified in order toaccommodate at least one hundred (100) students from

Forms 4-6 of Arima North Secondary School, Holy Cross

College, Johnson’s Finishing School and Trinity

Education Centre. Emphasis was placed on interviewtechniques/procedures; resume writing; various

aspects and facets of office/professional etiquette and

protocol and relevant career guidance.

The Club managed the event’s overall logistics and

programme content, with informative exhibitions being

provided by fourteen (14) Exhibitors which includedtertiary education and technical vocational education

institutions/providers, state enterprises, public utilitiesand arms of the Trinidad and Tobago Protective

Services and Defence Forces. YES 2015’s Feature Speakers were Ms. Ophelia Baptiste (HR Specialist),

Mr. Michael Marimuthu (Jobs and Career Coach, NTA), and Dr. Joseph Jacob (Manager - Student

Recruitment Unit, UTT).

Feedback from YES 2015’s participants and observers indicated that this was a worthwhile and

successful event!



ROTARACT CLUB OF F.R.E.S.H.

5TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROTARACT CLUB F.R.E.S.H.

On November 4th theRotaract Club of F.R.E.S.H.

celebrated their 5thyear anniversary!

This fiscal year is the sign of our anniversary. Because ofthis memorable occasion, a birthday committee

organized a party where the Interact, the Rotaract sister

clubs, the Rotary and past members were present.

The formal part of the evening consisted of speakers who

were involved over the past 5 years. One of them was the

Past District Governor (PDG) Elwin Atmodimedjo who isalso the Founder/Godfather of the club. The significant

thread of speeches was the always enormous growth Rotaract club F.R.E.S.H. has and that our

commitment over the past year has been rewarded and have been qualified for 2 awards namely:

Most Outstanding Community Service Project & Most Outstanding International Service Project

During the formal part, the launch of our new club logo took place, which was designed andpresented by the Public Relations Director, meaning: Whenever one has a great idea, a light bulbstarts to shine bright. The light bulb in the logo contains the Rotary Mark of Excellence, symbolizing

the fact that the Rotary family is the light in the lives of the less fortunate.

The evening was informally continued by cutting the cake, a well-cared-for dinner and enjoyable

music.

Looking at a video of the start of RCof FRESH, shown by the Past District

Governor

Our new logo

Board 2015-2016 cutting our FRESH

birthday cake



F.R.E.S.H. BONKOPU SERIE

On Sunday, 1st of November 2015, community service of Rotaract Club of F.R.E.S.H. executed aproject where fellows of our club sold clothes, shoes, books etc. at a reduced price to the community.

The project is called “Bonkopuserie”, this means “super cheap sale”. With this project we did somefundraising for our major diabetes project in January. Different parts of the community were happy as

they could buy good stuff at a very cheap price. At the end of the project, we donated the rest of theclothes, shoes, books etc. to an orphanage. They were very happy with our spontaneous act.



ROTARACT F.R.E.S.H. LEARNING TO “THINK OUTSIDE OF THE

BOX”

On Saturday the 17th of October the members of Rotaract F.R.E.S.H. participated in a workshop titled

“Thinking Outside Of The Box”. This was the second major project initiated by the professional

development avenue. With this project we wanted to develop skills and gather knowledge that wouldable us to see things from another perspective and to try to think beyond the scope that we are

custom to. Bringing this all together for projects with more impact in the community. This workshop

was led by Dr. Pam Zuurbier. He is a philosophy lecturer at the university and is also a research

consultant. After an introduction on the topic we were presented with a case. We were divided in

groups and each group had to come up with an “outside the box” solution for the case. After all the

groups had brainstormed we could present our ideas and receive feedback from each other. We

were all very surprised with the output and at times had a good laugh from the brilliant, funny and out

of this world ideas. At the end we learned that no idea is too silly, because with the right adjustments

it just might be the winning solution the world has been waiting for.



ROTARACT CLUB OF GEORGETOWN CENTRAL

CAN YOU SPELL DYSLEXIA?

- Public Lecture Under the theme - Making Sense of Dyslexia.

As advocates for children affected by dyslexia, the

Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central partnered with

Scotia Bank (Guyana) to host a Public Lecture, aimed at

creating awareness of this learning disability. This Public

Lecture sought primarily to educate key stakeholders, as

a means towards dispelling the common misconceptions

and myths about dyslexia. In the long term, to contribute

to the ongoing, though limited, conversation regarding

Special Needs Education in Guyana and the wider

Caribbean region. On October 7th, the Club accepted

the challenge meted out by District Governor MiltonInniss all Clubs within District 7030 to reach out into their communities about special needs education.

The first presenter, Mr Keon Cheong, represented the Ministry of Education’s Special Needs Unit. He

facilitated a very interactive session which provided

essential information on dyslexia, national policy and the

government’s approach to promoting special needs

education and finally, the resources currently available

to teachers and parents of dyslexic students. Our Second

Presenter Mr Sherwin Fraser, represented the academic

fraternity as a researcher, author and educator who has

spent countless hours volunteering and working with

dyslexic children. He presented on the findings of a

successful Special Needs Education project conducted in

one of the rural regions of Guyana.



Poster for the Health fair

HEALTH FAIR

In observance of World Diabetes Day, The Rotaract

Club of Georgetown Central held its annual health fair

on the 14th November 2015, under the theme

“Reducing the risk in three, journey to a healthier youand me”. The focus on non-communicable diseases is

part of the Districts Community Service Project for the

year 2015 – 2016. The projects major objective was to

assist in the reduction of chronic non-communicable

diseases through risk factor awareness, education and

sensitization.

In light of such, members of the Rotaract club of

Georgetown Central collaborated with the Ministry of

Health, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation,

Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, Rotary

Club of Georgetown Central and University of Guyana Optometry Association to offer free services tothe public at large. Participants benefited from eight different services including: Glucose testing,

Blood Pressure testing, Body Mass Index Test, Blood Donation, Dental and Eye Check Ups, HIV/AIDS

tests and VIA. For patients to benefit from any of the eight services offered they were required to test

their glucose and pressure level in order to increase awareness regarding non-communicable

disease. Approximately 165 persons benefited from the services provided. Feedback received

demonstrated that the fair was successful and fulfilled its intended goal.



ROTARACT CLUB OF PIARCO UWI

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2015 EXPERIENCE

Having never attended the previous District Leadership Training,

held in 2014, I was excited to venture out into the experience of DLT

2015. Accompanied by Vice President Kevan St. Brice, Treasurer

Sarah Henry, International Service Director Ariel Burke, Club

Service Director Kerwin Ryan, Club Member Kafi Farell and DRRN

Kezra Lashley, my DLT experience was one to remember.

Hosted by the Rotaract Clubs of Arima, Port of Spain West, Central

Port of Spain, and Maraval, at the beautiful Carlton Savannah Hotel,

DLT delivered a trifecta of intensive training, fantastic fellowship

and engaging networking opportunities that allowed us to build

relationships with other clubs within District 7030.

The training seminars were insightful, and relevant to current

issues that clubs within the District faced. Furthermore, these

seminars were able to provide Rotaractors and prospective

Rotaractors with a deeper understanding of Rotary International

and Rotaract, and reenergised interest within the club, along with

building on our leadership skills and commitment to self-development, club development and

developing our communities.

Fun, Friendships & Bubbling; these three words sums up the

experiences during each fellowship held during the weekend of

DLT. From Stumbling, to Aria to Fuego, the fun never ceased until

the break of dawn. It was great spending time with not only otherRotaractors from my club, but also reconnecting with old friends,

and making new ones. From impromptu room visits, and

modelling sessions, to midnight feasts and photo shoots, this DLT

experience, allowed us all to create memories to last a lifetime, or

at least until District Conference in 2016!!

--- Shari George

President of the Rotaract Club of Piarco UWI 2015-2016



ROTARACT CLUB OF POINTE-À-PITRE

THE HALLOWEEN PARTY

Are you still shaking…don’t worry, this is

normal! The “Enchanted night in the

Mammelles” Halloween party, organized by

the Rotaract Club of Pointe-à-Pitre was

amazing! Blood, spider’s webs, vampires,

walking dead, bride from the afterlife….all

were there! We saw scroll through the

scariest costumes. The cottage, which is

usually a place of healing, was literally

transformed for this occasion. Rotaractors

worked very hard creating a decor andatmosphere, worthy of a real Halloween

party! Many people were present in the

friendly and festive atmosphere!

With this successful event, it is also the “Journey to

Jamaica” project, which materializes more. The event

aimed to raise funds for this trip, created at the occasion of

the twinning between Rotaract clubs of Jamaica and

Guadeloupe. The money raised will enable the realization

of this long-awaited project.



DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TRAINING (DLT) 2015

This year, the 26th edition of District Leadership Training, also called “DLT” was held in Trinidad andTobago. What a warm welcome from our Caribbean friends! This event brings together Rotaractors

and Rotarians from the same district. As its name implies, the aim of this meeting is to stimulate and

strengthen the ‘leadership spirit’ and learn about how to use this characteristic in team projects. As aresult, several trainings were suggested with different topics, but still had focus towards leadership.

This event was also the opportunity to discuss and exchange about various positions that can be foundin the Rotaract and Rotary offices, as well as within the district.

The District Leadership Training was the opportunity to meet Caribbean fellows from other Rotaract

Clubs, to exchange and build relationships with them. To close a long and rich workday, a friendlyand cheerful evening was organized on a Carnival theme. The Rotary family also knows how to havefun!



ROTARACT CLUB OF PORT OF SPAIN WEST

ANNUAL BBQ

The Rotaract Club of POS West recently had one of its signature fund raising projects, the Annual BBQin collaboration with THE BEEFEATER. The BBQ was held over a two week period with ticket holders

being able to collect their BBQ at THE BEEFEATER located at WestMall, Long Circular Mall or Trincity

Mall.

This year, the club was challenged to push themselves to the limit and sell 1000 tickets in order to

raise the bar higher than the 700 tickets sold last year. Through persistent motivation and good

teamwork, the target was achieved one week before the BBQ ended. A revenue of approximately

$48,000 was made with a profit of approximately $12,000.

The project was even more successful when the owner of Beefeater came to our meeting to propose

that we collaborate with them in their 1st Annual Toy Drive!



ROTARACT CLUB OF TOBAGO

PRESENTS

“TOUCH OF TOBAGO”- A POST DLT EVENT

District Leadership Training 2015 ended on a great note in Carlton Savannah Trinidad this year and

The Rotaract Club of Tobago decided to host a Post DLT event called “Touch of Tobago” where 23

delegates were taken on an Island Tour of Tobago. These 23 delegates came from the beautiful

Caribbean Islands of Dominica, Guyana, Antigua, Suriname and

Trinidad. The tour only lasted a day but the memories would

last a lifetime as we left the airport at Crown Point and headed to

the other end of the island. It started at 9 am and ended at

7pm, the day was filled with sight- seeing, picture taking, hiking

and swimming as our very own International Service Director

Philbert played the role of our Tour guide, pointing out all the

beautiful sites along the way. The highlight of the trip was thetour to Little Tobago, an island just a couple miles off the mainland.

After having lunch at Jemma’s in Speyside we boarded the glass

bottom boat where we were able to see the Coral Reef. The tour

at Little Tobago was breath-taking and very

informative and we ended the day swimming in the

waters at Blue-Waters Inn in Speyside. On our way back to

the guest house we shared our various cultural songs

while others were fast asleep from a fun-filled day.



DISTRICT REMINDERS

December 30th

Deadline for the submission of articles for the District Newsletter (to DS Kezra & ADS Delon)



CHARTER ANNIVERSARIES

December

05th

– Rotaract Club of Antigua

09th – Rotaract Club of Piarco (BATCE)

09th – Rotaract Club of University of Guyana

14th – Rotaract Club of Saint-Pierre

23th – Rotaract Club of Piarco (UWI)

Happy

Charter



THE END

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district newsletter december 2015 (english)

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