These are times that cry out for peace. The Middle East is in its most volatile condition in years. The war in Ukraine is the largest in Europe since World War II, and there are armed conflicts in Sudan and parts of Central Africa. Nearly every continent is experiencing a major armed conflict.
Rotary has a vital role to play in advancing the cause of peace — I often say Rotary needs to work toward peace as aggressively as those who wish to wage war. It’s the spirit found in our vision statement: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” We must never lose track of that last call — that to bring about change in the world, we need to foster change within.
ROTARY CLUB OF DEMERARA LAUNCHES 30TH CHARTER ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE STAMP
On February 29, 2024, in collaboration with the Guyana Post Office (GPO), the Rotary Club of Demerara formally launched a commemorative stamp in observance of the Club’s 30th Charter Anniversary.
For the last 30 years, the Rotary Club of Demerara has been committed to making its community and Guyana a better place through its hundreds of community improvement projects, all guided by Rotary International's seven (7) Areas of Focus: Disease prevention and treatment, Water, sanitation, & hygiene, Maternal and child health, Peacebuilding and conflict prevention, Basic education and literacy, Community & economic development, and Supporting the Environment. The Club has remained committed to retaining its consistency in community support through medical outreaches and potable water projects in under-served, rural and remote areas, youth development and mentorship, supporting the environment through short and long term projects, developing local talent, myriad donations to those in need, and establishing libraries and literacy activities throughout Guyana.
ROTARY CLUB OF PARAMARIBO DONATES TO THE PROJECT ‘KLORU YU BIRTI MOI’ (COLOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BRIGHT), A SPECIAL PROJECT FOR YOUNG MEN
Rotary Club of Paramaribo donated SRD 70.000 to the local RUMAS Foundation for the project ‘Kloru yu birti moi’ (Color your Neighborhood bright). The main goal of the project is to offer 16 dropouts of school, all young men, the opportunity to develop professional painting skills via a combined classroom and hands-on training, and to acquire and promote work ethics. The training lasted for 6 weeks in total. The project contributes to the personal growth and work skills of the participants and the improvements of 3 neighborhoods where these young men got to demonstrate their painting skills.
This project focuses on implementing the concept of CPTED, which stands for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. In essence this project is a holistic approach that addresses both the environmental as well as the social aspects of the community. It strives to reduce crime risks, improve the quality of life for the residents and provide opportunities for vulnerable young men, all of this with the aim of creating hope and bringing positive change to the world.
This project is aligned with Rotary International’s values and goals of improving communities and bringing hope to people’s lives. This donation is one of several that will follow in the context of the 70th anniversary of Rotary Club of Paramaribo this year.
ROTARY CLUB OF DEMERARA - FROM DAWN TIL DUSK ROTARY DAY OF SERVICE
In observance of the Rotary Day of Service for Childhood Obesity Prevention (COP), World Obesity Day, and in support of the District 7030 Rotary Moves Initiative, RC Demerara hosted a 12 hour fitness challenge called “From Dawn ’til Dusk.” Open to all, the challenge was to engage in at least 1 hour of physical fitness during the 12 hour period.
Rotarians, Partners and Pets in Service along with Friends of Rotary came out strong with their workouts, cycling, tennis, yoga, and walks in the park, neighbourhood and airport. In addition, we hosted a dance workout and shared healthy snacks with the Sophia Children and Family Centre where we manage an ongoing literacy project and executed our first COP 'Active Learning Corner' in 2022.
ROTARY CLUB OF PARAMARIBO PROMOTES ‘AGEING WITH JOY’
In Rotary year 2020-2021 Rotary Club of Paramaribo started the ‘BIGISMA’ project (Project for Elderly). The intention / goal of this project is to highlight various aspects linked to ageing. During the first phase of the project the focus was on dementia. In that context, 3 information clips were produced, and several webinars related to this topic were organized.
The project was extended after the COVID pandemic, when our Rotarians were able to physically visit the elderly homes again. Our rotary club provides one hour exercise classes in 3 elderly homes, whereby 2 instructors visit the elderly homes. The participants have a great time together during these classes, and both the residents and their caregivers look forward to these weekly classes. Also, there is a special exercise class for the elderly who are not mobile anymore. The Rotary Club of Paramaribo provided each of these homes with a water dispenser and drinking mugs for the participants to hydrate on time. Furthermore, our Rotary club organizes special events whereby our club’s Rotary House band performs, and the elderly enjoy dancing and performances by their peers.
Recently, Rotary Club of Paramaribo entered a collaboration with a governmental elderly home where the needs for physiotherapy sports- and medical equipment are high. From funding out of this project and donations from our fellow Rotarians, 10 blood pressure meters as well as a bunch of sports equipment including different size balls, weights, sticks and rubber training bands were donated to improve the performance and enjoyment of the weekly physiotherapy exercise classes in this elderly home. It is an enormous pleasure to see and experience how much joy these activities bring to our elderly.
The Rotary Club of Paramaribo will continue to promote and support 'Ageing with Joy’!
