April Fools meeting - But not 'Our" members

Posted by Trudy Gallant 
on Apr 04, 2015
 
April Fools Day..but no outrageous tricks were played at this week's meeting!  President Alan is off enjoying some R and R with his lovely wife, so yours truly got a chance to practice up for July! With thanks to Brian, for a new mic...I think people could actually hear me!  To review the meeting highlights:
 
  
  Three guests, our speakers for the meeting: Alison Stuart (also VP at Heritage Woods High School), Silvia Knittel and Christina Schmidt..all from PA-MOJA Kenya project.
 
  Isy took this week's Random Act of Kindness proceeds..we look forward to hearing how she uses this one!
 
  We heard the touching tribute letter that PP Gray sent to Linda, on the loss of PP John.  Quite a few Club members were able to attend the service for John last Friday afternoon and we are keeping Amanda and Lauren in our hearts.
 
  Announcements included:
    
   A reminder to complete the District 5050 Membership engagement survey..it is quick and will give each Club good information about how members feel about their involvement in the Club, & Club communications and decision making.  Easy access the survey from the homepage of the District website or President Alan has sent a link in an email.
  
   Coming events include:  District Assembly on April 11..please consider attending this informative day
                                                Heritage Mountain Blvd...next clean up is April 12..thanks to Lucie for arranging this
                                                Terry Fox Training run... was Saturday..start time of 6:30 am.  Trudy, Peter and Jim have volunteered..others welcome...meet at Hastings
                                                Elementary School in Port Coquitlam.  We are course Marshalls.
                                                Pete announced that we are projecting for a record tally for our next Search for the Perfect Pint.  All the tickets are out (Dan G collecting  $$ today for Gayle).  If you can not sell tickets, it is really important that you let Gayle know..others will take them.  We want to sell out!
                                                Al reminded us that next week, April 8  is a Club Assembly..devoted to Rib Fest  planning..we need everyone to help so please try to make this meeting and hear how things are progressing.
                                               
 
 
Speakers:  Ian heard about this through his son ..who attends Heritage Woods..he connected to Alison and that lead to today's presentation.  (Ann's granddaughter also had brought home a poster..an amazing photo  of a young Kenyan boy who is a "Rhino whisperer"..if you saw the photo..you would know why.
 
This is a completely volunteer funded organization..they have several goals and guiding principals for their operations:
  
  1) promoting cultural exchanges through a network of "sister" schools
  2) support people and wildlife....recognizing the interconnectedness of the animals and economic development. They partnered with the Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya.  (MMM..maybe Cleone's next project.  The rhino in the poster photo is one of three left   (I think they were White Rhinos) and are no longer reproducing.  We were seeing the end on the page in front of us.
  3) we ask...engage in community driven collaborative decision making with local communities
  4) support the local economy..employ local craftsman and labourers.
  5) promote health and wellness..pay school fees, build classrooms, educate girls..does this sound familiar
 
So much of what they are doing resonates with Rotary goals and values....in using the "Butterfly Effect" they are linking African and North American children and experts in "study groups" allowing f or an egalitarian learning environment and promoting "helpees" to also be "helpers"..empowerment at its best!
 
A great presentation..for more info and to see that amazing photo..visit their website:  
PA-MOJA. COM...Kenyan for "togetherness"!