The delights of doing DG visits in Angola
Angola is part of D9350. We all know that. But what most of us do not know is how lovely this country really is. They have pristine beaches; old Portuguese architecture; traffic that flows without traffic lights; no aggression and many great entrepreneurs. Luanda is a buzzing metropolis of nearly 6 million people and the coastal city of acacia trees (Lobito) has roughly 1 million residents and visitors.
More enjoyable is the Rotarians I’ve met and came to love. Our Angolan Rotarians are astute business people with impeccable manners having serious fun at being Rotarians. They treat the District Governor visit with so much respect and accolades: I had a TV interview; a radio interview; inducted 3 new members; participated in flag draping and saluting; was met at projects by the Director General of the hospital; the Provincial Minister of Health; the Catholic priest supporting a school; a row of 6 personnel at another hospital etc. And all the while I had a translator ready.
All projects are worthwhile, but the Lobito school and hostel that caters for polio victims touched me very deep. To see the results and effect of polio is so extremely sad as it can be prevented. And then to see how these young people cope with hope in their eyes while they drag their broken bodies around is an experience that I will never forget.
Our 3 clubs in Angola all dedicated their full time and attention to my visits. It was early starts and late nights – and I will do it all over again as I learned and listened and felt incredibly proud to have Angola as part of D9350. Every Rotarian I met was just so amazing: AG Helder took the week off to be our constant guide; Lobito board members including Pres Jorge; PP Maniel; Rtn Isabel with the Rotaractors made the trip to Lobito a must-do-again; Pres Manuel and his team from Luanda club asked and shared many ideas that will make our District connections better; Luanda Sul Pres Lucas and his team were serious about working together, while project visits and dinner events were planned with immaculate detail. The fish made the Portuguese way was delicious – and I have to tell: king prawns were part of a buffet! Eat as much as you can…
The pictures show a bit of the passion and difference these 3 Rotary clubs make in Angola. And they make a huge difference in a country struggling with high inflation and joblessness. Thank you Rotary in Angola!
Above left with visiting VTT Doctors, above centre with Dr Ana, above right AG Helder Preza
Above left and centre Tree Planting in Angola, above right Dr Palmira Kuatoka using the microscope
Above left Lobito Flag Draping, above centre Luanda & Luanda Sul Flag Draping, above right DG with Swedish doctors in training
Above left Lobito School for Polio victims, above centre DG with a polio victim, above right Lobito Rotaractors