At last Thursday’s evening dinner, we were delighted to award Erfan Abidi with a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) award for his humanitarian and advocacy work with girl’s schools in Afghanistan and his commitment to Rotary. He’s lost count exactly, but Erfan thinks he’s spoken at about 15 Rotary Clubs and the D9510 Expo about his and his family’s escape from Afghanistan and the Taliban, and the human rights abuses of Afghan women and children. Erfan is also a regular visitor to the Cuppa Conversation coffee mornings and has provided many information links for migrants via WhatsApp to inform them of Career & Employment Expos, free Dentistry check-ups/cleans, domestic respect sessions and Australian citizenship information. We couldn’t present the PHF at our Changeover (as we traditionally do) as Erfan was the guest speaker at another event on the night. Congratulations, Erfan, on your recognition.
On the night, Erfan also gave a heartfelt presentation on the plight of Afghan girls who are not allowed by the Taliban to continue their education after Year 6. So, underground schools have flourished – until it becomes too dangerous to continue at a particular venue – and another springs up elsewhere. An Empowerment Network (Circle 132) has been set up to support the education of girls in Afghanistan. Operating the schools is hard given safety, logistics and funds to pay for female teachers who are now not allowed to teach openly. Personal donations – one-off/monthly/annually can be given - if you’re interested in more detail please let one of the Board members know.
At the time of year when temperatures are plummeting, Kirsti, Liz, Pat and Paul J fed the homeless at Fred's Van as part of our regular monthly volunteer work. The team also ensured they passed out new socks and slippers to those in need.
This Thursday will be Coffee Conversation at the White Picket Cafe – see you there.
Best wishes and have a great week. Yvette, President.
United in the spirit of Service we value truth, fairness and friendship; and we welcome the opportunity that Rotary gives us to contribute our talents and resources in support of others.
Rotary Club of Adelaide Light Mission Statement
To have fun and engage interest from new members and friends as we use our strengths for a better world here and abroad - a welcoming, flexible group having fun doing hands-on activities for positive impact.
