15 July 2015: Razia Jan - School and College for Girls in Afghanistan
July 15, 2015: Razia Jan - School and College for Girls in Afganistan
Present: Sue Heller, presiding; Walter Heller, Bob and Sandi Schipul, Bernie Westerveld , Dietrich Bilger, Janet Schmitz, Debbie Wheeler, Nancy Jacobs, Candace Cramer, Mimi Svenning, Michael Johnson; Visitors: Razia Jan, guest speaker; Peter Rhoten, Steve Certa, our DG Nominee; Bruce and Lorraine Billings, Bruce and Patty Buening.
--A Good turn out for Razia!
Announcement: Paw Sox August 19th. It would be good if we sent a few kids from Boys and Girls Club, Marshfield, like last year.
Mike talked about the mini-fellowship event visiting Boston Harbor. Five members [Lucille, Mike, Candice, Sue and Nancy] took the Greenbush train into Boston on Saturday to see the French tall ship Hermione, a replica of Marquis de Lafayette’s ship which sailed into Boston Harbor in April 1780 to show French support for the American Revolution. Eating lunch outside at the Boston Harbor hotel provided everyone with a wonderful view of this spectacular ship docked at Rowe's Wharf for the weekend.
Dietrich talked about the Governor’s Installation - attended by Debbie, Nancy, Lucille, Joan, and Dietrich. Dietrich was given an award for his efforts in “Peace and Conflict Resolution” by the District. CONGRATULATIONS to our Dietrich!! And thank you for your service!
Rotary Minute by Bernie with colorful handout - Rotary is a responsible and transparent organization doing good in the world. Charity Navigator gives RI 4 stars with 92% of donations being spent on programs. RI and SRC have 2 separate systems to handle member and donated funds.
Mimi read her poem for Razia (wish I had a copy to attach)
Razia came to tell us how much she appreciates all we have done ! (Compared to what she has done it seems not so significant, does it?) Razia is just 4 months post-surgery and feels 85% normal (well). She will be returning to Afghanistan soon, with Beth, after a trip to London. There are 500 girls in school now and 7 will be graduating in November. She noted that not much (“nothing”) happens when she is not there. I hope that is not totally true as it would be such a pity if all fell apart when she is no longer able to be there. Meantime, she has acquired land next door to the school to use for a 2-year college to teach teaching, education administration, and midwifery . She has raised $50,000 so far for this venture of $150K needed. When asked what we could do she said she continues to need sponsors for the girls. $300 a year will do that. She had forms for us and a few of us filled them out and wrote a check. Please consider joining resources among our membership and sponsor a girl! The board will discuss what kind of donation we want the club to offer her.
Razia shared a few nightmarish stories of life for girls in her home country. It is not a pretty picture and everyone one of “her girls” is very brave and worthy of our support. Our support of $300 does change and save lives!!
Sue ended another great evening at the Scituate Country Club at 8 PM. Trusting all are having a good summer and see you Wednesday for a talk about Polio and the role of RI in its eradication.
For Sara and in Rotary Service,
Janet
