Community vs institution based rotaract clubs
Posted by Esther Mwambu
on Sep 10, 2012
Last week, in the true spirit of making the most of new generations month, I visited the Rct Club of IHSU (International Health Sciences University) on Tuesday at 6.00 p.m. Though late (thanks to the terrible traffic jam) I was just on time for the final toast. I was also able to witness the exchange of banners with the guest speaker, a retractor from the USA.
Not much to report; blame it one the dismal attendance at fellowship by mainly club members from IHSU, PP David and myself as the only rotarians. The hurry President Sharon and the guest speaker were in to attend fellowship at Kiwatule with DG Geeta, did not make matters any better as there wasn't after fellowship either to spice up the fellowship.
Not much to report; blame it one the dismal attendance at fellowship by mainly club members from IHSU, PP David and myself as the only rotarians. The hurry President Sharon and the guest speaker were in to attend fellowship at Kiwatule with DG Geeta, did not make matters any better as there wasn't after fellowship either to spice up the fellowship.
On Thursday, I opted to attend fellowship with the provisional Rct Club of Kampala South as opposed to the joint rotaract clubs at Kyambogo, just to get a feel of the progress made in getting it going and knowing the calibre of rotaractors we are inducting. President Jane and Rtn Patrick, Director Club Service were in attendance, and a handful of the charter members (7), thanks to the afternoon downpour. Many joined us during after fellowship though. The number so far is now 25, more than enough to get started.
Once we had settled down with venue issues, Rtn Patrick took the chair and guided the meeting. The agenda was basically election of officials to get the club going, and because of the small number in attendance, we were able to only elect the President (Atwine), secretary ( Hadija) and treasurer (Emma). We then proceeded to crosscheck the basics - planned activities, knowledge by the charter members of rotary and what is expected of them as rotaractors i.e. commitment, voluntarism etc.
We had after fellowship thereafter and endeavoured to get to know each member better. The richness of the vocations was such a contrast to that of Rct Club of IHSU. While at IHSU, every member is basically a student of health sciences, in the provisional Rct Club of Kampala South we have a quantity surveyor, lawyer, micro-finance expert, businessmen (in commercial agriculture, cottage industry, international business), corporate marketeer, procurement specialist etc.
The most interesting bit was when they shared their vocational experiences as they introduced themselves. It was amazing to know that a good number are not only well travelled but are talking big in terms of business and where they see themselves ten years from now. I was left wondering whether they were not more of Rotarians - these are serious young people with very big visions and real too!
As I marveled at the big minds, I felt contented too that we could never go wrong as Kampala South. I guess as the mother club we've got a challenge up our sleeves. This is not going to be the ordinary rotaract club and we got to be serious parents.
My appreciation goes to PP Carol who identified a worthy charter member, daughter Jane, and Rtn Patrick for ensuring the club happens. We now wait to see the challenges ahead while at the same time ensuring we are in attendance in the coming fellowship, come Thursday at 6.00 p.m. at Effendy's, Centenary Park when we shall elect the rest of the club officials and meet many more ambituous minds. See you there
Once we had settled down with venue issues, Rtn Patrick took the chair and guided the meeting. The agenda was basically election of officials to get the club going, and because of the small number in attendance, we were able to only elect the President (Atwine), secretary ( Hadija) and treasurer (Emma). We then proceeded to crosscheck the basics - planned activities, knowledge by the charter members of rotary and what is expected of them as rotaractors i.e. commitment, voluntarism etc.
We had after fellowship thereafter and endeavoured to get to know each member better. The richness of the vocations was such a contrast to that of Rct Club of IHSU. While at IHSU, every member is basically a student of health sciences, in the provisional Rct Club of Kampala South we have a quantity surveyor, lawyer, micro-finance expert, businessmen (in commercial agriculture, cottage industry, international business), corporate marketeer, procurement specialist etc.
The most interesting bit was when they shared their vocational experiences as they introduced themselves. It was amazing to know that a good number are not only well travelled but are talking big in terms of business and where they see themselves ten years from now. I was left wondering whether they were not more of Rotarians - these are serious young people with very big visions and real too!
As I marveled at the big minds, I felt contented too that we could never go wrong as Kampala South. I guess as the mother club we've got a challenge up our sleeves. This is not going to be the ordinary rotaract club and we got to be serious parents.
My appreciation goes to PP Carol who identified a worthy charter member, daughter Jane, and Rtn Patrick for ensuring the club happens. We now wait to see the challenges ahead while at the same time ensuring we are in attendance in the coming fellowship, come Thursday at 6.00 p.m. at Effendy's, Centenary Park when we shall elect the rest of the club officials and meet many more ambituous minds. See you there