JANE BITEK LANGOYA
Welcome back to the the Past Presidents' Lounge, where we learn about which moments and events made our past leaders who they are today. In this week's interview, PP Jane Bitek Langoya shares her personal journey in the club as President.
Please tell us about yourselfMy name is Jane Bitek Langoya aka JBL. Also best known to the club as Senga JBL. I have a big family that consists of both biological and non-biological children and I love all the children dearly. My favorite orphanage is Missionaries of the Poor and it pleases me greatly that Members is Kampala South are very supportive and do contribute food, clothes, scholastic material, money and many other things that the children in the orphanage require.
What are some of the Important moments/decisions in the Club that defined your year as Club President?
The following are the projects and activities that were implemented under the guidance of my Directors and Officers:
1. We broke ground for the Kikandwa project and laid a strong foundation for a sustainable project that is still a flagship for the Club today.
2. We closed long term Jjanyi Project after completion of the construction of the staff room and library following fundraising by Oscar and Friends. This was carried out with lots of fun fair.
3. We developed and signed off the Twinning with Milimani RC, the relationship grows stronger with time
4. We established three baby clubs: Rotaract Kampala South, Rotaract IUEA and Interact Club of Bishop Mazzoldi Secondary School.
5. We held the second episode of the Carnival and the theme was Caribbean. Plenty of all sorts of meats available.
6. We established two RCC; RCC Nyaconga, RCC Jjanyi
7. It was also the final year in which the Club organizes the Sports Gala together with Rotaract Kampala South and thereafter handed over the Sports Gala to Rotaract Kampala South
8. We celebrated 21 years of Kampala South and organised a ‘black tie’ dinner event. It was beautiful to see the lovely evening gowns and bow ties by even those that we had never seen wear ties.
It was a year defined by fun and fellowships.
How would you describe the Club membership then? How many members? How did you ensure you attracted and encouraged new members to participate?
I think because we were few, 51 Members, the club members we really close knit. I was able to call each Member and touch base with them as President, at least every month. Likewise members were able to keep in touch with each other. Attendance at both fellowships and projects by Members was very high. We were able to provide physical cards and to celebrate milestones in people’s lives like birthdays, bagole (weddings) etc. Remember at that time we were not too E-oriented. Also because of the low numbers we were able to carry out home hospitalities and the Family Xmas fellowship was attended by family members so we tended to know each other’s spouses, partners and children.
We had action packed fellowships and projects which we invited guests to and many joined because of the fun and fellowship component. Members were encouraged to bring their family, friends and in laws into Rotary. We agreed that it was okay if the person brought chose another club other that RC Kampala South.
Which projects did the Club carry out during your year, any key achievement?
As above
Do you have any words of wisdom to the members/ other Rotarians?
We need to reflect on why we joined Rotary, could have been for the fun and fellowship, or because of particular persons etc. Every reason for joining Rotary is good. And without necessarily losing the objective of joining Rotary we need to align our own values, interests and activities to the core values of Rotary, especially the four way test. Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it bring better friendship? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? And we should never forget that we are in Rotary to provide Service above Self.