By PDG Belinda Yeung, JP, Rotary Club of Hong Kong Harbour
June is Rotary Fellowship Month
As we enter June, we celebrate Rotary Fellowship month.
Fellowship creates the fabric of our Rotary Clubs, weaving together diverse individuals who are committed to making a positive difference. These shared experiences foster an environment ripe for collaborative initiatives, an essential factor in the success of Rotary Foundation projects. The collective spirit of Rotary Fellowships amplifies the outreach of our initiatives, empowering us to make a more substantial, global impact.
As we embrace Rotary Fellowship Month in this final month of the Rotary Year, let’s reflect on its invaluable role in supporting the Rotary Foundation. Let’s appreciate how our bonds of fellowship enhance the effectiveness of our service projects, increase our contributions, and bolster the mission of the Foundation.
This edition of our newsletter highlights some inspiring case studies of service project stories which I shared during the recent District Training Assembly. These narratives, reflecting the spirit of Rotary, are a testament to the impact we make when united in service. My hope is that these stories rekindle your passion and commitment to serving the community and furthering Rotary’s mission. As we conclude this Rotary year, let the essence of fellowship fortify our resolve to continue contributing towards a better world. Wishing you an inspiring Rotary Fellowship Month!
Thank you for all your support in the Rotary Year of Imagine Rotary!
Rotary International Service Projects
2nd Programs of Scale: Together Health (Nigeria)
Area of Focus: Maternal and Child Health
This project reduced maternal and neonatal mortality rates in targeted Nigerian regions. Utilizing a $2 million TRF grant and additional funding, quality clinics were established and systemic healthcare improvements initiated. Participating districts, including District 1860 from Germany and Districts 9110, 9125, 9141, and 9142 from Nigeria, alongside Rotarians and Rotaractors, coordinated efforts, oversaw training, and advocated for improved reporting of maternal deaths, underscoring the power of global collaboration.
Project Name: Bring Solar Lights into Kenya Homes & Schools
Area of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy/Environment
The Rotary Club of Sunshine Coast-Sechelt, British Columbia, and the Rotary Club of Machakos, Kenya, partnered with The Rotary Foundation (Canada), the Kenyan government, and Kenya Connect for a transformative project. Aimed at communities in Eastern Kenya living on less than $1 per day and without access to electricity, the initiative provided 1,500 students with rent-to-own solar lights, facilitating evening studies. Proceeds were used to extend support to more students, construct computer labs, and install solar systems in two schools. Over 200 teachers received training in digital learning, enabling better utilization of computers in teaching. The results: students tripled their reading time, and teachers incorporated technology effectively into their lessons.
Project Name: Rotary Peace Fellowship
Polio survivor Ronald Kasule overcame significant challenges to become a 2021 Polio Peace Fellow at the Rotary Peace Centre, specializing in Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution. Now, he tirelessly advocates for the rights of disabled persons in Uganda, ensuring their access to education, jobs, and participation in socio-economic and political life.
His co-founded mobile platform, the Diversity Ability Support Network System, connects those with disabilities to essential resources and service providers, reflecting his commitment to creating the opportunities he himself was once denied.
Disaster Response Fund Helps Victims of Earthquake in Turkey
When a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria on February 6th, 2023, causing massive devastation and loss, Rotary International’s Disaster Response was swiftly activated. President Jennifer Jones coordinated with Turkish district leaders, who, despite personal losses, shipped essential supplies nationwide. This urgent response underlines the crucial role of Rotary’s Disaster Response Fund in offering immediate aid during crises.
D3450 Rotary Figures
Rotary Foundation Recognition Spotlight
我加入扶輪社三十年了，但當被問及「為何要加入扶輪社？」這個看似平淡的問題時，卻教我回想起來倍感意味深長。
我一生與報紙結下不解之緣，與報紙朝夕作伴，因此，我比一般人看到更多世間苦難，見到更多急需幫助的人。於是，一個念頭就出現在我的腦海中：我雖然不能兼善天下，但總可以由獨善其身再向前邁進一步吧！但問題是如何可以盡力把這一步邁得夠大，而且方向正確呢？還有就是慿一己之力就可以取得理想成果嗎？
For thirty years, I’ve been a member of the Rotary Club, and whenever I’m asked the simple question, “Why did you join the Rotary Club?”, it brought me to a deep, thoughtful reflection. I diligently read newspapers and keep myself up-to-date with current events. As such, I am exposed me to more of the world’s pain and people in desperate need of assistance. Such insights sparked a thought in my mind: while I cannot fix all the world’s problems, I can certainly better myself and make a difference in my own way. And hence I dedicate myself to make meaningful differences, move in the right direction and make substantial strides in the world.
於是，我用了兩年時間在我參與的社團活動中細心觀察，終於找到了可以幫助我正確向前邁進，達成我的意願的團體–扶輪社。這個正確選擇是我人生中值得驕傲的事情，因為加入了扶輪社這個大家庭，能經常與那些能力出眾，思想敏鋭的社友在一起研討，以及開展社會服務，得以有機會付出自己的心力，這可是難得的緣份。
I spent two years closely observing the various clubs I was part of, I finally found the Rotary Club—an organisation that provides the right framework for my aspirations and facilitates my desire to contribute meaningfully. I take pride in this decision to join Rotary, as it has allowed me to join a grand family of gifted and perceptive individuals who engage in frequent discussions and community service. This opportunity to make a tangible difference is a unique and treasured experience.
說到緣份，促使我加入扶輪社的其中一個原因是，我出席了一個講座，聽到有些扶輪社友犧牲休假時間，到柬埔寨、老撾等東南亞國家，為那些被炸斷手腳的人安裝義肢，使他們回復正常生活。他們努力付出的行為令我為之動容，而在我加入扶輪社後，在其他社友中也感受到這種特質。因此，與其說出席了那個講座是個緣份，但其實也不能說是緣份，因為這就是扶輪精神，並非偶然才會遇到，所以不能算是緣份。而我加入扶輪社後，不但如願得以向前邁進，而且付出得回的是心靈歡快，舒暢自在，這是最難得的。但願我的工作表現能給予下一代一些啓發，讓扶輪精神延續下去。
One of the major factors that pulled me to join Rotary was a seminar I attended. I was deeply touched hearing stories of fellow Rotarians, who gave up their leisure time to install prosthetics for amputees in Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia and Laos, enabling the amputees to resume normal lives. Their selfless contributions, also shared by other Rotarians, deeply resonated with me. Therefore, that seminar wasn’t merely a chance encounter; it showed me the Rotary spirit.
對於我成為Major Donor，一是珠玉在前，那些令我敬仰的扶輪社前輩付出的更多。二是最重要的是名實相符，有了這個名銜更要多做實事。隨著人工智能時代的來臨，對一些落後地區可能造成很大衝擊，加上疫症肆虐，我希望我的捐獻可以有助他們略解燃眉之急，以免社會發生動盪，並外溢到其他地區。
As a Major Donor, I’m walking the path paved by respected Rotary elders who have given even more. This title is a reminder and an obligation to contribute more tangibly. In this era of artificial intelligence, I anticipate significant changes, especially in disadvantaged areas, and with the added challenges of a rampant pandemic, I hope my donations can offer some immediate relief.
人工智能帶來了新的機遇，但也給年輕人的前途罩上一層迷霧。金融業是受人工智能影響最大的行業之一，而香港是國際金融中心。因此，我期望香港的社友能助年輕人撥開迷霧，抓住機遇，以免思想被帶偏，使香港更快由治及興。
Artificial intelligence has introduced new opportunities but also shrouded the future of the younger generation with uncertainty. The financial sector, heavily impacted by AI, holds a pivotal role in Hong Kong, an international financial hub. Therefore, I earnestly hope that my fellow Rotarians in Hong Kong can assist young people to navigate this fog of uncertainty, seize the emerging opportunities, and thus fast-track the resurgence and prosperity of our city.
非常感謝前會長Alice的無私奉獻！你真正實踐了 “超我服務” 的精神！感謝你對扶輪基金會的支持！
Thank you so much Past President Alice for your heart to serve. You are truly living Service Above Self!
Thank you for supporting Rotary Foundation!