District Newsletter December 2014 (English)
District Newsletter December 2014 (English)
District Newsletter December 2014 (English)
International Focus
I. Escape to Paradise 2015
II. RYLA North America Conference 2015
It is anticipated that December will be packed with Christmas dinners, socials and giving back to those
in need. It will therefore not be a hectic one for me as I will only be visiting the Rotaract Clubs in
Barbados Barbados West, South Barbados and UWI Cave Hill as well as the District Conference
planning committee. I look forward to hearing all that is planned for the hundreds of Rotaractors who
will be making their way to the beautiful tourist destination as we seek to Build, Integrate and Motivate
through service.
Although we are several weeks away, I would like to wish all Rotaractors and their loved ones a happy
and safe Christmas. May your season be filled with joy and togetherness as you spend time with family
and friends. As you usher in the New Year, may it also begin positive and productive.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Yours in Rotaract,
Vanessa Boyce
District Rotaract Representative 2014-2015
Rotaract District 7030
By involving our family members, we make all of our endeavours more successful and enjoyable. We
also address the problem, often cited by younger members that Rotary competes with family time.
Once people realize that they do not have to decide between Rotary and family, they will be more likely
to accept our invitations to join. And just as important, once they do join, they are much more likely to
become and remain educated, productive Rotarians.
But the family of Rotary can be more than a single family unit. It can represent many aspects of the
organization. The RI Board is part of the family of Rotary International. So is each district as well as each
club. Each Group Study Exchange team is part of the family of Rotary. So are our Rotaractors and
Interactors and our Youth Exchange students studying abroad. Our RI training leaders and all of our
committees and resource groups form various parts of the family of Rotary. Finally, The Rotary
Foundation is a large and important part of our family of Rotary.
The idea of the family of Rotary is a simple one, and one that we celebrate every December during
Family Month. Every Rotarian is part of the Rotary family but our family is much larger than just our
1.2 million members. The family of Rotary includes every one of the men, women, and children who
are involved in our work: the spouses and children of our members, our Rotary Foundation program
participants and alumni, and all of those who are part of our programs, in the tens of thousands of Rotary
communities around the world.
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The latest edition of the Youth Empowerment Symposium was held in the
Auditorium of Toco Secondary School, Toco, North East Trinidad, on
Friday 31st October 2014.
Typically, Y.E.S. would field interactive discussions on various aspects of
office/professional etiquette and protocol; image enhancement, personal
development and/or relevant career guidance and educational
development. This projects concept is similar to that of the UWI World of
Work Programme. Y.E.S. 2014s Programme was modified in order to
accommodate at least one hundred and twenty (120) students from forms
3-6 of Toco Secondary School and the nearby Matelot Community College.
It was felt that the youth in rural communities should benefit from this
project with emphasis being placed on early career and higher
educational/training guidance, and personal/attitudinal development.
The Rotaract Club of Arima managed the events overall logistics and programme content, with
informative exhibitions being provided by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT),
College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), SITAL College
of Tertiary Education Limited, the National Training Agency (NTA) and, Youth Training and
Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP). Y.E.S. 2014s feature speaker was the Rotary Club of
Arimas New Generations Officer, Stephen Sogren whose address focused on career/talent guidance
and mentoring. Feedback from Y.E.S. 2014's participants and observers indicated that this was a
worthwhile and successful event!
The Rotaract Club of Arima holds its 8th Annual Charity Cake Sale!
Given the consistent success experienced with the previous seven (7) editions of the Rotaract Club of
Arima Charity Cake Sale and in keeping with the intended objectives of this project, the Rotaract Club
of Arima once again engaged in this annual fund-raising endeavour on Monday 10th November 2014.
The items in each Cake Box included assorted cakes, sweetbread, cheese puffs, brownies, cupcakes,
cinnamon rolls, and strudels.
All objectives which were set out were accomplished during and after the execution of this
undertaking. The Club was able to access a broad customer base as tickets were made available to
Members families and friends, colleagues from work and/or school, fellow Rotaractors in other Clubs
in Trinidad and Tobago and also to corporate customers. It proved to be a great vehicle for spreading
the word about Rotaract while further establishing the Clubs reputation for its successful Charity Cake
Sales. Also, substantial monies were raised (approximately TT $13,800.00 / US $2,165.28) in order to
ensure the continuance and meaningful impact of the Rotaract Club of Arimas Community Service
Projects.
By and large, the feedback received has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers indicating their
satisfaction with the product on offer. Indeed, the Charity Cake Sale proved to be a resounding success!
Water Sanitation and Conservation Awareness Project between the Rotaract Clubs of
Arima and Blue Cayman Islands
The Rotaract Club of Arima, together with its twin club Rotaract Blue Cayman Islands, planned a public
awareness project with emphasis placed on water sanitation and conservation. This entailed each club
having to field a presentation or interactive dialogue/discussion with a given grouping of primary or
secondary school students and facilitated by the relevant public utility or state agency responsible for
the water and wastewater treatment sector of its country.
On Friday 31st October 2014, as part of the Youth Empowerment Symposiums (Y.E.S.) program, the
Rotaract Club of Arima was able to hold an interactive presentation and discussion session in
conjunction with the Water and Sewerage Authority of Trinidad and Tobagos (WASA). This session
was facilitated by Ms. Keisha Leach of WASAs Public Education Centre.
WASA was established by an Act of Parliament in 1965 to manage the water and wastewater sector of
Trinidad and Tobago. The focus of this session was placed on raising awareness of the need for water
conservation and the importance of practices to ensure water sanitation among at least one hundred
and twenty (120) students from Forms 3-6 of Toco Secondary School and Matelot Community College
in attendance. This in turn would aid the wider community as these students would be able to aid in the
preservation of this vital resource, especially during drought conditions.
We decorated the room with yellow and white balloons to make it look more festive. For dinner we ate
home-made chicken burgers with fries. After the movie we brought out a toast to our club may we
prosper and succeed further in the activities we attempt. Two of our Honorary Members came to
celebrate together with us and we had a fun time together also.
On 26th October we went to a place called Berg and Dal for the photo shoot of the project Places of
Interest of the Rotaract Club Port of Spain West. Berg and Dal means Mountain and Valley. After we
had our shoot, we had some leisure time to do fun things and we also made a picture for the End up
Polio project.
While having fun PRO Samuel came with the idea to teach our Rotaractors of District7030 and around
the world some Dutch words. With that we want you to get a little bit acquainted with our language. We
made a video Learn Dutch with Genesis, and posted it on our Facebook Page. Every month we will
teach some other Dutch words. Stay tuned because there are more lessons to come.
Here are the words in English and Dutch
How are you? - Hoe gaat het?
Im fine Het gaat goed
Whats your name? Hoe heet jij?
Im - Ik heet
We are from Rotract club Genesis Wij zijn van Rotaract clu Genesis
Bye - Daag/Doei
On November 9th the Rotaract Club Genesis organized a Genesis Sunday Picnic and Historical Tour
and invited her sister clubs Rotaract Club F.R.E.S.H. and Rotaract Club Paramaribo to join. The goals of
this project were to learn about the history of Suriname in Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, to have a scavenger
hunt in teams and to picnic together while enjoying nature. The historical tour guide was mister Frits
who gave information about all the sights that we walked by. The fellows were instructed to take notes
of any information given during the historical tour, because the questions of the scavenger hunt were
related to the tour.
Unfortunately due to rain, we werent able to have the picnic we planned on the grass. We improvised
and decided to have the picnic on the ground of the space we reserved. After the picnic the participants
were divided into groups to complete the scavenger hunt. After an hour of scavenger hunting all groups
managed to reach the finish successfully. The winners of the scavenger hunt received colourful cups
wrapped in cellophane paper with a hand towel and some candy in them. After announcing the winners
of the hunt we cleaned up and took a wonderful group photo. After exciting fun and successful day we
returned to Paramaribo.
On Thursday November 14th we drew sketches on the wall of the bike shed and that Friday we teamed
up with the kids that go to O.S. Clevia and painted the drawings on the wall. On Sunday we gave the
signal for official use of the new and improved bike shed. We also organized a bike tour with the kids.
We had a total of 53 bikers and kids who didnt have a bike stayed at school to do some sports activities.
The children were spoiled by us with some fruits, yoghurts, water. For our birthday each kid got a
cupcake that was made by ourselves. We had a police escort, therefore the tour was safe and
successful. The kids had a really fun day.
On Saturday 27th September, 2014, the Rotaract Club of Grenada embarked upon an initiative to train
its prospective members and also do a club portrait. The main objectives of the prospective training
were to provide new prospective members with a comprehensive orientation to Rotaract, ensure that
all members are provided with necessary support resources to ensure smooth integration into the club
and to access additional training needs.
To kick the weekend off, we treated DRR Vanessa to an authentic Grenadian breakfast at Deynas
Delight; a local favourite, before hurrying to our community service project in the south of the island.
Determined to not squander the time, we held a productive and very interactive board meeting before
heading off to Sails Restaurant for a tasty lunch. Later that night we had dinner at the Le Chateau
Restaurant and Bar before resting for our exciting day ahead. Early Sunday morning, we set out on a
hiking excursion to the Aucoin Waterfall, with our awesome tour guide Ras473. The hike was intense,
but the reward of a refreshing rush of water down our backs was well worth it.
Following the hike, we headed down to Mango Bay, vegetarian restaurant, where we savoured their
very flavourful ital food. The skepticism of many of us was brought to a halt once we tasted the creamy
callaloo soup, which then led to an amazing main course and was followed by delightful desserts.
We later said our farewells to DRR Vanessa and proceeded to our final event; a fundraising project of
manning the bar at Rotarian Waggy Ts Mega Bingo.
The weekend was indeed a very busy one; however, all members participating voiced their
gratification having spent a fun weekend of fellowship with our Rotaract family and visiting DRR
Vanessa.
Over the next month, prospective members will participate in a hectic schedule of Community Service
Projects as well as Club Service outings. Plans are in place for membership retention and our prospects
are looking good.
Look out for more activities from the Rotaract Club of Kingstown.
Six well known designers showcased their authentic pieces of clothing, shoes and jewellery. The
person who modelled the designs consisted of top models from Suriname and fellow Rotaractors. The
show was held by the pool of the Courtyard Marriott. The featured entertainment included fantastic
singers and upcoming artistes who gave the evening a perfectly elegant touch. A special touch was
provided when one of the groups wrote and dedicated a song to sickle cell patients in Suriname. The
most touching moment of the show came at the very end. A sickle patient told her touching and heart
wrenching story. She spoke about how often she was discriminated against because she wasnt always
healthy enough to participate in many activities. She kept believing in herself, stayed strong and
achieved the goals she set and got where she wanted to be. This story brought tears to the eyes of many
people at the show.
This evening was one never to be forgotten and will live on in our hearts and memories.
Several persons donated money and grocery items; special mention is made to National Scanners who
donated canned food. Ten persons were assigned to cook, including members and prospective
members and seven drivers were designated for the day, including the President of The Rotaract Club
of Arima, Daniel Skinner- Ballatyne. Over twenty persons came out to help with packaging and
distribution. We also received assistance from the President of the Rotaract Club of UWI, Mona.
We would like to thank all the cooks, drivers and distributors for their invaluable assistance. Our initial
goal of feeding 100 persons was exceeded as a total of 150 persons were fed. This was due to the
overwhelming support of our volunteers and donations received. It was an enjoyable experience for
all involved and those who received lunches expressed countless and sincere gratitude.
The primary thrust behind this idea is to encourage Rotaractors to feel a part of and take ownership of
their club. This venture has also stimulated members and prospective members to better understand
and know our organization, as they would go out in groups of 2-4 persons. So with this understanding,
we launched out, going where no Rotaractor from RCOP (UWI) has gone before, exploring new lands,
encountering new people and making short presentations about what our club has been doing. Thus
far we have been able to visit the Rotaract Clubs of St. Augustine West, Port of Spain West and St.
Augustine. We are grateful for the warm welcomes, gifts exchanged, information learnt and fellowship
had with each of our host. To the members who have not been able to make any of the visits with us so
far, dont be left out! The EMPIRE wants you! Moving forward, we hope to make visits to other Rotaract
clubs, Rotary Clubs and other organizations in Trinidad and Tobago and across the region, so stay
tuned we may be coming to a meeting near you.
This twinning was one of the priorities in 2014 for the Club which wished to create an exchange with
another District in the Caribbean. The choice of the Club Rotaract of Kingston was approved because
one of our members, Midji Verdol, moved to Jamaica.
To strengthen this twinning between our two clubs, we decided to implement various projects, during
every meeting and throughout the year in order to discover our counterparts island. Thus, in every
club meeting, we have made the habit of having the Jamaican Minute
During this year, we intend to maintain regular correspondence via e-mail and to exchange gifts so
that, we will be helping in their support to an orphanage or a school in Jamaica. Last but not least our
parties will be themed after the island of our Twinning Club. Finally, during the next two years, we
would like to organize an exchange trip where we will visit one another.
The Rotaract Club of Pointe--Pitre is really proud of its twin and we want to warmly thank the Rotaract
Club of Kingston for its involvement.
The event was held on Sunday 2 November, 2014 at 10 am, beginning at Mid Centre Mall in Chaguanas,
The first half of the rally ended at Caroni Bird Sanctuary, which was the lunch, rest and fellowship spot.
The second half of the Rally started back at 2pm and concluded at 4:30 pm at Queens Royal College,
Port of Spain. This event was a first for many. After treasures were checked, prizes were distributed
and the event ended at 6:30pm.
It was an enjoyable event which fostered team building, and this is what POS West is all about.
Members were randomly put into three groups and were given one week to come up with a group
name and theme. Prospective members were given the opportunity to shine as two were chosen as
Captains and shine they did.
Past Rotaractors were brought in as judges and at the end of the night the judges were unanimous with
the results in 3rd place was 8 days of Christmas, 2nd place was Starlights and 1st place went to
Santas Dashers. The night ended off with a Secret Santa gift exchange with a $TT25 limit per person
for each gift. This budget allowed the creative juices of the members to flow and some hidden talents
to be revealed. This also allowed our members to really get to know one another and their interests.
What a great memorable night it was indeed, food filled our bellies, laughter filled the room and joy
filled our hearts. Seasons Greetings from Rotaract Tobago.
The other contestants placed last respectively for the thrilling event. It made the crowd go wild as some
racers flew off the course, and others took stops to smell the grass, literally, and there were others who
fought dirty. The new RCUG Speed Champion of Champions, Rotaractor Samuel, will retain the title
until next year when the club finds a stronger Need for Speed. This project served to provide a fun and
unique activity in which members, prospective members and guests enjoyed participating in and
bonded during the experience. After this enjoyable event, the ten participates migrated to the Sea
Walls for an impromptu lime and then took of pictures at the nearby 1823 monument for an International
Service Project of Port-of-Spain West (RC).
Tuesday 11th November was our T shirt day and we asked Rotaractors to wear their club shirts and for
our prospective members we asked them to wear the club colours burgundy, yellow and blue.
Thursday 13th November was our Annual CEO Forum! This event which was spearheaded by the
Professional Service Director Kimberly Wallace under the theme Persistence Today for Tomorrows
leaders. This event is held every year to allow students to interact with CEOs from Corporate Barbados
and to be exposed to the runnings of the working world. On Saturday 15th we ended our week by
executing a campus beautification project by repainting benches on campus and also the club donated
a bench on campus which was placed strategically next to a solar powered outlet which allowed
students to sit and charge their devices while enjoying socializing with friends. We would like to thank
Harris Paints for donating paints and the maintenance department on campus for helping to construct
our beautiful bench!
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
The premier Rotaract club of Sri Lanka (District 3220), the Rotaract Club of Colombo (RCC), is thrilled
to announce its flagship International Service project 'Escape to Paradise' will take place again for the
8th consecutive year! Six lucky participants will be hosted by the RCC as they explore our beautiful
island, Sri Lanka, for 10 exciting days.
Trip dates:
5th-14th March 2015
Participation fee:
US$250 [This fee is inclusive of accommodation, private transport and 3 basic meals per day for the
duration of ETP. It does NOT include your to/from airfare, visa costs, shopping, and/or other personal
expenses.]
Eligibility:
Any active Rotaractor aged 18-30 belonging to a functioning Rotaract club
Application form:
Please see attached. A letter of recommendation is also required. Feel free to be creative when
applying!
Application deadline:
15th December 2014
We hope to make this ETP the best one yet, and look forward to experiencing an unforgettable
journey together! Please forward these details to all that fit!
The first ever Rotaract District 7030 Leadership training was hosted by the Rotaract Club of Sangre
Grande Central, Trinidad from 21st 24th November, 2014. As a first timer to District events and my first
experience out of the country, I must say that I have become a better-rounded person after DLT 2014.
The lessons that I have learnt will help to take my club members and myself a far way in terms of
managing ourselves and our club. District Leadership Training 2014 was one event that I can say I have
gained a lot of experience and knowledge. Also, the fellowship throughout the weekend has allowed
me to gain new friends, a new family and new bonds. On behalf of the Rotaract Club of New Amsterdam,
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our host, the Rotaract Club of Sangre Grande Central
for having us in their community and letting us experience Sangre Grande at a unique way.
Shazam Somwar
Having never attended any training events and conferences before, my anticipation grew with the
prospect of attending the District Leadership Training (DLT) when the idea was announce by our club
trainer. I helped in the marketing of the event for my club and encouraged members to participate in
order for us to be well represented at DLT. Seven of our members, including myself, attended the DLT
2014. Apart from meeting interesting Rotaractors from District 7030, the food, social gatherings and
outreach have forged unforgettable experience and are by far some of my favourite Rotaract memories.
The training topics covered at DLT have helped expand my Rotaract knowledge, a sentiment Im sure
many of us could agree with. Congratulations to the DLT 2014 Committee for putting together an
impressive event. I would change this experience for the world.
Candice Barton
I wish to congratulate the Rotaract Club of Sangre Grande Central on a job well done. As an attendee
at the first District 7030 Leadership Training, I was flooded with euphoria. I can proudly say that myself
and my fellow club members have been energized returning from DLT. I also believe that all members
present from District 7030 and the representatives from District 7020 have gone back to their respective
clubs recharged and eager to continue serving their members. I wish to encourage District Team
Members, Board Members, Rotaractors and Prospective Members to attend this event, as it was
effective, motivational and engaging. The presenters were very knowledgeable and they made the
sessions lively by engaging participants, allowing them to speak freely and candidly. They also used
humor during their presentation which kept participants enthusiastic. In my opinion, I think the
sessions has helped to build the self-worth and self-esteem in members.
Candy Enoe
Dear All,
On behalf of the Rotaract Clubs of Barbados and the 29th Annual Rotaract District 7030 Conference
Committee, I'd like to first apologise for the late start to the registration however for all those eager to
register I have some great news for you; registration is now officially opened. The links for registration
can be found below.
The official website for conference 2015 is: www.rotaractbarbados.org
Registration Page: http://rotaractbarbados.org/conference/conference-registration/
Payment Information: http://rotaractbarbados.org/conference/payment_info/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/29th-Annual-Rotaract-District-7030Conference/720824647998736
To ensure that you receive emails from us in the future please add the domain @rotaractbarbados.org
and/or email address registration@rotaractbarbados.org to your safe recipients list.
Regards,
K. Trmaine Gilkes (Mr.) BSc.
Immediate Past President | Rotaract Club of UWI Cave Hill
Chairperson | 29th Annual District Conference Committee
Assistant District Rotaract Representative | Rotaract District 7030
CHARTER ANNIVERSARIES
December
05th- Rotaract Club of Antigua
09th- Rotaract Club of the University of Guyana
14th- Rotaract Club of Lamentin
21st- Rotaract Club of Piarco (U.W.I.)
23rd- Rotaract Club of Piarco (B.A.T.C.E.)
Happy
Charter!
THE END
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