27 September 2007
Port Louis — "Every Rotary project I have seen has impressed me in its own way. The projects that have impressed me the most, have been those addressing a need that no one has been able to meet before, whether because of lack of resources, a lack of ability or simply a lack of awareness.
The projects that stand out in my mind the most are those that are meeting real needs and quietly changing lives. I have seen projects that have astounded me with their thought, planning and insight. And I have seen all of this done with warmth, grace and the skill born out of local knowledge." Bill Boyd, Immediate Past President, Rotary International.
Rotarians in Mauritius and Rodrigues (there are thirteen Rotary Clubs in Mauritius and one in Rodrigues), have always shared their time, energy, skills and personal resources to support the Rotary concept of Service Above Self, turning ideas into action. Numerous community projects in the catchment areas of the clubs in Mauritius and Rodrigues exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of caring about people, encapsulated in Rotary's values, principles and tradition.
Now that all the incoming Presidents of our local clubs are comfortably set to meet the challenges of Rotary year 2007 - 2008, an impressive list of projects await the unstinting application of patience and persistence of Mauritian and Rodriguan Rotarians. Some of them will reach completion this year and others, which have become regular features of our social and educational calendars, are ongoing for several years. Many have been approved by the various Club boards' as they meet the needs of underprivileged groups.
Jumble Sale
The Rotary Club of Port-Louis is currently engaged in the organisation of its annual fundraising through a jumble sale to provide breakfast to the needy children of a primary school on the west coast. This project is essentially managed by the spouses of Rotarians. The Jumble sale will take place on Saturday 10th November 2007 at Winners Camp Levieux / Roches Brunes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Club's President, Michael Bootle, may be contacted for information on where and when to drop donations.
Roche Bois Outreach and Care Programme
Another major project of the Rotary Club of Port-Louis and which necessitates important fund-raising activities is the Outreach and Care Programme for the rehabilitation of street children in Roche Bois, one of the most distressed areas in Mauritius with problems related to drugs, alcoholism, prostitution and unemployment. The Roche Bois project is monitored by the MPRB centre of the locality and the European Union is helping with substantial funding.
It involves the setting up of a permanent professional outreach programme for 60 street children. The ultimate objective is to get each of these children into an individual vocational training project so that they emerge with a sustainable livelihood and can thus become independent adult citizens. It is designed to operate with three street workers working full-time with local volunteers and funds are needed for staff salaries, equipment and activities.
Aids Awareness Programme
In the pipeline, the Club has an HIV/AIDS project designed to change the way we perceive a person infected with the virus and help overcome the trauma of the infected. In view of this new project, the director of PILS, Miss Audrey D'Hotman de Villiers was invited at the Club's weekly meeting FOR A BRIEF. She provided a stark and timely reminder of the need for more action in the battle against HIV/AIDS. She provided startling statistics to show the growing incidence of drug abuse and HIV infection amongst the young and highlighted the adverse effects on the development of the country.
Opportunities for Like-Minded People
In the context of the Rotary Family Exchange Programme, the Rotary Club of Port-Louis welcomed five visiting Rotarian couples from Punjab, India. A rich and inspiring experience highlighted by friendship across borders.
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