Rotaract District 7030 Newsletter

December 2015 Edition

WHATS IN THIS ISSUE

District Rotaract Representative Message
Rotaract District 7030 Focus
I. District Leadership Training 2015
II. The Effectiveness of Social Media in Disaster Preparedness A brief
Case Study

Rotary International Focus

Get to KnowYour Rotaract District Presidents 2015-2016
Club Stories
III. Rotaract Club of Arima
IV. Rotaract Club of F.R.E.S.H.
V. Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central
VI. Rotaract Club of Piarco (U.W.I.)
VII. Rotaract Club of Pointe--Pitre
VIII. Rotaract Club of Port of Spain West
IX. Rotaract Club of Tobago

District Reminders
Charter Anniversaries

DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE MESSAGE

As we draw near to the end of 2015, most of us will be taking the time
to reflect on what we have been able to accomplish over any adversity
faced. For our District, however, we are at a different point as we
approach our halfway mark in our Rotary year. At this time, we stop
momentarily to ensure that the service we are providing to both our
fellow Rotaractors and the wider community is in line with our Rotary
principles, our Districts plans and objectives and our own Club level
goals. It is a time for us to refocus, reprioritize and reenergize
ourselves so that we can continue working towards a successful year.
Guided by our lessons learned from mistakes we are able to chart a
new way forward that will position us once more on our path to Rotareadiness!
By all accounts, our Rotaractors seemed well on their way to Rotareadiness at our successfully executed 26th Annual District Leadership
Training Seminar held on 19th 22nd November. This was the forum that
allowed for our skills to be sharpened, our minds stimulated and our
interest peaked as we were enriched by the expertise of various friends of Rotaract, Rotarians, Past
Rotaractors and our own Rotaract membership. Events such as these provide us with essential face to
face time that is imperative to the success of our District and refuels us for the journey ahead.
As December begins, Rotary International asks for us to make Disease Prevention and Treatment
which speaks to the core of our organization in our goal to eradicate Polio, part of our journey.
Therefore, I encourage each of you to continue living your Y.E.S.!, remembering at all times our
commitment to service above self.

YIR,
DRR Giselle Holder
Rotaract District 7030
December 2015

ROTARACT DISTRICT 7030 FOCUS

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2015

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN DISASTER

PREPAREDNESS A BRIEF CASE STUDY
PROBLEM & CONSTRAINTS
The main problem was that information, contained in bulletins or updates concerning disastercausing events e.g. tropical storms and hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc. could not
be disseminated in real-time. There were time lags of up to 48 hours in some cases.
Even worse, in other cases, several Rotaractors werent in the communications loop.
The constraint was that the District Disaster Preparedness Officer (DDPO) had to initially
communicate with the District Team and Presidents directly, usually via email. As such, information
took time to be disseminated via this channel to the various Memberships in District 7030. It was
evident that this wasnt done at times.
As DDPO, there was no administrative access to Rotaract District 7030s official Facebook outlets.
Therefore, time would elapse before updates or bulletins, which were submitted by the DDPO, were
officially posted, if they were at all.
APPLIED SOLUTION
The communication link between the DDPO and the District Team, Presidents, Boards and
Memberships of Rotaract District 7030 must should be direct, simultaneous and able to accommodate
real-time dissemination of relevant information or data.
It was observed that the most consistently and readily accessed form of media amongst Rotaractors in
District 7030 is Facebook. This is followed by WhatsApp.
It is also observed that various regional and international media organisations, Disaster Management
Agencies, Meteorological Services, relief organisations and academic/scientific institutions have a
strong and consistent social media presence, especially on Facebook.
Therefore, the DDPO would utilise this major social media application to facilitate this aforementioned
communications link.
This would be used in conjunction with regular email transmissions and WhatsApp messaging for
individual and immediate correspondence.
This communications link took the form of the Facebook Group: RI Rotaract District 7030 Disaster
Preparedness and Awareness Action Group.
RESULTS
At least 450 Rotaractors (past and present) and Rotarians in the Facebook Group have access to a
shared media platform from which they can receive relevant and real-time information with respect to
disaster preparedness and awareness directly from the DDPO and are also able to do the same via
group member access in an interactive, amicable, online environment.

The consistent dissemination of information concerning disaster-causing hazards/events in a realtime manner also aided in efforts for preparation and disaster management and relief in times of
need.
Immediate example: Tropical Storm Erica and the subsequent devastation experienced by the
Commonwealth of Dominica due to its passing.
Several Clubs in the region were able to communicate with their Dominican counterparts (Rotaract
Club of Roseau and Rotary Club of Portsmouth) via this Facebook Group, with the coordination for the
procurement of suitable relief supplies and the shipments of same being carried out via the Group.
OBSERVATIONS
Immediate and reliable communication is key amongst individuals in order to effectively coordinate
meaningful efforts towards significant objectives.
Rotaractors in the District are now more engaged in terms of the concepts of Risk/Disaster
Preparedness and Management and with regard to establishing links with their respective Disaster
Management Agencies.
This social media platform would enable Clubs to actively make a positive difference in their
communities and in unison for the sake of entire territories in the region, in the event of disasters, and
to not just simply be by-standers.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Presidential Message: December 2015
When the Canadian army liberated the Netherlands in 1945, they found the
country on the brink of starvation. Seeing the suffering of so many, and
especially moved by the faces of the children, four Canadian privates
stationed near Apeldoorn that year decided to make that Christmas special
for as many Dutch children as they could. Together, they made the rounds
among their fellow soldiers, collecting chocolate bars and chewing gum,
candy and comic books. In their spare moments, they built toy trucks out of
wood and wire, sawed scrap lumber for building blocks; one, risking the
military police, sold his cigarette ration on the black market, using the
money to buy rag dolls. Each thought longingly of his own family at home;
each channeled his energies instead toward the children whose Christmas
they knew they could brighten.
By 1 December, four sacks of gifts lay ready; the soldiers eagerly looked forward to the 25th. But two
days later, they learned the date they were to depart for Canada: 6 December, long before
Christmas. With mixed emotions, the soldiers decided that the best plan simply would be to take
their sacks over to the local orphanage and leave them there to await Christmas. The night before
they were to leave the Netherlands, the four set off for the orphanage, one of them in a makeshift
white beard and red cap. On their way, they were surprised to hear church bells ringing and see
houses lit brightly, with Christmas still some weeks away. As they approached the orphanage, boots
crunching in the snow, they saw through the windows that the children, two dozen girls and boys,
were gathered at their evening meal. Only a few months after the war's end, food was still scarce; the
meal was small, and the children's faces pale and thin.
"Santa Claus" raised the knocker on the door and knocked three times, hard. As if by magic, the
chatter of young voices inside fell silent; a priest opened the door. His polite expression gave way to
one of shock, as the children behind him erupted into cheers, rushing forward and swarming the
private who had dressed for Christmas three weeks early but exactly on time. For in the
Netherlands, Sinterklaas comes on St. Nicholas Eve: 5 December.
For an hour, joyful chaos reigned as packages were opened and exclaimed over, sweets were tasted,
dolls caressed. The last wooden truck, the last bar of chocolate, went into the hands of a little boy who
had been waiting patiently all the while. After thanking the men, he turned to the priest and said
something to him in Dutch, his face alight with happiness. The priest smiled and nodded. "What did
he say?" one of the soldiers asked. The priest looked at them with eyes full of tears. "He said, 'We told
you he would come.'"
By sending joy out into the world, we do not sacrifice it for ourselves we only multiply it. As we
enter this season of giving, let us multiply the gifts we have been given by sharing them with others.
Through acts of caring, kindness, and generosity, in our clubs and through our Foundation, we
become and remain a gift to the world.

GET TO KNOW
YOUR ROTARACT DISTRICT
PRESIDENTS
2015-2016

Name: Aurlie Elosel (President of the Rotaract Club of

Saint Pierre, 2015-2016)

Age: 22 years
Nationality: French
Date of Birth: 29th December 1993
Hobbies/Interests: Paining, Hiking
Degree programme/Occupation: Bachelor in Business and
Management / Junior Logician
Year Inducted: 2014

I joined Rotaract because

organizing and developing projects is one of my favourite activities. Also my parents from a very young
age taught me to help the less fortunate. Today, seeing projects come to fruition through fellowship,
encourages me to continue despite the difficulties

My fondest moment thus far in Rotaract was

The recruitment of new young people. In a month because of communication and meetings we went from
two members to a great team of 10 active and motivated persons. We will continue recruiting

I believe that Rotaract is important because

It is an opportunity to gain as much as you give. The ability to build friendships, network, receive training
while doing great work for the community. A great foundation in developing socially conscious citizens
guided by the Four Way Test.

Name: Ezra Peter (President of Rotaract

Club of Roseau, 2015-2016)
Age: 28
Nationality: Dominican
Birthday: 6th May, 1987
Hobbies/Interests: Nature/Adventurous
activities, Travelling, Music, Cooking,
Socializing, Shopping and fashion, Helping
others
Degree programme/Occupation:
Construction Administrative Manager
Year Inducted: 2008

I joined Rotaract because

I love helping people and giving back and Rotaract gives me the opportunity to do just that.

My fondest moment thus far in Rotaract was

Winning the awards for Rotaractor of the year, Director of the year, Committee of the year (Finance) and
the Presidents Award at my clubs handing over ceremony 2014. Hard work pays off! The opportunity to
serve on the district team in 2011 as District Liaison Officer is also very dear to me.

I believe that Rotaract is important because

It gives you the opportunity to develop yourself both personally and professionally, it helps you to gain
new experiences and insight, its an avenue to give back and help others and it provides opportunities
for fun, fellowship, travel and networking.

CLUB STORIES

ROTARACT CLUB OF ARIMA

THE ROTARACT CLUB OF ARIMA LENDS IT SUPPORT TO THE FOURTH
ANNUAL BUDDY WALK HELD BY THE DOWN SYNDROME FAMILY NETWORK
TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR DOWN SYNDROME DURING DOWN SYNDROME
AWARENESS MONTH
The Down Syndrome Family Network (DFSN),
founded in 2011, is a non-profit organization based in
Trinidad and Tobago. Its mission is to support loved
ones and care-givers of individuals with Down
Syndrome through advocacy, education and research
in order for those individuals to live as independently
as possible and become valued members of their
community and society.
DSFN, in partnership with the USAs National Down
Syndrome Society (NDSS), held its Fourth Annual
Buddy Walk at Nelson Mandela Park, St. Clair, Port-ofSpain, Trinidadon Sunday 18th October 2015.NDSS
established the Buddy Walk programme in 1995 to
promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome and to celebrate Down Syndrome
Awareness Month in October. This is the third year that the Rotaract Club of Arima has participated
and lent its support for this worthwhile and publically visible event with persons with Down
Syndrome and their support groups in mind.
Rotaractors were instrumental in the fundraising
venture (selling of branded hats and jerseys),
geared towards raising funds for the organisation
to continue its efforts to
raise
awareness
and
provide support to the
members
of
their
community.
The Rotaract Club of
Arima, by supporting the
DSFN Buddy Walk, sent a
message in support of the
acceptance and inclusion
of people with Down
Syndrome as well as
people of all abilities in
society.

ROTARACT CLUB OF ARIMA RETURNS TO THE GRADUATION PAVILION AT

THE UTT OMEARA CAMPUS TO HOST ITS ANNUAL YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
SYMPOSIUM (Y.E.S.) FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF NORTH EAST
TRINIDAD
The Rotaract Club of Arima held its annual Youth
Empowerment Symposium, this time making a return to
the University of Trinidad and Tobagos Graduation
Pavilion at the OMeara Campus, OMeara Industrial
Estate, Arima, Trinidad, on Thursday 22nd October 2015.
Typically, YES 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.
YES 2015s Programme was modified in order to
accommodate at least one hundred (100) students from
Forms 4-6 of Arima North Secondary School, Holy Cross
College, Johnsons Finishing School and Trinity
Education Centre. Emphasis was placed on interview
techniques/procedures; resume writing; various
aspects and facets of office/professional etiquette and
protocol and relevant career guidance.
The Club managed the events overall logistics and
programme content, with informative exhibitions being
provided by fourteen (14) Exhibitors which included
tertiary education and technical vocational education
institutions/providers, state enterprises, public utilities
and arms of the Trinidad and Tobago Protective
Services and Defence Forces. YES 2015s Feature Speakers were Ms. Ophelia Baptiste (HR Specialist),
Mr. Michael Marimuthu (Jobs and Career Coach, NTA), and Dr. Joseph Jacob (Manager - Student
Recruitment Unit, UTT).
Feedback from YES 2015s participants and observers indicated that this was a worthwhile and
successful event!

ROTARACT CLUB OF F.R.E.S.H.

5TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROTARACT CLUB F.R.E.S.H.
Looking at a video of the start of RC
of FRESH, shown by the Past District
Governor

On November 4th theRotaract Club

celebrated their 5thyear anniversary!

of

F.R.E.S.H.

This fiscal year is the sign of our anniversary. Because of

this memorable occasion, a birthday committee
organized a party where the Interact, the Rotaract sister
clubs, the Rotary and past members were present.

The formal part of the evening consisted of speakers who

were involved over the past 5 years. One of them was the
Past District Governor (PDG) Elwin Atmodimedjo who is
also the Founder/Godfather of the club. The significant
thread of speeches was the always enormous growth Rotaract club F.R.E.S.H. has and that our
commitment over the past year has been rewarded and have been qualified for 2 awards namely:
Most Outstanding Community Service Project & Most Outstanding International Service Project
During the formal part, the launch of our new club logo took place, which was designed and
presented by the Public Relations Director, meaning: Whenever one has a great idea, a light bulb
starts to shine bright. The light bulb in the logo contains the Rotary Mark of Excellence, symbolizing
the fact that the Rotary family is the light in the lives of the less fortunate.
The evening was informally continued by cutting the cake, a well-cared-for dinner and enjoyable
music.

Board 2015-2016 cutting our FRESH

birthday cake

Our new logo

F.R.E.S.H. BONKOPU SERIE

On Sunday, 1st of November 2015, community service of Rotaract Club of F.R.E.S.H. executed a
project where fellows of our club sold clothes, shoes, books etc. at a reduced price to the community.
The project is called Bonkopuserie, this means super cheap sale. With this project we did some
fundraising for our major diabetes project in January. Different parts of the community were happy as
they could buy good stuff at a very cheap price. At the end of the project, we donated the rest of the
clothes, shoes, books etc. to an orphanage. They were very happy with our spontaneous act.

ROTARACT F.R.E.S.H. LEARNING TO THINK OUTSIDE OF THE

BOX
On Saturday the 17th of October the members of Rotaract F.R.E.S.H. participated in a workshop titled
Thinking Outside Of The Box. This was the second major project initiated by the professional
development avenue. With this project we wanted to develop skills and gather knowledge that would
able us to see things from another perspective and to try to think beyond the scope that we are
custom to. Bringing this all together for projects with more impact in the community. This workshop
was led by Dr. Pam Zuurbier. He is a philosophy lecturer at the university and is also a research
consultant. After an introduction on the topic we were presented with a case. We were divided in
groups and each group had to come up with an outside the box solution for the case. After all the
groups had brainstormed we could present our ideas and receive feedback from each other. We
were all very surprised with the output and at times had a good laugh from the brilliant, funny and out
of this world ideas. At the end we learned that no idea is too silly, because with the right adjustments
it just might be the winning solution the world has been waiting for.

ROTARACT CLUB OF GEORGETOWN CENTRAL

CAN YOU SPELL DYSLEXIA?
- Public Lecture Under the theme - Making Sense of Dyslexia.
As advocates for children affected by dyslexia, the
Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central partnered with
Scotia Bank (Guyana) to host a Public Lecture, aimed at
creating awareness of this learning disability. This Public
Lecture sought primarily to educate key stakeholders, as
a means towards dispelling the common misconceptions
and myths about dyslexia. In the long term, to contribute
to the ongoing, though limited, conversation regarding
Special Needs Education in Guyana and the wider
Caribbean region. On October 7th, the Club accepted
the challenge meted out by District Governor Milton
Inniss all Clubs within District 7030 to reach out into their communities about special needs education.
The first presenter, Mr Keon Cheong, represented the Ministry of Educations Special Needs Unit. He
facilitated a very interactive session which provided
essential information on dyslexia, national policy and the
governments approach to promoting special needs
education and finally, the resources currently available
to teachers and parents of dyslexic students. Our Second
Presenter Mr Sherwin Fraser, represented the academic
fraternity as a researcher, author and educator who has
spent countless hours volunteering and working with
dyslexic children. He presented on the findings of a
successful Special Needs Education project conducted in
one of the rural regions of Guyana.

HEALTH FAIR
Poster for the Health fair

In observance of World Diabetes Day, The Rotaract

Club of Georgetown Central held its annual health fair
on the 14th November 2015, under the theme
Reducing the risk in three, journey to a healthier you
and me. The focus on non-communicable diseases is
part of the Districts Community Service Project for the
year 2015 2016. The projects major objective was to
assist in the reduction of chronic non-communicable
diseases through risk factor awareness, education and
sensitization.

In light of such, members of the Rotaract club of

Georgetown Central collaborated with the Ministry of
Health, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation,
Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, Rotary
Club of Georgetown Central and University of Guyana Optometry Association to offer free services to
the public at large. Participants benefited from eight different services including: Glucose testing,
Blood Pressure testing, Body Mass Index Test, Blood Donation, Dental and Eye Check Ups, HIV/AIDS
tests and VIA. For patients to benefit from any of the eight services offered they were required to test
their glucose and pressure level in order to increase awareness regarding non-communicable
disease. Approximately 165 persons benefited from the services provided. Feedback received
demonstrated that the fair was successful and fulfilled its intended goal.

ROTARACT CLUB OF PIARCO UWI

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2015 EXPERIENCE
Having never attended the previous District Leadership Training,
held in 2014, I was excited to venture out into the experience of DLT
2015. Accompanied by Vice President Kevan St. Brice, Treasurer
Sarah Henry, International Service Director Ariel Burke, Club
Service Director Kerwin Ryan, Club Member Kafi Farell and DRRN
Kezra Lashley, my DLT experience was one to remember.
Hosted by the Rotaract Clubs of Arima, Port of Spain West, Central
Port of Spain, and Maraval, at the beautiful Carlton Savannah Hotel,
DLT delivered a trifecta of intensive training, fantastic fellowship
and engaging networking opportunities that allowed us to build
relationships with other clubs within District 7030.
The training seminars were insightful, and relevant to current
issues that clubs within the District faced. Furthermore, these
seminars were able to provide Rotaractors and prospective
Rotaractors with a deeper understanding of Rotary International
and Rotaract, and reenergised interest within the club, along with
building on our leadership skills and commitment to self-development, club development and
developing our communities.
Fun, Friendships & Bubbling; these three words sums up the
experiences during each fellowship held during the weekend of
DLT. From Stumbling, to Aria to Fuego, the fun never ceased until
the break of dawn. It was great spending time with not only other
Rotaractors from my club, but also reconnecting with old friends,
and making new ones. From impromptu room visits, and
modelling sessions, to midnight feasts and photo shoots, this DLT
experience, allowed us all to create memories to last a lifetime, or
at least until District Conference in 2016!!
--- Shari George
President of the Rotaract Club of Piarco UWI 2015-2016

ROTARACT CLUB OF POINTE--PITRE

THE HALLOWEEN PARTY

Are you still shakingdont worry, this is

normal! The Enchanted night in the
Mammelles Halloween party, organized by
the Rotaract Club of Pointe--Pitre was
amazing! Blood, spiders webs, vampires,
walking dead, bride from the afterlife.all
were there! We saw scroll through the
scariest costumes. The cottage, which is
usually a place of healing, was literally
transformed for this occasion. Rotaractors
worked very hard creating a decor and
atmosphere, worthy of a real Halloween
party! Many people were present in the
friendly and festive atmosphere!
With this successful event, it is also the Journey to
Jamaica project, which materializes more. The event
aimed to raise funds for this trip, created at the occasion of
the twinning between Rotaract clubs of Jamaica and
Guadeloupe. The money raised will enable the realization
of this long-awaited project.

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TRAINING (DLT) 2015

This year, the 26th edition of District Leadership Training, also called DLT was held in Trinidad and
Tobago. What a warm welcome from our Caribbean friends! This event brings together Rotaractors
and Rotarians from the same district. As its name implies, the aim of this meeting is to stimulate and
strengthen the leadership spirit and learn about how to use this characteristic in team projects. As a
result, several trainings were suggested with different topics, but still had focus towards leadership.
This event was also the opportunity to discuss and exchange about various positions that can be found
in the Rotaract and Rotary offices, as well as within the district.
The District Leadership Training was the opportunity to meet Caribbean fellows from other Rotaract
Clubs, to exchange and build relationships with them. To close a long and rich workday, a friendly
and cheerful evening was organized on a Carnival theme. The Rotary family also knows how to have
fun!

ROTARACT CLUB OF PORT OF SPAIN WEST

ANNUAL BBQ
The Rotaract Club of POS West recently had one of its signature fund raising projects, the Annual BBQ
in collaboration with THE BEEFEATER. The BBQ was held over a two week period with ticket holders
being able to collect their BBQ at THE BEEFEATER located at WestMall, Long Circular Mall or Trincity
Mall.
This year, the club was challenged to push themselves to the limit and sell 1000 tickets in order to
raise the bar higher than the 700 tickets sold last year. Through persistent motivation and good
teamwork, the target was achieved one week before the BBQ ended. A revenue of approximately
$48,000 was made with a profit of approximately $12,000.
The project was even more successful when the owner of Beefeater came to our meeting to propose
that we collaborate with them in their 1st Annual Toy Drive!

ROTARACT CLUB OF TOBAGO

PRESENTS
TOUCH OF TOBAGO- A POST DLT EVENT
District Leadership Training 2015 ended on a great note in Carlton Savannah Trinidad this year and
The Rotaract Club of Tobago decided to host a Post DLT event called Touch of Tobago where 23
delegates were taken on an Island Tour of Tobago. These 23 delegates came from the beautiful
Caribbean Islands of Dominica,
Guyana, Antigua, Suriname and
Trinidad. The tour only lasted a
day but the memories would
last a lifetime as we left the airport
at Crown Point and headed to
the other end of the island. It
started at 9 am and ended at
7pm, the day was filled with sightseeing, picture taking, hiking
and swimming as our very own
International Service Director
Philbert played the role of our Tour
guide, pointing out all the
beautiful sites along the way. The
highlight of the trip was the
tour to Little Tobago, an island just
a couple miles off the mainland.
After having lunch at Jemmas in
Speyside we boarded the glass
bottom boat where we were able
to see the Coral Reef. The tour
at Little Tobago was
breath-taking
and
very
informative
and
we
ended the day swimming in the
waters at Blue-Waters Inn
in Speyside. On our way back to
the guest house we
shared our various cultural songs
while others were fast
asleep from a fun-filled day.

DISTRICT REMINDERS
December 30th
Deadline for the submission of articles for the District Newsletter (to DS Kezra & ADS Delon)

CHARTER ANNIVERSARIES
December
05th Rotaract Club of Antigua
09th Rotaract Club of Piarco (BATCE)
09th Rotaract Club of University of Guyana
14th Rotaract Club of Saint-Pierre
23th Rotaract Club of Piarco (UWI)

Happy
Charter!

THE END
Do you want more Rotaract District 7030? Follow us

https://www.facebook.com/Rotaract7030?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/RotaractD7030

http://www.rotaract7030.org/

http://instagram.com/rotaract_district7030

A Product of Rotaract District 7030