D-2452 DG's Newsletter October 2022

District 2452 Issue #4 October - Economic &Community Development Rotary through Economic & Community DDG Nazha Abou Development Hindi’s Eyes By District Chair Khaled Bohsali POLIO DAY DG George Azar’s visits to Cyprus & U.A.E. Rotaract News 1

Presidential Message Jennifer Jones President 2022-23 In August, I was proud to visit Pakistan and highlight Rotary’s top goal, eradicating polio. It was also a tremendous opportunity to spotlight female health workers who are playing a critical role in protecting Jennifer Jones children from this vaccine- preventable disease. This month, as we celebrate World Polio making a difference. This month, a new Day, we are shining a spotlight on our more global pledging moment at the World than 30-year effort to lead the first global Health Summit in Berlin promises to pull polio eradication campaign and our success together more resources to fund these in forming partnerships capable of time-sensitive eradication efforts. Now it is completing this massive goal. We all know up to us to do our part and raise $50 million that this is one of the most ambitious global this year to earn the full 2-to-1 match from health initiatives in history and that we’ve the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. reduced polio cases by more than 99.9 There’s great cause for optimism on the percent worldwide. polio front — but also some staggering new Pakistan is one of only two countries in the events that have further raised the stakes. world where wild poliovirus remains Over the past few months, new polio endemic. (The other is neighboring outbreaks have occurred in Israel, the Afghanistan.) I was able to witness and take United Kingdom and, most recently, in the part in vaccination campaigns in Pakistan, New York City area. These stories are and soon after I left, a monumental frightening, but in every case, the response nationwide immunization campaign took is clear — vaccines work, and if polio is place, focused on 43 million children under spreading, we need to make sure the most the age of 5. I saw the incredible work of at-risk people have kept their vaccinations Rotary members on the ground. More than up to date. 60 percent of vaccinators in Pakistan are Most importantly, we need to eradicate this women, and they are doing a remarkable virus now. If polio exists anywhere, it can job building trust and convincing mothers spread everywhere. What I saw in Pakistan to vaccinate their children. convinced me that we can and must finish Seeing it all firsthand, I know that the will the job, but it will only happen if we remain exists across the Rotary world to end polio, committed to a strategy that’s working and and I’m confident that we have the strategy. back it with all necessary resources. The Pakistani media has been very Through our commitment, generosity, and supportive of our efforts as well, and this is sheer determination, we will #EndPolio. 2

Trustee Chair’s Message Ian H.S. Riseley Trustee Chair 2022-23 Ian H.S. Riseley Who are your Rotary heroes? One of mine was Clem Renouf, 1978- 79 RI president. I related to Sir Clem, who died in 2020, in many ways. We shared the same profession and Australian nationality and a passion for polio eradication. It was Clem’s leadership that first put us on track to embrace the cause, mobilizing what is today a global partnership that has led us to the cusp of eradicating a human disease for only the second time in history. What Rotary and its partners have achieved is nothing short of remarkable. We have helped reduce polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide, immunizing more than 2 billion children across 122 countries. Last year alone, more than 370 million children were vaccinated across 30 countries, using more than 1 billion doses of oral polio vaccine. As a result, we are seeing near historic lows in the number of cases. In August 2020, the World Health Organization African region was certified free October. Keep raising awareness of the of wild poliovirus, an incredible achievement importance of polio eradication and Rotary’s for Rotary members and a huge step on the critical role in that effort by holding events and road to eradication. fundraisers. Don’t forget that contributions But remember that as long as polio exists toward the goal of $50 million per year for anywhere, it is a threat to people everywhere, polio eradication will be matched 2-to-1 by our especially to young children. You may have generous partner, the Bill & Melinda Gates heard about importations of the disease to Foundation. Malawi and Mozambique, detection of Like Sir Clem, we can all be Rotary heroes, each poliovirus in sewage in the UK, and a recent playing a part in our organization’s great case in the U.S. legacy. Through giving, raising awareness and To stay agile, Rotary and its partners are funds, and providing hands-on service, each of deploying a new polio vaccine, novel oral polio us brings Rotary a step closer to fulfilling our vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), to fight outbreaks of promise to the children of the world by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus, also eradicating polio for good. known as variant poliovirus, which continues to threaten children in Africa, as well as several Rotary is as active as ever. We are calling on countries in Asia and the Middle East, including every member to take action and be part of Afghanistan and Pakistan. this historic fight Rotary is as active as ever. We are calling on every member to take action and be part of this historic fight. Take the fight to your clubs and communities on World Polio Day, 24 3

District Governor’s Message George Azar October Message Rotarians change lives and make sure of the well-being and quality of life of a nation. District Governor Fellow Rotarians and Rotaractors “The ultimate resource in economic development is people. It is George Azar people, not capital or raw materials that develop an economy”. I chose this quote by Peter Drucker, who was one of the most widely-known and influential thinkers on management, since it proves that development is about transforming the lives of people, not just transforming economies, which is Rotary’s mission. Economic and community development is one development requires human ingenuity; and of Rotary’s six areas of focus and October is the people are the most important resource to Rotary. month to highlight the importance of Creating productive employment opportunities developing our communities. is essential for reducing poverty and achieving Rotary clubs all over the world work with sustainable economic and social development, communities to enhance economic and and for providing income security and community development, especially that every empowerment especially for women, people community has different needs and different with disabilities, youth, and the extremely poor. opportunities to serve. What is the first step as a Rotarian? Rotary’s main goals are: Ask the right questions, identify real needs, and • Solving Youth unemployment make the greatest possible impact with the • Eliminate Obstacles to entrepreneurship time, energy, and resources you have at your • Reduce Barriers to agricultural opportunities/ disposal. livelihood Rotarians change lives and make sure of the • Lack of resources to address extreme poverty well-being and quality of life of a nation. In the above goals we realize that sustainable 4

ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Vision & Mission of the “Economic & Community Devel- opment” Committee By Chairperson Khaled Bohsaly Chairperson 1)The title Economic &Community Development could hold so many aspects and meanings Could you please explain in brief the main Khaled Bohsaly activities that could go under Economic &Community Development? We, as Rotarians, strongly believe that our motto 2) What’s your main target as a committee “service above-self” is the promise to our community for this Rotarian Year? And what’s your for unconditional serving and caring. In this context, action plan to reach your goal? the creation of shared values lies in human freedom First, I would like to thank the Entrepreneurship that could be achieved through empowering citizens Chair Rtn. Maroun Najjar, the Academy Chair to become economically independent. RCBC Secretary Rtn. Yasmina El-Assi, and our Rotary Foundation stimulates us to be active in Legal Counselor Rtn. Rhian Davis, for their rich this transformational process and to lead a ideas and dedication. We are brainstorming community-driven deliberate actions aiming to: together and in the process of putting the final changing and improving the quality of life for the touches to this initiative for the district. Many underserved communities, as well as to build thanks go to DG George Azar for his unlimited healthy economically viable societies. Therefore, support and vision in institutionalizing the our main objective –at the district level- is to help initiative -at the district level-, as well as for achieving a sustainable social and community providing us with lots of valuable input in this development through identifying and initiating regard. One of the tactical targets is to join microcredit solutions based on grassroots forces with other key players, partner with one of development approach. The concept of the leading universities and to create a encouraging necessity local entrepreneurs and specialized Academy in Entrepreneurship to providing the basic assistance would be a door accelerate potential entrepreneurs. opener for opportunity ones. Training can be a This academy role is to provide the youth the key driver and a catalyst enabler to strengthening seed of innovation to help them create potential community leaders, entrepreneurs, and women in start-ups with calculated risks through four impoverished communities. If we look at Rotary. consecutive phases: org we can read about many success stories. One 1) Awareness: raising awareness about took my attention relates to a contextual strategy entrepreneurship, on how to build an effective and dedication in empowering rural women in business plan that can attract investors and Guatemala through financial inclusion train the customers. trainer program, which enabled them to play an 2) Engagement: Arousing interest in Innovation & active role and collectively launch a self-funded enticing undergraduates to join the programs one another’s profitable businesses. from different fields. 5

3) Coaching: providing one to one mentorship 4) As a member of District sessions. 2452, how can my club and 4) Funding: Grooming high-potential start-ups for myself as a member be aligned funding & facilitate investors’ introductions with your vision as District Chair of Advantages & Benefits: Economic &Community a) Proactive facilitation to collaborate with regional Development? Is there any Mega Project players and other countries in the district. for the District that we could engage in? b) Scalability of this initiative to enroll the same That’s an excellent question; we need the right model in other countries. engine to carry the weight. Therefore, when we c) Peer-to-Peer learning finalize partnering with right stakeholders, then a d) Advancing of knowledge in Ecosystem building full program will be launched which will be e) Raising funds and building sustainable revenue consisting of a framework. Rotary clubs across the streams district must identify “the weight” i.e., the potential f) Collecting insights from industry experts entrepreneurs in their areas, viable projects on the g) Valuable tools to support innovation in their district level, and apply for “the engine” GG to fund start-ups the entire Mega project which will be having the h) Creating competition among the participants to eagle eye to connect projects together – when raise the bar of entrepreneurship through an possible – do the equity financing and make the annual startup competition in nine countries. academy sustainable. This will be creating the right i) Program certification from a reputable synergy between the ECD chair, the university to be used as a seal of quality in the Entrepreneurship chair, and the entire district clubs. Entrepreneurship ecosystem. Another dimension would be to connect the Committee members countries and initiatives for better results. This would open the door towards copying the experience, ensuring –when applicable- distribution channels, and augmenting the social impact. 3) As District Chair, have you noticed any RTN. MAROUN NAJJAR similar problems in the 9 countries that need to be tackled by Rotarians? Entrepreneurship Chair While reading the international indicators for the RC Beirut Cadmos 9 countries, we’ve noticed a huge opportunity for improvement in our district. For example, if we RTN. RHIAN DAVIS take the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI), in one hand, we can easily detect the need for Entrepreneurship Academy capacity building in the field of entrepreneurship Legal Counselor in both Sudan and Palestine. Also, Armenian RC Beirut Cadmos entrepreneurs need to be supported and financed, same applies to Georgia, Jordan, and RTN. YASMINA EL-ASSI Lebanon. On the other hand, UAE, Cyprus, and Bahrain can play an instrumental role in taking Entrepreneurship Academy the lead in sharing their experience. While Secretary looking at the Environmental Performance Index, RC Beirut Cedars priority to environmental projects must be given, as there is a room for improvement across the district. From that perspective, I am sure that additional planning must be taken into consideration to take all indices and variables into consideration to ensure the desired impact. 6

ROTARY THROUGH A ROTARIAN’S EYES Rotary through Nazha Abou Hindi’s eyes! Insight Through My Journey with Rotary Nazha Abou Hindi Q1: When and how did you profession and vocation all that reflected join Rotary? positively on my future career. I had officially joined rotary in 1997 and that Q2: What made you decide you want to was over a year after completing a group study join Rotary? exchange program (GSE) in 1995, the program I liked the sprit. I liked the code. And l liked the was organized by the Rotary Clubs of Bahrain principles. I am still a member of rotary for and Egypt as part of RI District 2450 to RI those reasons. District 5440 USA, which covers Wyoming, It was What I Saw. My journey to join Rotary Nebraska, and Colorado. The team consisted of started during the GSE program. I think that four members two ladies from Bahrain and two trip has shaped my entire life. It was only five gentlemen from Egypt and a Rotarian team weeks; however, the experience was life leader from Egypt. Our visit was in exchange of touching. It was a life time unforgettable GSE from District 5440 to Cairo and Bahrain. experience that changed my understanding to The Program intended to promote peace and the nature of human relation. It was from the understanding among youth through cross amazing family home stay to the warmth, care, cultural exchange and the enhancement of and friendless of all the Rotarian we have met vocational experience amongst young and dealt with including organizing committee, professional. Throughout the program I was club members, friends of rotary all were introduced to various water related absolutely remarkable people. We felt technologies, complex treatment plants and welcomed, loved, and an integral part of the big water demand system including high level rotary family, even though, we were not multifaceted management and environmental- Rotarian yet. The fellowship was amazing, the water related issues, through which I had communication was seamless and the people gained a great deal of knowledge and an eye- were highly professional and caring in opening experience. Moreover, throughout the accomplishing any mission. I liked their program, we have gained an enriching dedication and passion towards the world’s experience of global networking via meeting a most important issues, whether conflict diversifying mix of Rotarians and friends of resolution or humanitarians’ aids. At that time, I rotary at various levels including congressmen, fully realized the rotary’s motto of “Service high rank politicians, university professors, above Self”, which I was obligated by. business leaders of including all different 7

Photos taken during DDG Nazha’s Presidential Year Screen Shot of RCA Plans & Objectives RY 2008-9 : Press release dated 1st May 1995 in the Gulf Daily News about GSE to D5440 Q3: what’s the best memory you still hold GSE team & leader from D2450 to D5440 in your heart from the scholarship? I have some great memories to share, as listed in my speech in district conference & Assembly, Estes Park, Colorado D5440 in 3rd June 1995 (copy attached), but the one I would like to mention is the fellowship and the friendliness among all the Rotarians that we had met. The Rotary theme in 1995 was “Be a Friend”, I thought to myself surely, there are much more than that in it, which makes me overwhelmed. I was then told, that the Rotary theme for 1996 will be “Act with Integrity, Serve with Love, Work for Peace” I said then, now I know better. 8

Q4: Now after all those years of you being Four-Way Test, Object of Rotary, and the a Rotarian, what do you think is the Avenues of Service express our commitment to highlight of what it had added to your life? service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and Wow twenty-five years of being a Rotarian, leadership. dealing with rotary matters almost daily basis I had attempted to achieve the objectives of by attending club meetings within Bahrain or rotary by carrying out activities along each of oversees, during business or leisure trips, the four avenues of services. I had focused on attending rotary social gatherings, conferences, 1) Enhancement of Membership, planning and execution of various functions 2) Implementation of Successful Service such as humanitarian, vocational, fundraising Projects and Programs, and 3) Fund Raising activities, etc. I talk about rotary, telling different activities. In addition to that I had attempted to stories to my families, friends, work colleges, build on each of these pillars in order to etc. that something I do spontaneously. Rotary develop a robust Club. As a result, the club got constitute a big part of my life. I am 4 awards certificates and a shield for the PR. overwhelmed with rotary. It has shaped my I had no resistance what so ever being the first personality and life. I believe rotary has added a lady president from any club member, on the great deal to my life, lifestyle, and signified my contrary, I had a great support from the club priorities and essence and made me a better and all my board of directors were male citizen of my country and better human-being members. Moreover, I am an engineer by in the process. Social work become an integral profession, leading professionals in government part of my life and therefore more socially organization delivering multi-disciplinary aware person, adhering to the principals, moral infrastructure programs and projects worth values, equity and rights for all besides holding multimillions Dinars to the Kingdom of Bahrain. to high ethics, applying in both business and Accordingly, my nature of work was mainly life. It simply provided me with a sense of among male dominate organization. community and belonging. In addition, via rotary I am getting involved in my community and trying to make a difference Through rotary, I have become a better leader in handling complex and awkward situations being a flexible human being who accepts and adopts changes. Furthermore, joining rotary offered me something that I dearly cherish and that is the opportunities to enjoy Rotarian’s fellowship, meet new people, make friends, and network. Q5: We know you’re the first female to ever become President in your club, tell us about your presidential year; was there any resistance due to the fact that you’re a woman? Yes, I was the first female president in Rotary club of Adliya in the RY 2008-09 and the RI theme was,” Make Dreams Real” to help curb child mortality. My board of directors and I had planned our RY 8 months in advance, taking into consideration the RI theme for RY 2008-09, Rotary’s Pillars, and the Core value of rotary. Including the 9

DG GEORGE AZAR VISITS CYPRUS The Rotary Club of Nicosia Lefkothea honoured PP Demetris Pantazis was the coordinator for Dr Andreas Pittas - Founder and Executive the event and welcomed the guests and in his Chairman of Medochemie with the Paul Harris address, he talked about Rotary International Fellow Award and the Rotary Foundation and highlighted the On the 12th of October 2022 the Rotary Club of major Rotary projects in Cyprus primarily for the Nicosia Lefkothea, at a special gala dinner, benefit of our non-Rotarian guests. honoured Dr Andreas Pittas with the Rotary Paul P Yiannis Tomassides described the project and Harris Fellow Award for his generous the significance of the PHF Award and thanked humanitarian contribution of medical supplies to all the Rotarians that made possible its the people of Lebanon in September 2021. implementation. The event was supported by OEB, (the PP Popi Kanari and OEB Chairman Antonis Employers and Industrialists Federation) where Antoniou highlighted the achievements of Dr Dr Andreas Pittas is an Honorary Chairman Andreas Pittas as a leader in the business The dire economic situation in Lebanon was world of Cyprus and internationally as well as exacerbated when a fuel tanker exploded in in the field of Arts and the social Akkar region in northern Lebanon killing 28 responsibilities of his companies. people and leaving another 79 injured in late In pinning Dr Andreas Pittas, DG George Azar August 2021. Hospitals were running out of expressed his own gratitude to him for his medical supplies and were unable to provide the generosity and thanked the Rotarians of Cyprus necessary medical care to the patients. for the help they amassed over the years to the The call for help was initiated by PDDG Ahmad Lebanese people. Husseini who contacted PDG Christina Covotsou He praised the ties between Cypriot and and she in turn contacted PP Demetris Pantazis Lebanese Rotarians and how these have grown and PP Popi Kanari of the RC Nicosia Lefkothea. over the years into bonds of friendship and PP Popi who has a long association with the mutual respect that will last for ever. pharmaceutical industry, contacted Dr Andreas The project is proof of this friendship and Pittas explaining the situation in Lebanon and he cooperation to meet basic human needs at readily responded by providing about 340 kgs of international level in the spirit of Rotary, he said. medicines of substantial value. PP Demetris Dr Andreas Pittas expressed his thanks and said assumed the logistics of getting the supplies to how proud he was for receiving this award from Lebanon safely and quickly the family of Rotary. Despite the many challenges that were After dinner he also shared his thoughts on the encountered, the medical supplies were challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry transported by air, safely and under controlled and how this was affected by the high inflation, conditions. The exemplary cooperation of the war in Ukraine and the shortages in the Rotarians in Cyprus and Lebanon made this capacity of the supply and delivery chains. possible. The medicines were delivered intact to It was a wonderful evening that ended with RRFC the Tripoli Governmental Hospital, and to the PDG Christina making some closing remarks. Hospital Al Salam Tripoli. From L to R: PP Demetris Pantazis, PDDG Ahmad The very generous gesture of Dr Andreas Pittas Husseini, RRFC PDG Christina Covotsou could not be ignored and the RC Nicosia Lefkothea Patroclou, DG George Azar, Dr. Andreas Pittas, decided to honour him with the PHF Award. PDG Kevork Mahdessian, DDG Emilios It was an honour to have with us the District 2452 Tannousis, P Yiannis Tomasides Governor George Azar and so many other Rotarians including RRFC PDG Christina Covotsou Patroclou, PDG Kevork Mahdessian, PDDG Ahmad Husseini and many others. OEB was represented by its Chairman Antonis Antoniou, its Vice Chairman Demetris Vakis, its Director General Michalis Antoniou and other members. 10

DG GEORGE AZAR VISITS CYPRUS 2- Visit to the Karaiskakio Foundation On Thursday 13th October 2022 DG George Azar Clubs of Cyprus who in cooperation with other was received at the Karaiskakio Foundation (KF) clubs abroad and the contribution of the Rotary by Dr Popi Kanari Chairperson of the KF and PP Foundation funded all the equipment and of RC Nicosia Lefkothea and Dr Pavlos Costeas training required. The host club was RC Nicosia Managing Director of the Foundation. Lefkothea, and the delivery of the project was The DG was given an overview of the work acclaimed by Rotary Foundation Cadre. carried out in this excellent, world class, scientific The cost of the initial project was establishment, and its future plans. He was approximately $300.000 briefed in detail about the Childhood Cancer During the pandemic in 2020 the RC of Nicosia Diagnostic Centre alias the Rotary Laboratory. Lefkothea, teamed up with the RC of Nicosia This is a state-of-the-art laboratory that Salamis and delivered a further Global Grant determines the type of cancer in children and project to the Karaiskakio Foundation that young adults and recommends treatment that enhanced the productivity, effectiveness, and minimises the detrimental side effects of cancer capacity of the laboratory. treatment. Worthy of note is that the services of The value of the project was $70.000 KF are offered free to all Cypriots and people The DG expressed his admiration for the living in Cyprus irrespective of ethnicity or religion. international recognition of the Karaiskakio The name Rotary Laboratory reflects the Foundation and pride that Rotary is associated donation, through a Global Grant, of the Rotary and contributes to its development From L to R. P Kypros Zantis, DDG Emilios Tannousis, AG Anna Hjimarcou, PDG Kevork Mahdessian, PP Popi Kanari, DG George Azar, PP Demetris Pantazis, PDDG Ahmad Husseini, Dr Pavlos Costeas, PDDG Iacovos Constantinides, P Maria Kapari, P Yiannis Tomasides, PP Panicos Nicolaides 3- DG George also visited the Mayor of Famagusta Dry Simos Ionone 11

DISTRICT GOVERNOR GEORGE AZAR VISITS UAE On his official visit to UAE, District Governor George Azar met with the Boards of 8 Rotary clubs in addition to 3 Rotaract clubs. DG George Azar’s Visit to DG George Azar also visited Senses, the Al Jalila Foundation with ongoing project of 12 years for Rotary Rotary Club of Bur Dubai Club of Jumeirah. Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs (Sens- es) is a non-profit organization based in Dubai, UAE and the first residential care facility in the Middle East, dedicated to improving the quality of life of People of Determination and catering to orphans and abandoned children. On 26th of October 2022, Rotary Club of Bur Dubai mem- bers had the honor to welcome DG George Azar at Al Jalila Foundation to showcase their main collaboration with a local organization. The Rotary Club of Bur Dubai had a partnership earlier this year with Al Jalila Foundation where the Club President Rotarian Yaseen Jaffer made a major contribution to support the UAE’s first charity hospital ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital’, which seeks to help cancer patients in need. On the side of the visit, the Governor visited Majlis Al Amal, Hope Lounge in Arabic, a unique ‘cancer drop-in centre’ and the first-of-its-kind community centre dedicated to female cancer patients and their well-being. 12

D2452 CELEBRATES POLIO DAY Bahrain Rotary Club of Seef Bahrain held its regular At the end of the meeting, the current meeting on Tuesday 11 October 2022 at the president, Mohamed Al-Haddad, thanked the Meridien Hotel in Seef District distinguished speakers and guests, hoping to The speaker to members and club guests at meet in two weeks with a new topic and this meeting was past club president, another speaker. In this meeting, Mohammed AlKhaja, on the history and one of the women donated a wonderful contribution of the Rotary International Clubs handbag that she made with her own hands, globally to the eradication of the dangerous which was well received by everyone, and the polio disease, club held an auction to sell the bags and of which only very simple cases remain and in monitored the proceeds of the sale for its almost one focused area, and attempts are still charitable work. The auction carried out by the continuing to eradicate it completely. official of the club’s affairs Dr. Samar Al-Abyuki Rotaractor Saqer AlKhaja from Bahrain ... More income is better than expected... Rotaract Club participated in this talk through a It was announced that a new member had detailed explanation and presentation on how joined the Rotary Club of Seef Bahrain at the important this topic is to the world as a whole. end of the meeting Bahrain In observance of World Polio Day, the Rotary Club of You may follow this youtube link Salmaniya organized a virtual panel discussion called “Polio for the Polio Talk full session Talk” on the 24th of October 2022. The discussion was on the continuing efforts of Rotary to eradicate Polio which included https://youtu.be/u_C7_7bX-YQ participants from all over District 2452. The panel members were PDG Lorenzo Chazapis the EPNC of Region 25, PP Bashar Asfour the District 2452 Chairperson for Polio and DDG Nazha Abu Hendi the Bahrain Chairperson for Polio, and the panel was moderated by PP Faisal Juma from Rotary Club of Salmaniya. At the end of the session, all the participants made the “this close” gesture to remind everyone of the important work Rotary is doing to eradicate polio. 13

D2452 CELEBRATES POLIO DAY Jordan Rotary Clubs of Jordan conducted a Polio Walk under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma Bint Ali to mark World Polio Day, which falls on the twenty-fourth of October each year, the Jordanian Rotary & Rotaract Clubs & friends carried out an awareness walk from the cultural village in Al-Hussein Gardens and back to the same starting point, with the aim to educate the local community about the importance of taking the polio vaccine and preventing disease. Also banners were displayed in major city junctions during the awareness week. 14

D2452 CELEBRATES POLIO DAY Gala Dinner in UAE On his official visit to UAE, a gala dinner, attended by more than 250 Rotarians and Rotarctors, was hosted in honor of DG George Azar. The Governor addressed the audience, shared with them his vision and goals for the year, and shed light on the importance and rotary efforts towards End Polio. Proceeds of this event shall go towards PolioPlus It was a very eventful night which included: Pinning of Seasoned Rotarians, DDG, AGs, Presidents, and 3 New Rotarians, Paul Harris Pinning of 6 members, and the Announcement of the New Comers: RC Dubai Universe and RC AlWasl Dubai. Rotary Club of Bur Dubai Raising Awareness About End Polio As we are starting the month of October, we honor End Polio Day on 24th and the great achievement of Rotary International in eradicating Polio. Advocating for End Polio, Rotary Club of Bur Dubai had their very own Rtn. Rebecca Owen raising awareness of End Polio on her trip to climb the tallest Mountain in Africa (Mount Kilimanjaro) while holding the Association of Rotary Clubs UAE flag and the Rotary Club of Bur Dubai flag! What a marvelous achievement seeing the flags raised high!! Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA6xX1Dhtyc0YanR05FnJ7A 15

SNEAK PEAK INTO ROTARACT’S WORLD A message from District Executive, PP Mayssa Abboud Mayssa Abboud Taking leadership as District Executive for the year 22-23 is certainly an important step in my Rotarian journey and in my growth as a leader. I can summarize this role in two words: Support and Devotion. First, a brief history of me and Rotaract. I inspirational to me. I have been mentally joined Rotaract back in 2013 while I was in upholding this virtue: “Share your knowledge law school at the Saint Joseph University of and experiences, and equally learn from their Beirut - USJ. I served as a Public Relations and experiences and backgrounds. Continue to be Media Director in the Rotaract Club affiliated a mentee for you to be able to mentor.” to the university; the Rotaract Club of De We are Rotaractors today for a reason; Beyrouth USJ and remained as a friend of the “Having a sense of purpose” is the most club after my graduation. However, my popular reason why we are Rotaractors, Rotaract journey did not stop there. With the followed by making a difference, friendship, support of our Rotary Club De Beyrouth, we and networking. founded a club called “De Beyrouth In closing may I say, I am truly humbled and Millennium”, that assembled USJ alumni, in honored to assist Rotaract clubs of District which I was assigned as a founding Vice- 2452 and to help in implementing this year’s President and held many directorial and District theme “Accelerating the Vision”. board positions. In March 2020, I was elected This year, I would say, while we have as President of the club for the RY 20-21. accomplished much, but there is still much to Lastly, I served as Vice-District Rotaract do moving forward. One thing for sure: Representative for Lebanon during RY 21-22. Change is here, keep going, keep growing, Fast forward to this year, I look forward to keep exploring and keep experiencing! I look serve the district by sharing the knowledge I forward to grow with this community today have acquired so far in this organization. and for the years to come, and so should you Most importantly, I am eager to learn more, dear fellows. discover more and do more. Rotaractly yours, Fellows, my years in Rotaract have been Mayssa Abboud 16

2- ROTARACT’S WORLD THROUGH A ROTARACTOR’S EYES THE ENTREPRENEUR WHO GOT WATER FOR AFRICA! RTC Tanima Tapan Chakravarty (Bahrain) If you look us up  on the internet either rotaract or rotary international you get a general idea that we are a platform that is dedicated for doing good for the society. But I DO NOT BELIEVE that Rotaract is just a Platform or a forum or simply a community ,IT IS A MOVEMENT. It  is a movement that is influencing the masses, inspiring and motivating the youth to use their voice, use their moral conscious at anything at their disposal to do good for the society. I believe that due to social media we are privileged to have a youth, to have youngsters  who are consciously and actively raising their voices for the issues and advocacies that they are passionate about. Be it mental health, be it human trafficking, be it refugee welfare, be it our battle against cancer , polio, poverty etc.. Every cause that is still relevant , fights which are still incomplete, battles yet to be won and ROTARACT mission is to win these battles for humanity and to overcome the challenges and blocks we collectively face,  through the medium of the youth who are all the more powerful now . just look around the world, you can see activists like Malala Our beauty lies in our unity and our diversity of ideas Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg and all women, to empower all types of age groups and our unity in children who actively are using their voices to willingness to do good and to spread good. That is empower those around them and to stand for the our very essence and core. One such example is rights of the ones who are alienated and PROJECT NSUO an individual project only by marginalized . WE are individuals who are forward ROTARACTORS done by ROTARACT BAHRAIN . thinking , we are  selfless, we are ROTARACT Project Nsou was an opportunity for us to FAMILY and our mission and motto is service collectively unite our efforts towards sustainability, above self . We only hope to fulfill this mission by equality and once and for all eradicating the being stronger together and by involving water-crisis which affects thousands of lives in rotaractor and Rotarians and those who are Sub-saharan africa. Hailing from nations, where committed to global welfare.  water is easily accessible to even the poorest of 17

households, we consider ourselves fortunate and However, the project did not stop there! Rotaract we fail to understand how so many here are Bahrain’s vision was to further empower and deprived of this vital source of life and continuity. educate the community through the ‘Each one, But as changemakers with a vision in our hearts and Teach one’ initiative, where we provided free a mission in our minds, our objective is to not only education facilities for `class 1 to Class 6 kids combat the drinking water shortage, but to address along with school renovation cost and also made a menstrual inequity, educational disparity and youth recreational facility (park) for the kids. We also empowerment. Through this project, we aligned with donates books, footballs, shoes and more goodies the United Nations 6 Sustainable Development for the kids The legacy of Rotaract Bahrain’s Goals (SDG’s 6) ‘’Clean Water and Sanitation for all’’. goodwill and welfare projects will continue (SDG 3) “Good health and well being “. ( SDG 4) through Ghanian Rotaractors, who then inherited “Quality Eductaion”. ( SDG 9 ) “industry , innovation the responsibility of educating the community and infrastructure” ( SDG 11) “Sustainable cities and children after the team’s departure. communities”. (SDG 15) “Life on Land”  The most exciting part of this project was the NSUO implies water in the Tiwi language, a scarce village who was the first to reap the benefits of resource in countless impoverished villages near Project NSUO is now called a ROTARACT Accra, Ghana. The team’s objective was to create a OBODENSE VILLAGE by the people. THIS IS sustainable impact, one that could be felt by ROTARACT where we are able to give others the generations of rural households. The Rotaract opportunity to embrace the carefree childhood Bahrain unit built a tube well pump to help that they deserve . As Project NSUO coincided eradicate this crisis which now caters to 9  villages. with the momentous occasion of Eid, the team A network of boreholes  now carries the drinkable celebrated the holy day by providing Ghanian water to nine different villages formerly deprived villagers with gift boxes and bringing the of this fundamental need. community together to hoist Bahrain’s flag along Agriculture contributes to 54% of Ghana’s GDP, with flags of various volunteer and rotary while estimates suggest that more than half of the international, a moment to remind us of our unity country’s population owns agricultural land. and solidarity in times of adversity. Recognising this, Rotaract Bahrain further extended As I always say “I  believe in being a servant leader,” .We the project to building sophisticated irrigation lead through the example of selfless service and systems and initiating a plantation drive that will empathy and Project NSUO is one that broke barriers sustain local agricultural households. In addition, to a comfortable and dignified existence for thousands the team constructed a sanitation supply centre in of Ghanian villagers and in doing so it delivered the response to the needs of women and children compassion, tolerance and generosity that the Island vulnerable to hygiene-related diseases and also of Bahrain and Rotaract proudly symbolises. donated medicines to local hospital nearby. This To my humble brothers and sisters, come join the project was also a step towards combatting Movement , we are here to listen to your voices,as menstrual inequity by providing women with free this is a bond of friendship that we at Rotaract sanitary pads and medicinal supplies that would aspire to honor and cherish forever. Let us work encourage them to lead healthier lives. We built collectively towards a future that places no separate biodegradable toilets for men and women barriers on a dignified and deserved existence. accessible to all for clean sanitation.   LET US BE THE CHANGE. BE A ROTARACTOR. 18

SNEAK PEAK INTO ROTARACT’S WORLD Auction by RTC JUMEIRAH & RTC BEIRUT CEDARS RTC Jumeirah District Governor & End Polio Gala Each year, on the 24th of October, all Rotary and Rotaract Clubs around the world come together to celebrate World Polio Day. This day serves as a platform to reiterate the importance of Ending Polio, and a reminder of the mission that Rotary International, as a key member of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, set out on to deliver a Polio free world. In an effort to bring the 99.9% eradication closer to the 100%, The Association of Rotary Clubs in the UAE in collaboration with Rotaract Club of Beirut Cedars have decided to hold an art auction for art pieces prepared by centres of children of determination in the UAE and in Lebanon. All proceeds of the auction shall be donated to the Polio Plus Fund. https://instagram.com/rotaractjumeirah?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://instagram.com/rotaractbeirutcedars?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Ending Polio Through Art 19

District 2452 in action Tip of the month Community Service for a successful Project - Bahrain Relationship The Rotary Club of Salmaniya organised the yearly service By Lea Harb , project, the Green House. This year the club invited Licensed Clinical beneficiaries from the Bahrain Down Syndrome Care Centre, Psychologist & Al Rahma Center, and the Friendship Society for the Blind to Psychotherapist plant seeds of various crops in the green house. The Khalid Janahi Charity has always been kind enough to provide the green house and helpers to plant the seeds. The project is to educate and encourage participants in the process of farming and sustainable living. Lea Harb Community Service Projects-Lebanon Your brain is not always 100% in the thoughts it tells you, so RC of Beirut Center in partnership with The Child always look for facts from your and Mother Welfare Association are launching this reality first. Remember that awareness campaign and paying 30% of the price reality is stronger than emotions. of each mammography test. For more info please contact P Rimane Jabre +961 3 974 393 20

District 2452 in action Community Service Projects-Lebanon Environmental Activity of the Environment Committee of Lebanon. Believing in the importance of the environment, the Lebanese Environment Committee in the Rotary District 2452 has initiated a river cleaning day. Beirut River at Rwayset El Ballout was selected and on Sunday September 18th, 2022 10 AM and in the presence of District 2452 Governor George Azar, the representative of the Lebanese Minister of Environment Dr. Nasser Yassin Dr. Mohammad Abiad, the former District Governor Chehab Elawar, P. Bricia Elawar, District 2452 Environment Chair Walid Faraoun, and Environment Lebanon Country Chair Imane Jaffal, a number of Lebanese Club Presidents, and Rotary Rotaract Interact Club members of Lebanon the first environmental day took place. The volunteering members, with the generous financial support from RC LA Cedars, managed to clean a portion of the selected river hoping to complete what remains from the river as soon as the funds would be secured. This activity was promoted by the Lebanese Environment Committee to set the awareness to the cultural preservation of a healthy environment as Lebanon is blessed with several natural rivers. Salvaging what can be salvaged from the natural water resources should be the aim of all the inhabitants of Lebanon. Healthy humanity is from a healthy environment. Community Service Project - PALESTINE Our prayers and thoughts are with our fellow Rotarians in Palestine Many meetings and events got canceled because of the situation. “So many martyrs this month, it’s unbearable. The highest number of deaths since 2006.” 21

District 2452 in action Community Service Project-ARMENIA On october 8 Palliative Care Clinic was officially opened by RA Prime Minister, equipped with modern medical equipment, meets the international standards of hospitals and is ready to provide quality and accessible medical services The Palliative Care Clinic will have 26 wards with 30 beds. was made possible by the generous donations from Netherlands and France, friends of RC Yerevan Cosmopolitan. 3- HEALTHCARE ESTABLISHMENT IN RURAL ARMENIA UPGRADED Capacity of yet another healthcare establishment in rural Armenia upgraded. A successfully implemented Global Grant project by the international partner RC Bologna Ovest (D2072) and the host RC Yerevan (D2452) is within TRF’s Disease Prevention and Treatment area of focus. The Redemptoris Mater Hospital in Ashotsk village of Shirak province, Armenia has acquired a new anesthesia machine that allows more sophisticated surgery at the hospital. RC Yerevan conveys heartfelt words of appreciation to the Italian partners and TRF for initiating and supporting this beautiful project. “Fighting Blindness in Jordan” Project The Friends of Jordan ‘s Eyes Bank Society - the arm of Jordan Eyes Bank invited families of cornea donors and sponsors to a big celebration under the royal patronage of HRH Prince Raad Ben Zaid who thanked both the families and the supporters for their touching contribution. RCA AMMON was invited to attend the ceremony and mutually sign an MOU. President of RCA Ammon Mohammad Dabbas received a shield in appreciation for club efforts to support Jordan eyes bank with medical devices in the near future which is the objective of the club’s main project ‘Fighting Blindness in Jordan ‘ 22

District 2452 in action Rotary Club Tbilisi Ambassador members visit the Odzisi Public School Rotary Club Tbilisi Ambassador, Chartered and III grades of the school. 2017 conducted a special day to conclude the The members of the “Provisional Rotaract activities for Basic Education and Literacy club Tbilisi Ambassador” held actions in their Month of September in Odzisi, a very schools in September, within the framework important region of Georgia. The Occupation of which they collected books and contributed by Russia is tragically separating people who them to the school library in Odzisi. used to live together in these beautiful region. As for high school students training the club On 31st October, 2022 was a very emotional conducted professional orientation and and good day for the members of “Rotary career day. Club Tbilisi Ambassador”. The club members President Arun Khatri, Honorary Secretary PP visited the students, teachers and parents of Iveta Chelishvili, Rotarians Asem Akour, the Odzisi Public school and congratulated Gvantsa Popkhadze, Mao Modzmanashvili, them on the start of the 2022-2023 school and Stella Bo were present with the year. The club had special clown show and a organization of Rotarian Natalia Okruashvili fun program, both children and adults and the support of other club members PP performed funny tasks and tricks with great Bashar Asfour, PP Giga Murtskhvaladze, PP enthusiasm. Giørgi Khatiashvili and Rotaractors Keta The Club contributed warm coats, sports Baiadze, Liza Kiladze and Guests. equipment and stationery to students of I, II 23

CONGRESSES & CULTURAL EXCHANGE 1 GLOBAL PEDIATRIC CONFERENCE , RC DUBAI Rotary Club of Dubai was one of the main around the world are determined and sponsors for the Annual Global Pediatric committed to make polio eradication Congress that took place on 3rd September globally their top priority. 2022. The event was organized by RCD This initiative supported one of Rotary’s member Dr. Wafaa Faysal. main areas of focus which is ‘Maternal and More than 250 pediatricians and specialists Child Health.’ from the UAE, GCC and globally attended In addition we are donating $50 each this Congress, whereby Dr. Sami Carouba, member to polio plus Rotary Club of Dubai President gave a Finally we participated in the DG/End Polio speech on Rotary’s End Polio Actions over event whereby the proceeds will also go to many decades, where Rotarians from the foundation to support polio plus https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ fbid=pfbid0oLu4rN4C9FGqGXyvU8U6iMe8SBLd9BcAXvyT6svNPnJAVucZ2mzpWNfUh2ZiGYZBl&id=100054576184613 24

CONGRESSES & CULTURAL EXCHANGE 2 - ICC EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING-LILLE, 14 OCTOBER 2022 Under the presidency of : Rotary ICC Executive Council Chairman (2022-2024) Mohamad Ghamman (Tunisia) And the presence of : Past Rotary International Vice President (2005-2006) Serge Gouteyron (France) Past Rotary ICC Executive Council Chairman (2020-2022) Cyril Noirtin (France) Rotary ICC Executive Council Chairman elect (2024-2026) Nathalie Huyghebaert (Belgium) ICC representatives from various countries : Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Ivory Coast, Romania, South Africa, RTC Jumeirah Tunisia, Turkey, USA, and the 9 countries of our District 2452 (represented by the signatory of this article). District Governor & End Polio Gala ***** The previous board meeting in person took place in Brussels in November 2019 and then virtually because of the Covid. It was planned to be held in Kiev in February, but for understandable reasons it was canceled. So finally we could meet in Lille, north of France on 14 october. Rotary ICC Executive Council is the body that administrates the ICC internationally and represents all ICC with Rotary International. It also monitors the promotion and development of ICCs. Bringing together different countries to make concrete projects, ICC is a great tool to promote Peace as well as the 6 other Rotary causes (areas of Focus). ICC becomes more organized and its new web site contains all information regarding ICC. You can get all information on the web site https://rotary-icc.org/ Don’t hesitate to contact me with your questions. 25

CONGRESSES & CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROJECT: SIGN LANGUAGE FOR BEGINNERS WORKSHOP About the service project : In observance of the September theme as Basic Education and Literacy Month and to celebrate Sign Language Day, the Rotary Club of Salmaniya in collaboration with Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled facilitated a sign language for beginners session on the 21st of September 2022. This program is organized by the Youth Service committee of RC Salmaniya with the aim of connecting people with sign language so no one is excluded, as support for the inclusion of sign language in daily life. 26

CONGRESSES & CULTURAL EXCHANGE YOUTH SERVICE PROJECT: EASY EDUCATION - IELTS PREPARATIONS WORKSHOP In observance of September themed as Basic Education and Literacy Month , the Rotary Club of Salmaniya in collaboration with ilearn Academy conducted IELTs Preparations workshop for highschool students on the 24th of September 2022. The program was organized by RC Salmaniya’s Youth Service committee with the aim to prepare students to achieve higher scores in IELTS exam enabling them to apply for scholarships. Innovative Human Leadership for Growth and Social impact RC Metn Gate and Rotaract of Beirut Center in Collaboration with IE University has brought Professor Carlos Sentis from Spain to the Smallville Hotel for a conference about Innovative Human Leadership for Growth and Social impact. Professor Carlos talked about the importance of connection between people and how that can help us grow. It was a very insightful& fruitful session ! 27

Recipe from Bahrain Printable coupons for this month CHICKEN MACHBOOS 28

Calendar Events for the Rotarian Year 2022-2023 May 2023 Fellow Rotarians Thursday 11th District 2452 Conference From sunny Limassol, the Rotary clubs of Cyprus invite you to join Friday 12th us in the Zone 21 Institute between 9-13 November. District 2452 Conference Our Website www.limassolinstitute2022.org welcomes your Saturday 13th District 2452 Conference registrations offering you accommodation options with special cost- Sunday 14th conscious Rotary rates. Early bird ends on 30 September so hurry up District 2452 Conference Our institute will have the very great honour to host our Saturday 27th Rotary Intl Convention extraordinary and inspiring new President of Rotary International Location: Melbourne, Australia Jennifer Jones and her partner Nick Krayacich. Sunday 28th Rotary Intl Convention Between 9-12 November we put together an exciting program combining Location: Melbourne, Australia interesting panels and addresses, productive activities, and a rich social Monday 29th Rotary Intl Convention program. Our House of friendship will host a pilot where districts can Location: Melbourne, Australia showcase Global Grants seek partnerships Tuesday 30th Rotary Intl Convention Beyond the participation for our Zone’s 17 Districts, 30 Countries, we have Location: Melbourne, Australia indications that we will have quite few guests from Egypt, Tunisia, France, Wednesday 31st Rotary Intl Convention Italy Spain. Location: Melbourne, Australia Rotary Institutes are December 2022 the greatest forums November 2022 Friday 2nd for Clubs and districts Zone Institute Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE to meet the World of Thursday 10th Rotary, network with RI Zone 21 Institute Saturday 3rd Rotarians from other Opening ceremony & celebration dinner Zone Institute countries and Location: old Carob Mill Limassol Castle, Cyprus Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Districts and broaden Sunday 4th their understanding of Friday 11th Zone Institute value of our RI Zone 21 Institute Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE organisation and Rotarians Institute Business motivate and fuel the Partners & Guests - Optional Excursion 29 energy of Rotarians. Free program IMAGINE what great Private Major Donor Dinner memories we can Location: Limassol, Cyprus create together meeting long-time Saturday 12th friends and making RI Zone 21 Institute new ones. Rotarians Institute Business So very much looking Festive Farewell Dinner - celebrities ballroom forward to sharing this Location: Limassol, Cyprus experience with you all. Sunday 13th PDG Christina RI Zone 21 Institute Covotsou-Patroclou Fellowship Optional Excursion Chairperson of the Location: Limassol, Cyprus organising committee

1OTH ROTARY DISTRICT 2452 CONFERENCE 11, 12, 13, 14 MAY 11-14 MAY 2023BEIRUT- LEBANON 2023 FOR REGISTRATION PLEASE CLICK: HTTPS://FORMS.GLE/CSASAYT6OE3NA6DM6 OR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: PP. Rym Dada-Husseini M: +961 3 262446, E: [email protected] District Governor 22-23 District Conference Chair GEORGES AZAR AHMAD HUSSEINI 30