D-2452 DG's Newsletter February 2023

District 2452 Issue #8 February 2023 D2452 Towards helping Syria and Turkey after Devastating Earthquakes DG George Visits Egypt? Multi-District Public Image Seminar Rotaract’s DRR Elect (RY 24-25)Revealed Brave Walk-Rotaract Club De Beyrouth Thoughts from February by PP Souad Assaf District Conference Updates 1

Index Video You may click on the link below to check the index video https://youtu.be/trGhf7LKt9U A special message from RI President Jennifer Jones https://youtu.be/Qu1008f0zeU So you can stay up to date with our District News, don’t forget to subscribe to our District’s Youtube Channel!

Presidential Message Jennifer Jones RI President 2022-23 February 2023 Jennifer Jones place across all Rotary areas of focus and are making a meaningful and often Recently, I spent time in the Nakivale lifesaving difference. refugee settlement in Uganda. As the Together, we can address the needs and “settlement” in its name suggests, the inequities that girls throughout the world face people living there are free to move around daily. But we must also monitor the impact of and integrate as best they can — one thing these projects and create awareness of Rotary that makes the place unique. resources and subject matter experts, I had a chance to play soccer with boys and including Rotary Action Groups, The Rotary girls from about a dozen nations and talk Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers, with women who had fled areas of conflict. Rotary Peace Fellows, and others. It was a tapestry of human experience It is especially important that we tell the shared through both laughter and tears. stories of our initiatives that have a positive As I walked across a school campus at the impact on the lives of women and girls. This settlement with a teacher, she shared with last point is near and dear to my heart. This me the dire statistics on girls’ education. means sharing our stories on social media, Most don’t get through grade school. Many through local news outlets, in this magazine, are sold into child marriage to pay for food and wherever we can inspire others. for their families. As I looked around at As you do so, it’s important to provide these young girls, I was gutted. information that helps our Rotary family Our work with empowering girls and connect with others who are implementing women is much more than creating equity activities in their regions, as well as across — sometimes, it’s about health or the world. Let’s share our successes and education. Other times it’s about providing learn from one another — then proudly tell safety. Regardless of the path, it’s always our stories to a larger audience. about basic human rights. These are exciting times in Rotary, and the We can do more to empower girls and world is taking notice. As we work to women, and we can expand how we share empower women and girls to step into their the progress Rotary members and our full potential, we create new pathways for partners have made toward this goal. membership growth and greater There is no shortage of inspiring examples collaboration with partners to create of our work, from interest-free microcredit positive, lasting change. Thank you for your loans for women in Nigeria, to projects in continued action in this vital effort. India that provide girls menstrual hygiene products. Hundreds of projects are taking 3

Trustee Chair’s Message Ian H.S. Riseley Trustee Chair 2022-23 February 2023 Ian H.S. Riseley One of the fascinating things about Rotary is that we are many things at once. We are a service organization based on action. We are also a professional and community networking group, not to mention a place to find friendship and fun. And, when you stop to think about it, you and I are also part of a peace organization. I saw this in 2013 when I represented Rotary at an international symposium on advancing a peaceful democratic transition for Myanmar. Despite recent setbacks, the fact that Rotary was at the table demonstrates that the world sees us as peacebuilders who are not deterred by the most difficult issues. How did we earn this reputation? Through this center furthers Rotary’s vision of literacy projects that help people expand their peacemaking in action. minds and viewpoints. And through water, As we celebrate Rotary’s 118th anniversary and sanitation, and hygiene projects that create Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, common ground for communities in conflict. we can be proud of the many ways Rotary The Rotary Action Group for Peace promotes promotes peace. Without The Rotary hands-on service projects, and our annual Foundation, and your support of it, none of international conventions unite thousands in a that would be possible. celebration of global harmony. You can directly support this work through the Perhaps the most visible face of this cause is Foundation by visiting rotary.org/donate and the Rotary Peace Centers program, now in its selecting the peacebuilding and conflict prevention 21st year. Today, more than 1,600 Rotary area of focus. I also encourage you to contribute to Peace Fellows are advancing the cause of the Ian and Juliet Riseley Endowed Fund in The peace in more than 140 countries. On 1 Rotary Foundation to support peace projects. February, we open applications for the next If Paul Harris could see us now, he would be generation of peace fellows. Encourage your amazed by the astonishing growth of the little local peacebuilders to learn about Rotary and club he founded in 1905 and the global force apply for this unique fellowship. for good — and peace — that Rotary is today. And soon, we’ll be recruiting fellows for a new peace center in the Middle East and North As we celebrate Rotary’s 118th anniversary Africa region as we begin working this year and Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention with a recently selected partner university. Month, we can be proud of the many ways Made possible by a generous gift of $15.5 million to The Rotary Foundation from the Otto Rotary promotes peace. and Fran Walter Foundation, the addition of 4

District Governor’s Message George Azar District 2452 Governor 2022-2023 February’s Message Take pride each day in the decisions you make and the actions you take, because these choices are determining the course of Rotary for us all District Governor Congratulations to all of us as we celebrate the 118th Anniversary of Rotary. George Azar The first meeting of Rotary that was held on February 23, 1905, in Chicago opened the doors to the reliable perception of humanity and giving. Today, our clubs continue to bring new ideas children, support education, and grow local and fresh enthusiasm to the service that has economies that directly builds the optimal spanned generations. As we are reflecting on conditions for peaceful societies. past accomplishments, I ask you to continue to We are advocates of respect that help lead Rotary into the next century of service. communities in being connected, inclusive, and Continue to focus on projects that will help in resilient. elevating our communities. As we celebrate these important milestones in Now, February of every year is celebrated as our club’s history, remember the responsibility Peace & Conflict Prevention Month, since we for Rotary is yours. Take pride each day in the are a humanitarian organization, peace is a decisions you make and the actions you take, cornerstone of our mission. because these choices are determining the We believe that when we work to make a course of Rotary for us all. I can think of no change in our communities, we create peace. place better to entrust the strength of this Rotary, Rotaract and Interact are practitioners organization than to the members who have of goodwill. built it. We fight diseases, provide clean water and Truly; The Future of Rotary is in Our Hands. sanitation, improve the health of mothers and 5

ROTARY & PEACE Rotary & Peace by District Peace Fellowship Subcommittee Chair Past President Mona Jarudi Mona Jarudi “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to District Peace Fellowship Subcommittee Chair 22-23 believe in it. One must work at it.” Country Membership Chair 20-23 Eleanor Roosevelt Past President, RC Beirut Cosmopolitan 2018-19 As early as 1934, Rotary has been encouraging most important pillar of Rotary’s mission and conversations to build goodwill within and one of its seven areas of focus: Peace and across cultures, through Rotary’s Institutes of Conflict Prevention and Resolution. Engaging in International Understanding. This initiative service projects and supporting peace provided a platform for world leaders, fellowships and scholarships, Rotarians take economists, scientists, politicians where they action to address causes of conflict, which discussed issues such as the economy, world include poverty, discrimination, ethnic tensions, peace and scientific advances. lack of access to education, and an unequal Rotary was present at the inception of the distribution of resources. United Nations in 1945 and was one of only 42 Stemming from the belief that peace is an organizations invited to serve as consultants to important catalyst to development of the U.S. delegation to the UN charter individuals and communities, Rotary forged conference in San Francisco, California. alliances with the Institute of Economics and Throughout that process, Rotary members Peace, formed Rotarian Peace Action Groups served as delegates, advisers, and consultants: and launched the Rotary Peace Centers guiding agendas, drafting resolutions and Program in !999 to train new generations of helping resolve disputes between delegates. peace builders. Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status offered to a nongovernmental D-2452, through the years, has been a leader in organization by the UN Economic and Social initiating and implementing major projects in Council, which overseas many UN agencies. the seven areas of focus. Peace Education has As a humanitarian organization, Peace is the been on its radar since few years. In 2018, a 6

ROTARY & PEACE competition was launched among students in And, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, in our District the different countries of the district that was and the world, on February 23, 2023, a webinar highly received, thus planting the seed of peace was set up by Lebanon Chair for Peace building among the youth. Also, in 2018-19, New Fellowships supported by the District Chair, Generation Peace Building, was a Global Grant, where three Peace Centers presented their initiated in Lebanon, to target peace education programs to the audience of Rotaractors, for university students. First time ever in Interested Rotarians and friends: University of Lebanon and the D-2452, NewGen was launched North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA; Uppsala in the ten top universities in Lebanon. 100 University in Stockholm, Sweden; and the applicants were selected and were offered International Christian University in Tokyo, rigorous training in peace building by the Japan. The speakers from RI and the Peace director of the program, Patricia Schafer, in July Centers reiterated the fact that this webinar 2020. This was the period of intense hardships from D 2452 should be a model to be in Lebanon, gas scarcity, internet challenges, yet implemented by all the districts in the world. Against All Odds, the program succeeded and a The journey of Peace Building is a long one. With promising group of peace builders was born. our belief in the goodness of the human race, Under the banner of District Peace Fellowship with our collective hope to live in harmony in Subcommittee, serious efforts go into communities based on mutual respect and promoting the Master’s degree and Certificates fellowship, our journey becomes easier to programs offered at the seven Peace Centers navigate. Let us all work together to equip our Worldwide. We can boast that our District-2452 young generation with the proper education of had eight people accepted from Lebanon, how to avoid conflict and be catalysts for Peace. Sudan, Palestine and Cyprus. They are now “Rotary believes that if concerned citizens work pursuing their higher education in Peace together to create peace locally, we can create Building and Conflict Resolution in Tokyo, lasting change globally”. Australia, Sweden, Uganda, USA and England. 7

DISASTER RELIEF D2452 COMMITTEE D2452 Distaster Relief Committee Towards Helping Syria & Turkey after the Devastating Earthquakes By PP Victoria Cherfane Disaster Relief Committee Member 2023-2024 RYLA District 2452 Chairperson 2022-23 Incoming Assistant Governor 2023-24 We all witnessed the devastaing impact of the Kahramanmaras earthquake, a 7.8 magnitude shockwave that devastated southeast Turkey and northwest Syria on February 6th 2023. In the light of this situation, with the geographical proximity of our district to Syria, and in the absence of the Rotary on these territories, Rotarians of District 2452 have decided to take action and help all the people who have been affected by this earthquake. District Governor George Azar as well as Disaster Relief District Chair PP Hagop Dantziguian have formed a committee of Rotarians and Rotaractors for this purpose and we will be facilitating the dispatch of water, food, first aid kits, cloth, blankets, health and hygiene kits. We will also collaborate with approved organizations in Syria to channel supplies from Beirut directly to the people in need, and further build awareness about hygiene and provide a better way of life to the struggling people. We count on the Rotarian wheel to keep spinning as we form a worldwide chain of support to areas that are in need of our support. 8

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D2451&D2452 REUNITE! d T Joint Multi-District Public Image Seminar In an attempt to reconnect D2451&D2452, DG George Azar and DG Imad Abdel Wahab partnered up and organized a joint “Public Multi-District Image Seminar” which turned out to be a huge success! This seminar which took place on the 24th & 25th of February 2023 at Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel, in Cairo, Egypt was attended by so many leaders from both Districts:District 2452 Governor George Azar, District Trainer, Past District Governor Jamil Mouawad, Past District Governor Nijad El-Atassi ,District Governor Nominee Designate Peter Achejian , Wajdi Alami - Fellowship D2452 Chair, ARC Ahmad Husseini, RLI District Chair May Chmaitelli, District 2452 Secretary Samar Saab and a number of Lebanese Rotarians. So many members,leaders and Past District Governors from D2451 also attended: PDG Mayan Raslan, PDG Abdelhameed El-Awa and many others. Besides it being a very fruitful joint project in which everybody learned something new, witnessing the revival of bonds between members of the two districts was “If we do not promote who we are and what we do, how do we expect people to want to join our clubs, help with our projects, or donate to our causes. Every Rotarian is an image that showcases Rotary International. Each one of us is here today, because Rotary has impacted our lives and changed them to the better. That’s why Rotarians are the icons of change, icons of peace and icons of action takers”, DG George Azar Speech – Multi-District Seminar – Egypt 12

DEI ONLINE SEMINAR FOR PALESTINE Clubs By Nadeen H. Baboun Chair- Palestine & Committee Coordinator in coordination with DEI District Chair Rana Ghandour Salhab We are pleased to inform you about the successful online seminar for Palestine Rotary Clubs that was held on the 17th of February 2023 in the presence of DG George Azar. The seminar is part of District 2452 DEI committee action plan towards achieving its DEI goals. The seminar was attended by members from various Rotary clubs from Palestine and guests from other clubs. It was a great opportunity for us to come together and share our thoughts and experiences on these important subjects. Our Rotary District 2452 is 90 years old, an already diverse: multiple countries, cultures, and languages. 9 countries, in 3 continents: Lebanon, Cyprus, Jordan, Sudan, Bahrain, UAE, Georgia, Armenia and Palestine. We have always embraced diversity, but we know there is more for us to learn and do in order to ensure that our culture reflects and exemplifies wider diversity, equity and inclusion in all ways. During the seminar, we had meaningful discussions about the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our clubs and communities. We 13

explored various strategies that can be implemented to create more inclusive environments, where people from different backgrounds feel welcomed and valued. We also discussed the benefits of having diverse perspectives and ideas, and how they can lead to better outcomes and solutions. The seminar was led by District 2452 DEI Committee Chair Rana Salhab Ghandour and Palestine Committee Chair Nadeen Baboun who shared their knowledge and expertise in the areas of diversity, equity, and provided us with practical tool kits and techniques that we can use to improve our understanding and practices in these areas. The insights gained from this seminar will help us to build more inclusive and welcoming culture. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the participants for their active participation and contributions to this important discussion. Thank you for your continued support of Rotary, and we look forward to more opportunities to come together and learn from each other. 14

SNEAK PEAK INTO ROTARACT’S WORLD Special Announcement : It’s official: DRR Elect for the RY 2023-2024 is our own team member Elie Gharios,Congratulations ! 15

SNEAK PEAK INTO ROTARACT’S WORLD Rotaract District Conference – the Dubai Edition! Ramzi Nassar Typically marking the end of our Rotaract Calendar year, the District Conference is a staple that we all look forward. We are Rotaract District Conference blessed in District 2452 to be a part of such a big Rotaract Chairperson 22/23 family, spanning across 9 different countries. This makes our District Conference, one to look forward to, its truly a remarkable time when all Rotaractors new and tenured come together in the host country, and build friendships, expand their networks, share a good time, but most importantly re- kindle their community devoted fire. This year, we are truly honoured in the UAE, Oud, and its history of pearl divers and trade to be hosting our district’s exceptional fleet routes. As per District Conference formalities, of Rotaractors for 3 days of District the opening ceremony will also be taking Conference and 2 Days of Post Conference, place on the first day, featuring the flag to showcase the culture, diversity, and ceremony, keynote speeches from notable development of our beloved home. We aim members of Rotary and Rotaract in the UAE, to do so by journeying our participants and opening the discussion on the “Future through the past, present and the future of of Volunteering” through a panel assembly. Dubai. “The present tour” is an adventurous, fun- To take a tour into the past, we will be visiting filled activity day at the glorious Hatta Dam an expo-esque location in Dubai, known as where our participants will get to enjoy the Al Shandgha Museum, for a tour in 4 different natural, less man-made side of Dubai. We houses that represent different aspects of top off our present day with a celebratory Dubai’s culture and heritage. This visit will be evening at one of the most go-to venues in introducing our participants to the humble Dubai. beginnings of the UAE, the beautiful On our final day of the District Conference, perfumes produced from Al Anbar and Al we will be visiting the 2022 most beautiful 16

SNEAK PEAK INTO ROTARACT’S WORLD building in the world, the Museum of the entire District Conference organizing Future, where we learn more about what committee for their hard work and dedication the future holds for the UAE, and the in making this event a historic success. Your developmental plans that have been scripted unwavering commitment to this District by the UAE leaders for Dubai and its sister Conference, despite my numerous calls, emirates. Just before the final day ends, our messages, and follow-ups, was truly admirable. closing ceremony gala takes course, with a I would also like to give a special recognition full-fledged evening of awards, celebrations, to DRR Margarita Poposka for her tireless entertainment, and futuristic vibes. effort and unwavering Rotaract spirit. Her The post conference takes our participants passion made it possible for us to host this to an entirely new Emirate, Ras Al-Khaimah. District Conference in the UAE. Maggie is a In the post conference, we aim to offer a true embodiment of the Rotaract spirit. therapeutic experience by ascending to the highest point in the UAE, Jebel Jais and admiring the bewildering views through a fun and thrilling ride on the Jais Sledder, one of the longest and highest roller coasters in the world. Our participants will further enjoy the sought-after coastal beaches at Ras Al Khaimah, recovering from the fully occupied agenda of the District Conference. We believe our well-thought and planned agenda, will deliver one of the most exciting and memorable District Conferences, besides the fact that it will be the first Rotaract District Conference to take place in the UAE. I extend my sincerest congratulations to the 17

SNEAK PEAK INTO ROTARACT’S WORLD The Brave Walk: a Fundraiser Fashion Show! By Rotaract Club de Beyrouth Mira Machmouchi -President 22-23 Rotaract Club de Beyrouth -Incoming District Secretary & Executive 23-24 The Brave Heart Fund has been the backbone of many families, District 2452 and has been supporting them in their needed interventions and surgeries, which has become very costly. On the 4th of of February, Rotaract Club de Beyrouth organized a one of a kind Fashion Show Fundraiser at “Casino du Liban”. All the event’s proceeds were aimed at covering children’s heart procedures. The club managed to raise over 10,000$ in contribution to the Brave Walk Fund. This Fashion Show however, goes beyond the scope of a typical fundraiser. Through this national event, we were also supporting Lebanese local production and young talents. We intentionally aimed to highlight the many talents of the Lebanese youth and of Lebanese designers in this Fashion show, as we firmly believe that the future of this nation lies in the support of its local artistic production. Rotaract Club de Beyrouth, representing the Lebanese youth that continue to believe in a better and hopeful tomorrow, planned to host an event that at a never seen before scope and level, at a level that brave heart and it’s cause deserve. Besides the community service and finance committees working very hard to make this event possible and to reach its goals, the PR committee managed to secure many sponsorships to make this event come to life and support the brave heart fund like Murex, LIA Assurex, Patchi, Zaatar w Zeit, Pikit Convenience Store, and Alaa El Samer Hairdressing Makeup. We also had the support of Red Cross which 18

SNEAK PEAK INTO ROTARACT’S WORLD provided personnel to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all our guests. Lebanese media showed their support to young Lebanese community service initiatives as our members were hosted on Tele Lumiere and live on Tele Liban, along with Virgin Radio’s advertisement, Nidaa Al Watan coverage, and Beiruting live Instagram coverage. Rotaract Club de Beyrouth was supported by the Rotaract community and the entire Lebanese community. Members from other clubs supported our initiative nationally and internationally by participating as models and by publicizing it further. No door that we knocked rejected our efforts. This project reminded us of exactly what it means to be a Rotaractor and that Rotaract remains the place for us to turn our passions and hobbies into huge impactful journeys. To the members of Rotaract Club de Beyrouth, the club of my heart, you remain the biggest inspiration of all, and the efforts of each and every one of you, is what made this even a slight possibility. Dream bigger and aim higher always, There are no limits, De Beyrouth. 19

District 2452 in Action! Community service projects- Bahrain Rotary Clubs of Bahrain :Together Against the Winter’s Cold! The Rotary Clubs of the world have been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts for many years. Recently, the Rotary Clubs of Bahrain have jointly taken up a new initiative in providing winter relief to those in need. Through their Winter Relief Program, Rotary Clubs have distributed heaters and blankets to those who are struggling to keep warm during the colder months. This is a wonderful gesture for those without access to adequate heating systems, and it has been made possible through generous donations from local businesses and individuals. Rotary Cubs of Bahrain worked hand in hand with local charity organizations to help distribute the items to those in need. The Winter Relief Program is just one example of the many ways in which Rotary Clubs are helping those in need. By providing essential items like heaters and blankets, they are helping to ensure that everyone has access to necessary resources during difficult times. It’s an admirable effort that deserves recognition and support from all of us! Fundraising - Jordan The Rotary Club of Amman Ammon and the Rotary Club of Amman Cosmopolitan held a dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel Amman on February 12, 2023 to celebrate Valentine’s Day and fundraise donations to support various Rotarian projects which help serve our local community. 20

District 2452 in Action! Community Service Projects-Lebanon An Initiative to Promote the Culture of Reading By the Rotary Club of Zahle Capitol The Zahle Capitol Rotary Club launched an initiative to promote the culture of reading. In order to achieve this goal, it provided more than 5,000 books in French and English to a number of schools and secondary schools in Zahle and the Bekaa Valley. Religious upbringing, Mar Grace Middle School for the Syriac Orthodox in Zahle. Where the club’s president, Tony Abou Naoum, accompanied by colleagues Samar Afram, Gloria Massad, Nancy Zalaket, and Rasha Bagdou, visited the schools’ administration. The president of the club, Tony Abou Naoum, praised the qualitative educational leap achieved by Zahle schools this year, focusing on the importance of reading and its role. He thanked the Rotary Club of Beirut Cedars for providing the books. Community Service Project – CYPRUS Rotary Club of Limassol Kourion After two years of confinement, our group dynamically returned with its 20th carnival dance and it was epic! Thank you for supporting us by supporting our mission ! 21

District 2452 in Action! Community Service Projects-Lebanon FREE EYE EXAMINATIONS CAMPAIGN BY RC SAIDA The Rotary Club - Saida, in cooperation with Dr. Mounir Kassir, implemented a campaign of free eye examinations for children from public and semi-free associations and schools. The campaign, which was carried out in three phases at Dr. Kassir’s clinic in Sidon, included about 145 children from 5 to 12 years old, including children under the auspices of “Our People Association” and students from “Saida Public Primary School - Al-Rushdia” in Old Sidon and “Al-Islah School”. Al-Rasmiyah - Al Baasiri neighborhood. The campaign also included securing medical glasses for about 110 children who were included in these examinations and showed that they needed glasses. Community Service Project - PALESTINE RC Ramallah begins training for local audiologists from various organizations who will benefit from hearing screening equipment under the Gibson Moore Early Detection in Hearing Prevention in Palestine. The training was conducted by a local medical equipment distributor in anticipation for distribution for hearing aids for children in need. This global grant will help in the prevention of deafness in children as early detection is crucial for giving hearing impaired Palestinian children the opportunity to attend normal school, establish proper speech development and live their best lives possible. PP/PADG Bishara Joubran presented to middle and high school students about Rotary International and specifically about RC Ramallah focusing on how to motivate youth to provide service for their communities and the impact that can be achieved, using RC Ramallah’s past projects and community service initiatives as examples. A second vocational training was held by Rtn. Dr. Nadia Abdulhaq in coordination with the Ramallah Friends school targeting middle and high school teacher in order present on how to identify red flags in children facing speech development and how to facilitate these difficulties. 22

District 2452 in Action! THE ESSENCE OF LIFE IS TO OPEN OUR HANDS TO SERVICE By RC Beirut Liberty Service is the human responsibility for being. It is the very purpose of life and not something we do in our spare time To accomplish our life responsibility, Rotary Club Beirut Liberty had been engaged in several projects to improve the quality of life in our community: -Assistance to the Aged, Maronite Elderly Home, by offering food boxes -Assistance to the Armenian General benevolent Union in Burj Hammoud: 20 boxes of tooth paste, diapers and napkins for females. - Planting a smile on the face of 60 Orphans, by offering candies, cookies and chocolate during Christmas holidays. Three fundraising projects were organized to raise funds for the above service projects: -Brunch at Ilham Sarieddine’s Residence in Bizibddine -Brunch at Khadija Jbeily’s Residence in Saida -Fundraiser at Mona Rasamny’s Residence in Beirut 23

District 2452 in Action! Community Service Project – Dubai ‘WELCOME 2023’, Rotary Club of Dubai fundraising gala was a super success, thanks to the overwhelming attendance and generous support of our members and guests. The funds raised were partly used to help Turkey and Syria after the devestating earthquakes that had hit and the rest for local projects we support in UAE and the orphanage in Tanzania. 24

WHO TALKED BEHIND YOUR BACK IN FEBRUARY? Usually our team members pick up Yousif Al Najjar Hameed Karimi people randomly from our District May Khoder database, drop call and ask Abbas Sibai Pierre Geara members to pick one person who’s Amany Dahir been inspiring to them or touched Christine their life in any way and ask them to Arzoumanian share a few sentences about that special person . Bechara Jebran But the game is not limited to the people we randomly pick. To feature your “gossip” in this page , please feel free to send your content to your designated country’s Newsletter Chair and CC:rita-imad@ live.com email subject: newsletter content / Who talked behind your back OBJECTIVE Being part of an organization that’s based on volunteers working together, Rotarians all over the world create bonds and friendships that last for years. Through it all, we all learn a lot about each other, learn to accept and cherish our differences and that’s one of the main things that differentiate Rotary from other organizations. This section has been created as a space to praise these bonds we’ve created and share our experiences with one another. 25

VOCATIONAL SERVICE & CONFERENCES Legal Coaching for Law Graduate Jobseekers Rotary Club of Adliya – March 2023 The Rotary Club of Adliya has recently Participants will receive advice on how to unveiled a new community project aimed leverage their skills and experiences for the at providing coaching and guidance to best possible outcome. The program pair unemployed law graduates in Bahrain. The young graduates with experienced project, which was launched early March professionals from the legal sector who can 2023, is part of the Club’s commitment to provide advice and guidance throughout its ongoing efforts to support the local their job search process. This program is community. The initiative is designed to intended to help participants build help young graduates find employment professional networks that can lead them opportunities in their chosen field. Through towards successful careers in law. Overall, this project, they will be able to gain insight Rotary Club of Adliya’s Community Project into the legal sector and develop their skills for Coaching for Unemployed Law so they can make informed decisions about Graduates is an excellent initiative that their future careers. The project provides provides essential support for young coaching sessions with experienced professionals who are looking for professionals from the legal field who will opportunities within law-related fields. It provide guidance on how to prepare for offers valuable guidance and resources job interviews, networking, and other that can help them reach their full potential related topics. The sessions will also focus and achieve success in their chosen on building confidence and understanding profession. how the legal sector works in Bahrain. 26

VOCATIONAL SERVICE & CONFERENCES A Joint Visit to Danat Pearl &Gemstones Lab By the Rotary Clubs of Adliya&Manama The Rotary Clubs of Adliya and Manama recently had the pleasure of conducting a joint visit to Danat Pearl and Gemstones lab to learn more about their operations and services. The visit was a great success, with Rotary Club members getting to experience first- hand knowledge of the Pearl revival strategy in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the opportunities available at Danat. The group was given a tour of the lab and were able to observe how different types of gemstones are cut and tested for quality. They were also able to witness the process of how pearls are handled and graded. The team was also given a demonstration on how computer-aided technologies are used in jewelry testing, as well as seeing examples of 3D printing technology in action. The group also learned how Danat utilizes its unique approach to vocational training, which includes hands-on learning, interactive sessions, and modern technology. Overall, it was an enjoyable day for all involved. The Rotary Club members left feeling inspired by the dedication of Danat staff to providing quality services. They also appreciated being able to gain insight on this important sector of industry that provides a pathway for young people into skilled careers that will help them achieve success in life. 27

Challenge of the Month: In order to raise awareness , share a post on your Social Media Platforms on conflict prevention tips and include in your post Rotary’s Logo Don’t forget to send us a photo/video to [email protected] CC: [email protected] Email Subject : Newsletter / Challenge of the Month Recipe from Sudan Gollash (Sudanese meat pie) Gollash can best be described as a classic first with a bit of olive oil until softened, which takes Sudanese meat pie. It’s considered a regular dish about 5-7 minutes in most upmarket restaurants in Sudan. 4. Add the meat and brown it until the liquid The main part of Goulash is the minced meat. It is dissolves, about 10 minutes. Add all the spices and lightly seasoned with a bit of salt, pepper, and some mix well, then set aside parsley to keep the natural flavor of the meat. 5. Melt the butter and mix with the olive oil. Using a 10” x To make Goulash, the meat is first pre-cooked 6” pan (you can use a slightly bigger pan too, the pie will and then layered with filo pastry and taken into be slightly less thick which is a matter of preference), an oven. brush the bottom with the butter/oil mixture 6. Roughly cut the phyllo dough to fit your pan size. It 1.1.1 INGREDIENTS doesn’t have to be exact and its fine if the edges get folded over along the sides (this part will be extra crispy!). 1.1.2 7. Add 2-3 layers of phyllo dough to the pan then brush 1.1.2.1 For the filling with the butter/oil mixture. Make sure you’re generous • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef and add a good amount. Add the next 2-3 layers and • 1 diced onion roughly 1 cup continue brushing every third layer or so until you reach • 1 tablespoon allspice 10 layers minimum on the bottom (a few more is fine) • 1 teaspoon cinnamon 8. Spoon the meat mixture onto the dough and • 1 teaspoon garlic powder flatten it with a spoon • 1 teaspoon salt 9. Repeat the same steps with the top of the pie, adding • ½ teaspoon black pepper 2-3 layers and brushing with butter/oil. Stop when you • 2 tablespoons olive oil have reached roughly 10 layers on the top as well 10. Brush the top layer with butter/oil and carefully 1.1.2.2 For the pastry cut the pie into pieces using a sharp knife. Be sure to • 20 phyllo pastry sheets thawed go all the way to the bottom and go over the cuts a • ¼ cup melted butter few times • ¼ cup melted olive oil 11. Whisk together the milk, egg and salt/pepper • 1 cup milk full fat or semi-skimmed and pour over the top of the pie • 1 egg 12. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown and crispy • ¼ teaspoon salt on top. You can broil it for a few minutes to get it extra • dash of black pepper crispy as well but stay nearby so it doesn’t burn 1.1.3 INSTRUCTIONS Enjoy it ! 1. Thaw your phyllo pastry ahead of time either overnight in the fridge or for a few hours on your counter. Ensure you have at least 20 sheets of phyllo dough 2. Preheat your oven to 350F 3. Make the meat filling by cooking the diced onion 28

Calendar Events April 2023 for the Rotarian Year Sunday 29th 2022-2023 Rotary Family Day outing March 2023 May 2023 Thursday March 2nd Thursday 11th RLI District seminar #5: District 2452 Conference Club Central - Club Reports Time: 18:00 Friday 12th District 2452 Conference Friday March 3rd D2452 Medical & Wellness Group’s: Saturday 13th Hearing Loss Conference District 2452 Conference (Full day panel) Location: Amphitheater Francois S. Sunday 14th Bassil, Campus of Innovation and District 2452 Conference Sports - USJ, Damascus Road, Beirut Time: 8:30 Saturday 27th Rotary Intl Convention Thursday March 9 -Sunday March 12 Location: Melbourne, Australia Rotaract District Conference Al Ghaf, Dubai Sunday 28th Price: $455 Rotary Intl Convention Location: Melbourne, Australia Saturday March 18, 2023 PETS session 1 Lebanon Monday 29th Location: Country Lodge, Bsalim Rotary Intl Convention Time: 8:30 - 15:40 Location: Melbourne, Australia PETS 1 and 2 are mandatory to all IPs Tuesday 30th Rotary Intl Convention Location: Melbourne, Australia Wednesday 31st Rotary Intl Convention Location: Melbourne, Australia 29

THOUGHTS FROM FEBRUARY 30