Youth: Future of Rotary

Posted by DG Alex Nyaga

DG Alex Nyaga (R) with DRR Goerge Otieno (L)

Happy Labour Day Family of Rotary!

May is Youth Service Month, a time when we get to focus on our Rotaract and Interact clubs and their very important role in Rotary. When Paul Harris founded Rotary in 1905, it was with the intention to bring together local business professionals for friendship and networking.

A century later, we want to ensure that in addition to service delivery, our members are able to leverage on the business and professional connections that come from being a Rotarian as per his vision. The need to introduce and instill the Rotary way into young people, is key into transiting them to Rotarians and ensures the continuity of the organization. Starting our youth early is therefore part of our succession planning strategy in Rotary.

Many success stories can be told of the joys of starting early, including my very own. When I joined the Rotary Club of Lang’ata as a charter member many years ago, I was only 23 years old. The young club at the time was made up of young professionals and relatives of older Rotarians in their twenties who gave their full energies to the club. 21 years down the line, the bulk of the charter members are still members of the same club - that now stands at a strong membership of 141. To ensure continuity, we have maintained a healthy pipeline of young energetic members to continue and grow the club to new heights.

As we corporatize our organization, we are intent to build an organization that will stand the test of time, and that is why investing in our youth in schools, colleges and work force is paramount to our progression. Our New Generations programs are designed to create opportunities for the youth, to have the opportunity to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, as well as have fun through service.

The onus is on us as Rotarians to nurture our youth by offering our support for our Interactors and Rotaractors. We can continue to do this by supporting their activities and providing leadership and mentorship. Through our clubs, it is important that we grow Rotary by increasing the growth of our new generations clubs.

As Rotary clubs continue to sponsor the formation of Interact and Rotaract Clubs, I am happy to report that for the first time ever, we now have 3 Rotary clubs in the process of being formed by Rotaract Alumni and Clubs! Our Rotaractors are growing Rotary through the formation of the Rotary Clubs of Embu Nouvelle, Gulf (Kisumu) and Jabali, which has an impressive 50 members waiting for charter.

Rotary is now recognizing the importance of giving our Rotaractors equal partnership in our organization. The youth are blessed with the gift of energy and passion required to increase our ability to Do More in our communities. Starting 1 July 2022, Rotaract clubs will enjoy benefits previously only enjoyed by Rotary clubs including the permission to apply for grants and the responsibility to pay Rotary dues.

The ability of our youth to drive our goal to Do More is evident in the example of the Rotaract Club of Naivasha (RACN), the first Rotaract club in our district to receive a district grant. The club received a USD 3,500 grant this year towards the adopt a river project. RACN adopted seasonal River Maraigushu and effected community training on environmental conservation, river clean up and tree planting, bringing together 250 volunteers from various youth groups in Naivasha.

The club is also known for their free annual medical camps, youth empowerment seminars and annual chapati bonanza; a hope inspiring fun day for inmates in both maximum and minimum prisons in Naivasha. For the last two consecutive years, the club been able to reach 800 teenagers with one event hosted in Murang'a County in partnership with several Rotaract clubs from the Mt Kenya region.

It is clear that by partnering with our Rotaractors and Interactors, we are able to greatly increase our impact to society. This month, let us re-energize our efforts for collaboration with our younger brothers and sisters.

This month of May will also see us go through is a handing over process for leaders in our clubs. It is critical that our outgoing officials implement a clear handover for the incoming teams by holding joint board meetings. Incoming leaders should also demonstrate their plans to their members, as they are the ones that will add value and support to actualize your vision. I request that you - as members of your clubs - ensure that you take full ownership of the process in your clubs for smooth transition.

Finally, our much-awaited District Conference is upon us. We are now only 11 days away from what promises to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to network, socialize, learn, have fun and bring our One Love theme to life! Registration closes this week on 6^th May so ensure that you get your ticket, as there will be no registration at the door.

Our event organizers have gone to great lengths to ensure that you enjoy your experience in Diani. We have lined up an amazing panel of speakers and put together a series of exciting activities and events to keep you enthused and enthralled over the 3-day conference. Attending the District Conference will allow you the opportunity to travel around the region and take in the sights and sounds of a different culture, acquire new knowledge, make life long friendships and boost business edification. See you there!

I wish you all a wonderful Labour Day today, and a happy Idd-ul-Fitr to all our Muslim friends and family.

One Love

Alex Nyaga,

District Governor 2021/22