RIPPLE EFFECT PROGRAM & ROTARY CLUB of REGINA EASTVIEW!
In the process of calling the May 23, 2024 Rotary Clubs of Regina and Regina Eastview Joint Luncheon to order, President Al invited us to become quiet and join in repeating the familiar Rotary Grace. Once accomplished the gathering headed for the buffet or waited to be served. Once the meal was completed we were led in our National Anthem by Allen Hillsden, were reminded through the Land Acknowledgement statement, that people were here before we settlers came and we are committed to searching for truth and working on reconciliation.
Ann Graham was called on to introduce Peter Neufeldt and Peter Peters who would be sharing on the Regina Eastview's involvement in the Ripple Effect Program. This initiative is celebrating 25 years of consistent mutually beneficial partnership between RI Districts 5550 in Canada and 4250 in Guatemala.
Using power point slides, prepared by Peter Neufeldt the Peter and Peter team traced the history from a personal friendship between two business men, one a Rotarian in Winnipeg, the other in Guatemala, and an agreement to build a school in a rural community in Guatemala. This one School in the late 1990's, became a dream and in 1999 took shape in a "program" concept, where the potential of multiple Rotary Clubs working together could contribute in a more dramatic way in the enhancement of education in Guatemala. This led to the creation of the Ripple Effect Program (REP) an initiative of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg West. Regina Eastview's formal connection with the REP in 2006 which resulted in the building of our 1st 3-Classroom School which boasted washrooms with running water for girls and boys, a life changing feature in this mountain side rural school.
In March of 2009 the Neufeldt's and Peters visited Guatemala and were inspired by the Rotarians and the Guatemala people and the potential for service opportunities. During this time Regina Eastview leadership determined the Club needed to be more focused in the projects they undertake in the community and around the world and established a process for identifying "Signature Projects". The REP was the selected International Signature Project and this set the stage for the Club's commitment to pursue the construction of the El Corchu School on return from Guatemala.
In 2009 the RC of Winnipeg West determined the REP had out grown their capacity to carry on and an agreement was made for the Program to become a District 5550 initiative. The program would be operated and managed by the Canadian Ripple Effect Committee (CREC). A partner organization in District 4250, where it is known as the Guatemala Ripple Effect Committee GREC was established.
Recognition of the importance and value of partnership is foundational to the REP success and acceptance by community, funding partners and governments at all levels is critical. The REP is structured on the principle of a "hand up" as opposed to a "hand out", an approach appreciated by Guatemalan communities. The hand up helps to set the stage, and the community is quick to step in with what they can contribute, often in the form of labour. The community with their 'Mayors and Municipalities" increasingly stepped up to support the education of their children.
Over the REP history the program has built over 100 schools, have awarded 650 Middle School and High School Scholarships and has directly benefitted over 40,000 students through the investment of over $4 million in education in Guatemala. These resources have come from a variety of sources including individual donations, government grants and The Rotary Foundation. Regina Eastview has been involved in: i) construction of 7 community school projects; ii) follow-up 2 or 3 times for further upgrades of facilities such as adding a kitchens or additional classrooms or enhancing the washrooms.
The REP has been successful because of the consistent and committed leadership, initially by Alex and Gail Zahradnitzky, and since 2009 by Gord and Debra LeMaistre. The connections these individuals had, and currently have with Government Ministers and their Officials, contribute significantly to the success of the Ripple Effect Program and Regina Eastview is ever so grateful for their guidance in our collective success.
Rotary Club of Regina Eastview, thank you for being a shining REP light.
Peter and Peter Team
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY
The movement for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld
Millions of women and girls* around the world are prevented from reaching their full potential. Just because they menstruate. On 28 May, we unite to change that. Menstrual Hygiene Day brings together non-profits, governments, the private sector, and millions of individuals. Together, we increase awareness and action towards our common goal: a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.
Menstrual Hygiene Day Logo
A world where the taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation are history. Where everyone has access to quality menstrual products, period education and period-friendly toilets. But Menstrual Hygiene Day is more than an awareness day. In the past 10 years, the movement has grown tremendously. Today, more and more of us are also working towards a #PeriodFriendlyWorld beyond 28 May.
This is a key focus for the Rotary Clubs of Regina Eastview, Saskatoon North and Moose Jaw Wakamow as we partner with the RC of Retalhuleu in the WASH In Schools Project. An initiative which will provide Water, Sanitation and Hygiene as the focus in 7 schools impacting 1400 students.
The Family of Rotary
Al Hoeft, Gail Bradley and Richard Taylor are celebrating Birthdays this coming week and we congratulated them by deferring singing our good wishes until we meet in person - so please come to our next in-person event to experience our collective appreciation for your place in this family;
Past President Jean-Marc Nadeau was at our meeting and was invited to the podium where President Al presented Jean-Marc with a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) + 2 Pin, and also a PHF + 3 Pin - each of these awards relate to a cumulative $1,000.00 (US) contributions to The Rotary Foundation;
The International component of the Rotary Family is always a heart warming aspect of this community. Having Rotarians from Zambia and Nigeria in the room when we focus on a component of our International service could be an attraction for visitors seeking a "Rotary home Club".
Jean-Marc Nadeau & President Al Hoeft
FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
At the District Conference in Moose Jaw the Rotary Club of Regina Eastview was presented with a "SILVER HERO AWARD" by ShelterBOX Canada for our club's contribution to ShelterBox in the 2023-2024 Rotary Year;
Happy dollars came from Gilda Treleaven-Grahame was delighted to tell us her Great Granddaughter is one year old - it goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) for grand-parents to have "great" added to their status is a "big deal";
Jean-Marc acknowledged his recent "lengthy" absence from Rotary is attributed to a variety of factors including his effort to achieve his PhD;
This will be accomplished this summer, as he his defending his thesis in August - Jean-Marc's PhD is on Public Policy - your Rotary friends are cheering you on;
Ann Grahame's ticket was drawn for the 50/50 and sadly she selected a blue marble so the search will carry on;
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“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
Albert Einstien
Today's guests
Our meeting was graced with the attendance of local and International Guests. Chipo Mwiimbu and friend from Zambia, and Raji Babatuncle (Regina Oskaya) and Adediram Adejuwon from the Rotary Club of Akure in Nigeria
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