Being recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow is not only an acknowledgement of Dr Zena Kimaro’s contribution to Rotary, but also a reminder of what can be achieved when others are allowed to serve.

Kimaro, a scientist with a doctorate in vaccine research, joined Rotary in 2004 because she wanted to make a difference beyond her professional work. Her involvement has since included projects focused on education, health and community development.

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She is a member of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg New Dawn, which recently recognised her contribution during its weekly meeting.

One of the initiatives closest to her heart is the establishment of an Interact Club at Parktown High School for Girls, which allows learners to become actively involved in community service.

With support from the Rotary Club and Khosi Lamola, a teacher at the school, the learners have partnered with Marang House, a home for children living with serious chronic illnesses.

Their work includes fundraising, collecting toiletries, providing tutoring and spending time with the children through activities such as picnics.

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For Kimaro, the initiative is about more than providing material support. It allows learners to build relationships with the children while developing empathy and a sense of responsibility towards their community.

She said watching the learners take initiative, work together and find creative ways to support the children had been particularly rewarding.

The experience has reinforced her belief that service does not always require extraordinary gestures, but rather a willingness to contribute and encourage others to do the same.

Kimaro’s commitment to education also extends beyond South Africa. Through the Rotary Club of Kilifi in Kenya, she worked with the Rotary Club of Vinings in Atlanta to develop a global matching grant that provided computers to schools in Kilifi and scholarships covering the costs associated with secondary education.

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She said the experience demonstrated how partnerships across countries could help address barriers to education and create opportunities for young people.

After moving to South Africa for a postdoctoral fellowship, Kimaro made finding a Rotary club one of her priorities. She visited the Johannesburg New Dawn club because it was close to her home and has remained involved since 2012.

She said the members’ commitment to community service and their sense of fun helped draw her in, while the difference the organisation makes has kept her committed over the years.

Receiving the Paul Harris Fellow recognition has encouraged her to continue creating opportunities for others to serve.

Kimaro hopes the learners at Parktown High School for Girls will carry the values they are developing through their work with Marang House into adulthood.

Ultimately, she wants her contribution to be measured not only by the projects she has helped establish but also by the people she has inspired to make a difference.

For her, the lasting value of community service lies in empowering others and creating opportunities for an impact that extends beyond what any one individual can achieve alone.

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