110 Years of humanitarian service
Rotary brings together the kind of people who step forward to take on important issues for local communities worldwide.
THIS year sees Rotary International celebrate 110 years since its humble beginnings in Chicago.
Since 23 February 1905, this Service before Self organisation has grown to 34 871 clubs worldwide, with 299 in southern Africa.
Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas who contribute their time, energy and passion to sustainable, long-term projects in local communities across the globe.
Amongst millions of projects undertaken annually and globally, Rotary focuses on important issues such as peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy and economic and community development.
Addressing youth issues
Rotary also offers service opportunities involving the youth and supports two youth service organisations, Interact for school going young adults aged 12-18 and Rotaract for students and professional persons aged 18-30.
eShowe High School has an Interact Club which has served the community with its own projects for the last 15 years.
Rotary brings together the kind of people who step forward to take on important issues for local communities worldwide.
Rotary members hail from a range of professional backgrounds including doctors, artists, small business owners and stay-at-home parents who all call themselves Rotarians.
Rotary connects people who feel the need to serve and helps leverage its members’ expertise to improve lives everywhere.
Locally the eShowe Rotary Club has served the community for 56 years and has made a significant contribution to the lives of thousands through projects embracing health, sanitation, education, vocational service and much more.
Polio eradication
Internationally, in partnership with the WHO and many governments, Rotary is close to eliminating polio with a 99% reduction in cases worldwide since 1985 when the PolioPlus programme was launched.
To date, Rotary has contributed more than US$1.2-billion and countless volunteer hours to help immunize more than two billion children against polio in 122 countries.
The goal of a polio free world is now in sight and currently, Rotary is working to raise $35-million per year through to 2018 to finish the task.
All funds raised for polio eradication will be matched 2 to 1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
For more information visit www.rotary.org or contact a local Rotarian.
