February 7 meeting - Oak Bay Rotary

Heather reported that the March 24^th Concert was looking for sponsors. The program will start at 2:30 on the 24^th.

Eugen requested an expression of interest in the book ‘Walking with Ted Harrison’. He also announced the availability of posters Ted prepared when joining the club in 1993.

John Jordan announced that he was leaving for Rwanda in the next few days to visit and participate in projects underway there.

Celebrations Master

Jack Petrie served as Celebrations Master.  He reported that today, February 7, was the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Rotary International Centres on Conflict Resolution.  Assorted general fines were levied. Happy and sad dollars came from Joan Peggs, Corey Burger, Bill Burns, Heather Aked, Leslie Rogers-Warnock and Mark Bedford. David Warnock won the draw.

The Speakers

District 5020 Governor David Stocks introduced the speakers.  Christie Johnson, who has played an instrumental role in the development of the Malawi Girls School, made some introductory remarks covering the background of the school’s evolution.  The principal speaker was Henry Mdyetseni, coordinator of the APU (Atsikana Pa Ulendo) Girls' School in Malawi, which our club has supported for several years. Henry began by pointing out the importance of professional knowledge and expertise to the school: the need for good teachers; financial control; and the need for the orderly and integrated development of physical facilities.

He showed the site plan and the placement of the 11 buildings that have been put in place over the last five years. He reported that in construction work, good environmental practices have been followed.  Oak Bay Rotary has been especially helpful in providing water systems. The water tank capacity is now 10 thousand litres.

Henry discussed the impact of the project on the communities surrounding the school.  The school provides 70 jobs in an area of subsistence farming. It has in place a ‘buy local’ policy wherever possible. 

He next pointed out the importance of role models for the girls, giving the example of female teachers, something very rare in Malawi’s government schools. The school is also pleased with the superior academic performance of the students.

Christie added to the information provided by Henry, pointing out that there is an 18 month interval between the time that students graduate from the school and their entry into university, assuming they qualify for admission. This is a serious problem and the school is considering the establishment of a teachers' training college.

Mary Canty thanked the speakers.