Meeting of April 22, 2014. Speaker: Memory Mdyetseni - APU Malawi Girls School

Speaker, Memory Mdyetsini, before the meeting.

President Peter called the meeting to order at 12.15, declaring the day as one dedicated to and celebrating possibility. He spoke of today's Rotaract visitors who embody the nature of possibility to make a difference in the world they are exploding into. He also spoke of our speaker from Malawi, Memory Mdyetsini, who started with nothing more than a possibility and who turned it into a splendid life-altering reality affecting hundreds of young leaders, families and communities. He mentioned too, members like John Jordan, John Edgell, Joan Peggs, Joan Firkins and so many others in our club who start with a possibility and then enrol others to join in committed action. In short, change starts with possibility and happens when there is committed action.

Both the Canadian and Malawi National Anthems were sung, and Grace was said by David Westler. Lunch was quiche and salads, with the usual array of delectable sweets.  New member Gordon Quigley introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians:

Rotarians: Past District Governor, David Stocks; Rotaractors: Lance Shaver, Samantha Lloyd, Jasmine ?, and Scott Higbie; Speaker Memory Mdyetsini; Leslie Lee, Principal of George Jay Elementary (guest of Peter Lawrie), Morrie Bailey (Guest of Jack Petrie); Steve Sharlow; Katie Smith (guest of Joan Peggs); Margaret Lidkea (guest of Tom Lidkea).

Neil Rawnsley and David Stocks (above right and left) made Paul Harris Fellowship presentations to Lance Shaver and Samantha Lloyd (centre), outlining what it means to receive a Paul Harris Fellow award, and mentioning how proud we are to be associated with them, and thanking them for all they have done as Rotaracters.

Lance and Samantha

Announcements:

Joan Firkins asked for volunteers for the Mardi Gras night, and for members to sign up online for the shifts for car raffle. Click here to do so: http://rotaryraffle.ca/signup2014/

Joan Peggs spoke of the Times Colonist/Butchart Gardens  passes

Heather announced that the cheque presentation for McCauley school would be at 9:00 Wednesday April 30th. Pete advised that guest, Leslie Lee, was recently awarded one of Canada’s  Outstanding Principal Awards at a National Conference. 

Peter Sou did his final stint as Fines Master. Thanks Peter. 

Guest Speaker

Tricia introduced the speaker, Memory Mdyetsini, who is visiting from the Malawi Girls School, Atsikana Pa Ulendo, one of our club's International charities. Tricia reminded members of the many obstacles Memory had to overcome in her struggle to realise her dream of establishing a secondary school for girls in a rural area near Lilongwe.  Memory updated us on the achievements of the students and thanked our club for its contributions. 

Joan Peggs (above) thanked Memory for her presentation. 

This was followed by a cheque presentation, from Jasmine (above centre), Scott, Lance (left) and Samantha, of Rotaract, in the amount of $865.00 to Memory for APU Malawi.

In closing, we watched (and some joined in) a video of the 2011 Graduation class of APU Malawi, singing their own song, "We will never be the same again". 

Reporters: Peter Lawrie, Rod Sim. Photos: Tricia Timmermans