HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF FREETOWN- SUNSET; ANNUAL DINNER AND DANCE

The Rotary Club of Freetown-Sunset hosted its annual dinner and dance at the New Brookfield’s Hotel in Freetown, Sierra Leone on Saturday, 9th October, 2021.

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

As Rotary is a space that nurtures leaders and societal change makers, its dinner and dance came with a sort of exuberance and an anticipation of goodwill and friendships. On Saturday, the 9th of October, that surge of anticipation was ignited with pre-dinner drinks to lighten up the mood and wet the taste buds for imminent feasting and dancing.

As the array of smartly dressed Rotarians and guests arrived at the hall of the New Brookfield’s Hotel, it became clear and obvious that the Saturday evening was going to be a splendid one. Service above self is the goal and so is service to one’s self with a sumptuous dinner, bright and lovely faces, with the right vibes is also important.

In attendance among many other notable personalities were – The Auditor General of Sierra Leone- Mrs. Lara Taylor- Pearce, a proud Rotarian herself; The Deputy- Minister of Information and Communication -Mr. Solomon Jamiru; Sierra Leone’s leading fashion icon- Maryann Kai-Kai; Mrs. Asmaa James – popular broadcast journalist and advocate; Dr. Patrick Coker – Chairman of the Olympics committee, a host of distinguished professionals, lawyers and doctors that are making a change in society.

The First Rotary club in Sierra Leone was the Rotary club of Freetown, chartered on 23rd March 1963

The statements made by the immediate past president – Ibrahim Bangura Esq, the district governor 9101– Mr. Christopher Forster and the current president – Mrs. Melphina Beoku- Betts resonates a singular tone and goal; the Rotary Club of Freetown-Sunset is here to serve and that service is on the hands of no singular individual but on the collective efforts and dedication of every Rotarian and the community as a whole.

The successes along the years were mentioned and worthy of note is their:

TREE-PLANTING EXERCISE

• Joint venture with Freetown City Council in their “Freetown the Tree Town” campaign

• Sunset supported the planting of 4,000 trees in 150 schools in a month.

• Sunset was present for the tree planting exercise in six schools. 

COVID-19 TEACHER TRAINING WORKSHOP

• 30 Teachers from 15 municipal Schools were trained on COVID-19 preventive measures in school setting.

• Workshop was held at the Freetown City School.

• Dr. Reginald Cole facilitated the training.

• Teachers learnt a lot and promised to share experience gained with their colleagues.  

RUSSELL SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP

• As per tradition, Sunset organized a scholarship award ceremony for students at the Russell School. 

• A total of 12 pupils benefited from this scholarship.

• Awardees were presented with schoolbags, school uniforms, pens and pencils, mathematical sets, exercise books and cash subsidy for shoes, socks etc.

These laudable ventures should remain as an inspiration to every community, it would also help install a leadership drive among others. Rotary by itself cannot adequately carry out every venture and succeed, the community and stakeholders are and should be active participants. A clarion call was made towards that end.

Rotary first established the Paul Harris Fellows recognition in 1957 for contributors of US 1,000 to the Rotary Foundation.

The event culminated with the introduction of the new board for the 2021/2022, the recognition of the Paul Harris Fellows! As always, the vote of thanks and of course, the sound of music, laughter, a refreshing air filled with faces that are positive and enthused about what tomorrow holds not only for the Rotary Club of Freetown-Sunset but for the community as a whole. It was truly the feeling of “Vive Le Rotary” for the rest of the evening.

Written by: arianadiaries

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