On Tuesday 19th June our speaker was Martine Udahemuka, who 20 years ago arrived in New Zealand as a refugee, having been uprooted from Rwanda as a young girl. Martine provided a moving talk about her experiences on a fateful Wednesday evening in April 1996, when her life and that of millions other Rwandans was turned upside down. One day she had a home, the next she was stateless. Martine shared with us where she came from, how she got here, and the lessons she learnt in between.
Martine’s brush with death at a tender age keeps her awake at night, but more importantly keeps her grounded in the personal and professional choices she makes. She is an active member of the African and refugee communities in New Zealand and currently sits on the Board of the Multicultural Learning and Support Services (MCLaSS) organisation. Education has been important to Martine, and she now lives in Wellington working in a think tank, The New Zealand Initiative, figuring out how to make New Zealand’s education system truly world-class.
Also in attendance was Jordon Mumby, our outgoing international Rotary Youth Exchange student for 2019. Jordon hopes to travel to Canada. Also pictured are Lyn Carman as Jordan's mentor, and Gaylene Lines, our Club and District RYE co-ordinator.
Bruce Phillips provided the sergeant session based on a quiz on the Solomon Islands where he shortly expects to be destined for a two year contract.
New World Tawa Raffle - was won by Richard Herbert
The Rotary Club of Plimmerton is organising a fundraiser screening of the movie "Balibo", which tells the story of the 5 journalists of Australian television networks, reporting from the village of Balibo, East Timor, who were killed in the period leading up to the Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975.
Wednesday 18 July at 6pm. Arrive at 5pm for hot soup and raffles. Tickets $25 - see Richard Herbert.
Fundraising to build and provide equipment for new school rooms at Balibo, serving 120 children under the age of 8 years.
For the information of Club members we have some interesting Fundraising Event opportunities coming up over the next few months. Bring along your friends and family and make up a group. Visitors and public welcome. Please signup to register yourself and guests by clicking on the event link.
Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back.
Did you know?
Rotarians are both women and men with a passion for service
Our professional members have significant opportunity for personal development
Rotary has wide-ranging social and networking opportunities
You are welcome to ask about how Rotary can enhance your lifestyle and its service opportunities
Rotary at a Glance
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.
