 This meeting was our first evening meeting of this calendar year and very successful it was too, not only because we were all very pleased to be able to meet face to face, but always the crowd puller, member Sam Lucas, all the way from Madagascar, was our guest speaker to update us on the latest from ONJA.  26 members and 11 guests including DG Steve Chaney and his wife Edith who in her own right, is Leadership Elect Learning & Development Chair. It was also a pleasure to welcome Hon Member Donald Bowie and all other guests including members partners and spouses. Prior to dinner being served, the following Club Notices were shared;  Director Tom again plugged RYLA 2022 which is still scheduled to go ahead and he reminded us that the club has budget for up to six participants. To date we have interest from three potential candidates, but if any members would like to nominate others please talk to Tom as soon as possible. An indication of interest from other potential candidates is required by the end of March. Club Services Director Robyn, reminded all of the importance to RSVP for meetings, particularly during this current period of Covid impacting on so many in the community, and we must be in a position to provide the Golf Club with numbers in advance to ensure that they can plan to have the right number of staff on duty. March 17th Meeting - more detail to be provided at a later date, but just a reminder, March 17th is St Patricks day and members are encouraged to wear a touch of green, dress-up as a Leprechaun or whatever else takes your Irish fancy! Dinner was creeping closer to being served, but prior to that DG Steve had a surprise announcement, being the awarding of the very exclusive and sort after Rotary Award; "Five Avenues of Service", recognising members who have gone far above and beyond the award criteria (listed below).  It was no surprise that the award was presented to a very surprised Colin Robinson, and no one could argue that he is indeed a very worthy recipient;  Another proud moment for Colin and the club.  Simon once again did a great intro of our Guest Speaker Sam Lucas and we knew we were in for a very interesting update when Sam shared with us the title of his talk, "Training Africa's underprivileged youth into world-class software developers"! He started his talk once again sincerely extending his thanks to St. Johns Rotary, Rotary International and Rotary in general - all of whom have helped significantly to make his vision into the success it is today. The model is very straight forward; Recruit, Educate and then Work. It sounds very straight forward and it would be if it wasn't a concept that was developed and now operating successfully in one of the world's poorest economies. ONJA commenced operation in 2019 and so started the first 3 year process. After identifying some of the smartest young people in Madagascar, the first challenge was to teach them "Advanced English" that would allow them to communicate confidently with individuals of first world companies where English was the primary language. This was accomplished in just one year! Next they needed to learn the necessary skills to become effective and efficient Software Developers. Again a massive task, but again successfully accomplished. The third year was to secure work from around the world and Sam was delighted to be able to share with us that this is now exactly what is happening. The income from the business now being undertaken is not only to pay the developers for the work being done, but to help fund ONJA and allow the same process to begin again which is exactly what is now happening, not with 30 students, but by the end of this year the goal is to have 90 students enrolled in the programme. Sam talked about the establishment of "Mentors" for the students and we can be very proud as a club that we currently have five of our members participating, and not only has it been a huge benefit for the students, but it has been a very rewarding experience for the Mentors as well. If you are interested in becoming a mentor - contact Sam for more details to see if this is something that you too could do. Sam is now forming a "Growth Team" who will primarily be responsible for securing the necessary funds to ensure ONJA can continue to operate and meet the growth goals established. Well done Sam to you and the whole ONJA Team. As a club we are delighted to have been able to assist, participate and know that we have all contributed in some small way to the success so far. |
Co-Presidents St. Johns Rotary, Penny McGarry (Ph: 021 702 310), and Lesley Harris (Ph: 027 4935 498)
THURSDAY 10th MARCH - BREAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER MARGARET CAIN. TOPIC - The positives and negatives of raising and hosting a Blind Foundation Puppy.
THURSDAY 17th MARCH - BREAKFAST MEETING - St. PATRICKS DAY FUN. 
THURSDAY 24th MARCH - BREAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER BRIAR LEITH:
Meeting Responsibilities (aka Duties). The following Open Letter to all members of the Rotary Club of St Johns;
What a great intro, but if he says much more I'll have nothing to say.
All ears hanging on words from the top - welcome Steve & Edith.
Three very fine looking members.
When Candid Kev says smile, he gets a great result!
Two guest appearances in two weeks! Don't let Emily get away Beryl.
Great to see that Co- Pres Penny didn't let the nasty Covid get the better of her!
Great to see you again Neil & Cheryl.
Three more very fine looking members.
We hope you got Helen a nice big glass of wine to go with your Beer.
At least one of the family is photogenic.
Funny how Hon Members are such good lookers.
Looking around it doesn't take much to see how I can lower the average age of the St Johns members.
He said what!
Love the slogan!
A NOTE TO ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS:
