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This is the first issue of the MED MDIO Newsletter for the Rotarian year 2014-2015. Our newsletters are published once every 3 months. The first issue therefore covers the months of July, August, and September 2014. Enjoy reading!!
Citation preview
Mediterranean, a Sea of Peace
Message from the President
Eversince I was a young girl, I always dreamed of changing in the
world around me, of making people aware that I came to this world
for a reason. I always told myself that I do not want to leave this
world without helping humanity, without making a difference. I
originate from a country that knew war, that was to be
exterminated, but my ancestors decided to live. They moved from
Armenia without knowing the country that they were going to. It
was by chance that their boats reached the coasts of Lebanon, and
so, after many generations, I came to life to be the girl of a
Lebanese father and a Syrian mother. Yes, I am the child of war,
and I am willing, with the help of the Mediterranean Rotaractors,
with all our faith and strength, towork for peace.
Here I am, a Rotaractor! More particularly, I am a Mediterranean Rotaractor who has been
given the chance to hold the Mediterranean Rotaract torch and lead it for one year. What I
wish is that during this year, my team and I would make this difference that we all carry in our
spirits. This is our time, this is our chance! Our resources are all there: we have the most
motivated team ever with so many creative ideas, we have extremely interacting districts and
clubs that are so willing to communicate and accomplish what Rotary International has placed
between our hands. Rotary is giving us the chance to make the world a better place, and I
believe that we should make the best out of it.
Together with the Med MDIO Service Coordinator, Mr. Socrates Panayi, we brainstormed and
resumed the themes that will eventually be officially assigned and announced as the
Mediterranean Themes for this year. The first and foremost theme is PEACE with all the
meanings and ideas that it implicitly carries. Peace comes through education, through
tolerance, through love and goodwill. Peace comes through social justice and equality. The
second and third themes are HEALTH and the ENVIRONMENT, respectively, for their
significance in people's lives and their indispensability in providing the essential human rights
of enjoying a healthy lifestyle in healthy surroundings. We hope that we will give our
Mediterranean Sea the help it deserves by putting our hands together and serving it with one
heart. We greatly encourage our districts and clubs to work on these themes, and particularly,
to work on them together.
In the spirit of last year, we are happy to renew the Med MDIO Outstanding Project
Awardsthat will reward the three Rotaract projects that prove to be the most outreaching and
influential. In addition, I am very proud to introduce the Mediterranean Prize for Peacewhich
will be granted during the Mediterranean Peace Forum to the greatest peacemaking project
among the Mediterranean districts. The Mediterranean Peace Forum will also give us the
opportunity to create a book telling stories of peace in the time of war in our region: stories of
friendships, partnerships, saving lives, and more of what proves that the good always wins
over the bad.
Yes, it is the truth. It is fair to all concerned. It will build goodwill and friendship, and it will
be beneficial to all concerned. The Mediterranean is waiting for us, it is all there for us. Let's
go ahead and make it a better place.
July-September 2014
In this issue :
1. Message from the
President
2. MED MDIO Executive
Board
3. MED MDIO Country
Representatives
4. Mediterranean News
MED MDIO EXECUTIVE BOARD 2014 — 2015
President
Vera Damerjian
International Coordinator
Daphne Iannelli
Rotary Delegate
Alberto Avallone
Communication Coordinator
Marco Gagliostro
Vice President
Adrien Skhns
Service Coordinator
Socrates Panayi
Sergeant at Arms
Ana Rus
General Secretary
Dina Gazayerli
Treasurer
Carlos Valverde Peris
Immediate Past President
Housni Sbai Idrissi
Social Media Coordinator
Salma Maatouk
Country Representatives 2014 — 2015
Montenegro
Milos Dimic
Cyprus
Antigoni Karakoulli
Egypt
Salma Maatouk
France
Alexandra Gimello
Italy
Daphne Ianelli
Lebanon
Fouad El Haddad
Malta
Petra Sant
Monaco
Emmanuelle Kerforne
Slovenia
Ana Rus
Spain
Bernardo Feliu Vega
Algeria
Raid Bouch
Croatia
Marina Sare
MONTENEGRO
Rotary Day Celebrations Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Budva
It has become a tradition that every year, in the final week of
August, we celebrate Rotary Day in Montenegro. This mani-
festation in organized by Rotary Club Budva with the help of
Rotaract Club Budva.
Rotary Day is celebrated like summer party on the island of
Saint Nikola just in front of Budva. Around hundred Rotari-
ans, Rotaractors, and friends joined the party.
The event starts around noon. A boat takes you to the island
where you are welcomed by Rotary and Rotaract members.
You get comfortable in the outdoor restaurant while live mu-
sic is played on the stage, and three different bands entertain
guests during this one-day celebration. In the meantime, din-
ner is served, everything from sea food, meat, vegetables and cakes. However, to avoid lots of sitting,
sports games are organized too, and you can take part in swimming competition, diving, and pulling the
rope for both men and women. Winners, of the first two places receive medals and trophies.
This year, a small fashion show was organized and a local designer presented dresses which were worn by
models and Rotaract members.
Also in this gathering, we raise money by selling lottery. The second way to raise money was by a painting
auction with a rule that not the highest but the final offer wins the painting.
In sunset time, a boat takes you back to Budva. It’s a beautiful day varying from helping others to having a
good time, taking part in sports, and meeting other guests. So the MED MDIO team and everyone else, you
are more than welcome to join us in our next summer party!!
CYPRUS
Presentation on Business Ethics
Prof. Alexandros Antonaras, PhD, MSc, BSc,
MCQI CQP, PMP, Assistant Professor of Man-
agement at the University of Nicosia.
Prof. Antonaras delivered a very interesting talk
on Business Ethics by encouraging everyone to
participate in the discussion. He explained how
different professionals would answer differently
based on their own values and benefits and how
different societies have different sets of values
and morals. He also talked about Corporate So-
cial Responsibility and Ethics.
“Ethics means treating everyone with respect
not because of who they are but because of who
you are.”
Aspelia Dragons Promote the Rotary Image of
Enthusiasm and Fellowship
For three consecutive years, RAC Nicosia Aspelia is
represented at the Limassol Dragon Boat Festival
sanctioned by the Cyprus Dragon Boat Association.
On July 22nd 2014, Aspelian Dragons made it to the
semifinals at the Dragon Boat Race!!! Captain of the
Boat was our founding member EvgenyTarakanov!
Bookmarks Project
The Bookmarks Project was a fundraiser for the Club’s
International Project ‘A Smaller World’ with the aim to
raise money for the purchase of a Shelter Box.
The bookmarks were printed and sold 2 euros each.
All designs were made by Rotaract Club Nicosia
Aspelia members and their friends.
Finally we managed to raise funds for two Shelter
Boxes!
Rotaract Nicosia Aspelia
Rotaract Nicosia Ledra
Handover Ceremony
After more than a year for being an active member
and serving Rotaract as a founding president, Rover-
tos Hanadjias became now our past president (PP)
and remains a dynamic contributor within our club.
It was with a great pleasure and honour that we cele-
brated the take-over of our new president, Christos
Alexandrou, at a new bar in the town. By enjoying
some wine and tasting some finger food, members
from various clubs celebrated the handover cere-
mony. Members had the opportunity to socialize,
relax, and have fun, since Rotaract is actually mak-
ing a meaningful difference in the society while hav-
ing fun.
Christos is an experienced board member, who will
have the opportunity to explore many areas in his
new position. Although the previous year was our
first year as a club and everyone was inexperienced,
we managed through hard work to raise a significant
amount of money. None of these events would have
been possible without time, effort, teamwork, and
unselfish good honest labor put in by all our mem-
bers on a consistent basis.
We grasp the opportunity to thank our PP for his
constant support and help, and we wish to Christos
and the rest of the members the very best of luck in
the new Rotarian year.
Ice Bucket Challenge
Rotaract is all about having fun and serving the
society, and Rotaract Nicosia Ledra proved it!
We grasped the opportunity to participate in the
recently known activity called ‘Ice Bucket Chal-
lenge’ to promote awareness of the disease amyo-
trophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and donate money
to Telethon.
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went viral through-
out the social media platforms during late summer
2014. Anyone who has been mentioned or tagged
by participants had to accept the challenge and re-
cord a video of them pouring a bucket of ice-cold
water over their heads and then nominate this chal-
lenge to others.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease
that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal
cord.It basically triggers a slow paralysis on those
who are stricken by causing the nerve cells to stop
working. The progressive degeneration of the
nerve cells eventually leads to their death. There is
no cure for the disease as of the moment.
We have been challenged by our Past President
Rovertos Hanadjias for the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Our members accepted the challenge and nomi-
nated Rotaract Club Dubai, Rotaract club Aspelia
and Mrs.. Maria Karantoni.
CYPRUS
Rotaract Limassol Amathusia
Handover Ceremony
On July 4th, during a breezy summery night full of strong feel-
ings and emotions, our Club’s Handover event took place. Fol-
lowing a successful year full of events and fellowships, the club
gathered in a friendly environment to congratulate the old
Board for each achievement and to pin the new one. The Club’s
new President Antigoni Karakoulli 2014/15 gave a short speech
thanking the old Board and members for their achievements
and contributions and briefly explained her priorities and vi-
sions for the upcoming year. As of 4th of July 2014, the Board
of Rotaract Limassol Amathusia is constituted by the following
members:
Antigoni Karakoulli – President 2014/15
Eva Antoniou - Past President 2013/14
Andreas Christofides - PR/Vice President 2014/15
Anastacia Schini - Secretary 2014/15
Ermos Christodoulou - Treasurer 2014-15
Directors 2014/15: Christina Photiou - International Service Director
Maria Myrianthous - Community Service Director
Giannis Schinis - Professional Development Director
George Loizou - Membership Development Director
Andreas Ttoppouzis - New member & Club Service Director
Thereafter, the participants enjoyed the night having cheese and
wine at Lab Cafe Bar then continued partying in Limassol Ma-
rina and Breeze Club with VDRR Charis Michael and fellow
Rotaractor from Limassol Berengaria Cosmopolitan Rico Cor-
tes, the President of Rotaract Club of Larnaca Kition Socrates
Panayi and E.R.I.C Representative, Aspelia Antonis Yemenaris
of Rotaract Club Nicosia and Alexandros Daskalakis, an old
member of Limassol Amathusia Rotaract Club .
‘Hawaiian’ Beach Party 2014 Rotaract Limassol Amathusia organized a ‘Hawaiian’ themed
beach party during July 2014, which was attended by more
than 300 people. The night turned out to be a great success,
receiving enthusiastic comments from the participants. For
the entertainment of the attendees, we had created a beautiful
scenery with candles and bamboo torches and had booked an
exclusive DJ while organizing a raffle with valuable prizes
coming from the sponsors of the event. According to the pro-
ject planning finalized by our members, the net proceeds
from the event were to be used for charity. For this purpose,
we teamed up with a local supermarket chain and we bought
coupons that can be used in the supermarkets. More than
EUR1500 were used for the purchase of coupons that were
thereafter handed over to students of the Evening High
School of Limassol who were in need of financial assistance.
The delivery of the coupons to the students took place during
a small ceremony that was organized by the school headmas-
ter to thank our Club for its contribution.
CYPRUS
Egypt
Al Qafela 2 – Medical Convoy
After the success of the 1st “Al-Qafela” project
last year, Rotaract Alexandria Cosmopolitan con-
tinued the initiative with “Al-Qafela 2” project.
Simply, it’s a medical convoy event in which they
visit a needy place where they offer basic medical
support to its residents. This time they went to
Abd-el-Kader Village, on Friday 19th of Septem-
ber where they provided medical support to over
300 patients in different medical areas including
Dermatology, Gynecology and Pediatrics. The
project was done in cooperation with Scoute El
Shark.
Rotaractors Breaking Stereotypes
Are you tired from being judged by physical appear-
ance, profession, gender or even color? Don't you just
wish to bomb those stereotypes? Members of Rotaract
club of Alexandria Cosmopolitan decided to expose
their personal stereotypes they face daily.
The project was divided into 2 parts. The first was a
discussion during one of the weekly meetings. Step 2
was the photo shoot where members posed with signs
that had the stereotypes they faced in their daily lives.
(Project initiative started originally by Truly-
Madly.com)
Rotaract Alexandria Cosmopolitan
International Day of Literacy Rotaract Metropolitain d'Alexandrie
On Friday September 12th, Rotaract Metropolitan
d’Alexandrie went to ‘Dar El Amal’ to celebrate the
International Day of Literacy. We tried to eliminate a
new type of illiteracy, computer skills, as they are
highly needed nowadays. We taught them the basics
of Microsoft Word and Paint programs, and the kids
were very excited to learn about computers.
Egypt
Paralympics Cairo 2014 Rotaract Heliopolis Nozha
On 19th of September, Rotaract Heliopolis Nozha, Ro-
taract Pharos Lighthouse, Rotaract Heliopolis and Rota-
ract Kattameya held the Paralympics Event at the Egyp-
tian Shooting
Club 6th of Octo-
ber jointly with
Special Olympics
Egypt and Egyp-
tian Paralympic
committee.The
event was spon-
sored by Coca-
C o l a , M a c -
Donald’s, Global
P a r a d i g m
School, Ministry
of Youth and
Sports, Rotaract
Committee, and
D.T.F covered by
El Nahar El
Youm, Nile T.V
and KSA sports
T.V Channels.
It was a full sports day event including a variety of
summer Paralympics programs such as: Ping pong,
swimming, table tennis, basketball, weightlifting as
well as other activities. This event was met with an out-
standing participation of 350 mentally and physically
challenged participants supervised by 45 Rotaract or-
ganizers. The day started at 10:00 am by organizing the
competitions between the participants distributed
among the games and each game had a referee for
evaluating the results and it last till 5:00 pm, followed
by a ceremony and concluded by medals awarding and
accreditation among all the participants.
Change your thoughts and you will
change your world Rotaract Kasr El Nil
An amazing session was given by our member
Nahwat Metwally presenting how to be positive in
life, set your dreams, and laws of attraction. At the
end of the session, a workshop was handled for each
participant to set his/her vision board. Everyone
enjoyed the session, and lots of positive feedback
was received back from all the attendees.
A Meeting with a Mexican Twist
The second official meeting for our new President
Menna Arafa was complimented by the attendance of
an international guest Alejandra Urias from Rotaract
Navolato Sinaloa of Mexico. After finishing our meet-
ing's agenda; we left the floor to our guest to enrich us
with her country's cultural activities as well as the or-
ganizational hierarchy of her district. Moving to the
mouth-watery part; she happily mentioned how much
she is enjoying our Egyptian food (Koshari & Molkhya
especially) and as a Mexican, she didn't find spicy
Egyptian food to be super spicy - not a fair comparison.
Our members started exploring with Alejandra the
points of similarities between Mexico and Egypt to find
out that the friendliness & hospitality are the most com-
mon of all. At the end, she invited our club to visit her
hometown and Mexico to explore more her club activi-
ties.We wish her a pleasant stay in Cairo and a future
cooperation with her club.
Problem Tree
How do we solve a problem? We describe, ana-
lyze and evidently find possible solutions. This
is exactly what Laila Kenawy humbly explained
to us in our weekly meeting. She showed us how
to use the ‘Problem Tree’ tool. This ingenious
brainstorming tool is used to map causes and
effects of a problem as well as outline alterna-
tives for solving a particular problem. How?
Well, Laila divided us into groups of 5-6 and
had each group pick one of the major problems
in Egypt; examples were harassment in Cairo
streets, traffic in Cairo and primary education.
Afterwards, she asked each group to brainstorm
the problems chosen clearly and write their as-
signed problem on a card, which she then took
and stuck to the trunks of the giant trees drawn
on the board.
The next task was writing down each cause and
effect for the problem at hand. The causes were
stuck on the tree’s roots while the effects were
suck on the canopy. The final and most interest-
ing task was to write next to each cause and ef-
fect their exact opposites. When we wrote the
opposites of the causes, we ended up with alter-
native interventions and the effects' opposites
turned out to be outcomes and indicators of
those interventions. Eventually each problem
tree became the logical framework of a project
aimed at resolving a major problem.
Back-to-School packs
Back-to-School season is coming up. We all have had
our first day of school traditions; forgetting a pencil,
losing class-schedule, or the classic tradition of being
late for your first class. This is the time of the year
where kids get excited and start stuffing their backpacks
with new school supplies. In an attempt to motivate the
girls at La Femme Nouvelle Orphanage to look forward
to going back to school and
attending classes; we have
prepared school bags for
these girls. Each bag con-
tained; a regular copybook,
mathematics copybook and
surely a pencil-case with a
pencil, pen, sharpener,
eraser and ruler.
Egypt
Rotaract Cairo Royal
World Peace Day
On the 20th of September, Rotaract Alexandria El
Nozha celebrated International World Peace Day
along with Rotaract Club of Metn in Lebanon by dis-
tributing white roses in Kafr Abdo to people with a tip
about peace. The aim of it was the interaction and the
creation of more awareness about the day.
Egypt
Rotaract Alexandria Nozha
El Matbakh Rotaract Alexandria El Nozha - Alexandria East
For the past 11 years, Rotaract Club of
Alexandria El Nozha jointly with Alexandria
East have been doing a great project during the
holy month of Ramadan, which is El Matbakh
(The Kitchen). The idea is to prepare hot meals
to have them distributed to needy families in
different areas of Alexandria during iftar time.
This year the club prepared around 600-1000
meals, which have been distributed on a daily
basis. At the end of the month, they were able to
provide a total of 20,000 meals all around
Alexandria.
First Rotaract Academy The Rotaract Academy was launched on November 26, 2012 in Ehden Country Club as an initiative by
PDRR Belal Ayoubi, IDRR Emil Moawad, IPDRR Vincent Fayad, and PVDRR Abbas Sibai. Its vision is
to prepare effective Rotaract clubs through enhancing knowledge and skills of Rotaractors.
On September 6th, 2014 the Rotaract Academy reopened its doors for the new RI year at Country Lodge,
Bsalim (Lebanon).The day gathered 77 participants from all the Lebanese clubs, in the presence of PDG
Jamil Moawad , PDRR Belal Al Ayoubi, Med MDIO President Vera Damerjian, VDRR Najah Elias,
PVDRRs Jean Marc Adaimi and Fouad el Haddad, Past Presidents Nader Houella and Anthony Mezher,
Information Officer Tamara Hanna, Nazih Jabr, members and guests.
Rotaract Clubs of Lebanon would like to express gratitude to all the amazing speakers for their encourage-
ment, for all the efforts that they put, for their guidance and wonderful support in all aspects to help us
achieve such a success. THANK YOU as well to the amazing PARTICIPANTS: Presidents, Past Presi-
dents, Directors, Members and Guests. We couldn’t have done it without you!
The vision for this year’s First Rotaract Academy was to have a memorable experience whereby partici-
pants learn from every single activity set out in the program, to have extraordinary speakers and real life
examples, as well as hands on training sessions for participants to take back lessons and apply them in their
daily Rotaract journey.
Thus, the Rotaract Academy has achieved its first step during this year towards spreading Rotaract infor-
mation and advanced leadership skills. Mark your calendars from now for the Second Rotaract Academy
taking place January 17th, 2015 to share again wonderful moments together!
LEBANON
End Polio Now Campaign in Lebanon Rotaract Club of LAU Byblos
As the Rotaract Club of the Lebanese American Univer-
sity - Byblos, our mission is to spread awareness in our
university community about Rotaract in general and about
the humanitarian/professional/social part of it. We aim to
get university and high school students involved in com-
munity service projects that will not only benefit the soci-
ety but will promote their love to life. Rotaract LAU By-
blos is the 1st University-based club in Lebanon and in
Rotary District 2452. It was first initiated in 2009 but
launched in 2010 by 3 founding members to become 15
members and 10 guests at the end of the year.. We belong
to district 2452 and It is one of the eighteen Rotaract
clubs located in various regions in Lebanon and growing
by the day.
Our Club Members and Guests along with our colleagues
from the Lebanese American University are participating
in the Rotary End Polio Campaign in Lebanon on the
span of 3 months (July, August and September) Aware-
ness campaigns are also done all through Jbeil District in
Blat, Amchit and Jbeil, in which we are taking part of as a
Club along with Rotarians.
RotarBike II
Rotaract Club Baabda
The Event is a Rally Paper By Bike aiming to
gather funds for the Renovation of The Rabta
Public School in Louaize - Baabda. The reno-
vation will include the rehabilitation of the
School’s Library; Classrooms and playground.
The event included 6/7 regular stages. At the
beginning of each stage, the participants were
given a question booklet. The booklet con-
tained information about the next challenge,
in addition to riddles referring to the check-
points that should be visited next and few
questions to be solved.
LEBANON
Handing-Over and Pinning Ceremony Rotaract AUB
The Rotaract Club of AUB held their first handing over
and pinning ceremony, with the beginning of the new
university year this September. 24 new members were
pinned, and it was attended by IDRR Emil Mouawad
and IPVDRR Magda Tanjar along with representatives
from the sponsoring Rotary Club Cadmus.
A Drifting Fundraiser
Rotaract Batroun
Rotaract Club of Batroun's first fundraising for
this year was held on the 2nd of August, 2014 at
AJALTOUN SQUARE. It was a drifting event
organized by the ATCL and the Lebanese rally
champion and drift superstar ABDO FEGHALI.
Three persons had the opportunity to sit next to
Abdo in his own car and enjoy a full drifting
section. We will be recording these moment with
3 in car full HD cameras. All the funds will be
donated to the SOS. Drive Safe !
LEBANON
Meeting with the Med MDIO President Rotaract Zahle-Bekaa
Rotaract Club of Zahle had the pleasure to invite Vera
Damerjian, President of the Rotaract Med MDIO 2014-
2015 to their meeting that was held on 23/8/2014 at
Grand Hotel Kadri, Zahle. Vera shared information
with the whole club about her role as a president and
the Med MDIO while the club shared with Vera their
future plans.
A Pink Floyd Tribute Night Rotaract Sahel Metn
Rotaract Club of Sahel Metn started the Rotarian year
on a “good note”. This Club Service relied on the
tunes of one of the best Pink Floyd tribute bands in
Lebanon to create a laid-back atmosphere. Lebanese
Rotaractors and their Rotaract guests from Egypt got
the chance to know each other while enjoying great
music. “Encore” for this night.
Celebrating the International Peace Day
Rotaract Metn
On the mission to spread peace through interna-
tional understanding, the Rotaract Club of Metn
decided to celebrate the International Peace Day
with its twin club Rotaract Alexandria Nozha,
Egypt. So, in the afternoon of the 20th of Septem-
ber, the members of both clubs went on the streets
and distributed white flowers to passengers and
habitants as a symbol of love, peace and toler-
ance. Words of peace were communicated.
This small gesture allowed us to draw smiles on
people’s faces and make them feel like despite the
chaos and anarchy in the region, there is still hope
somewhere! Happy International Peace day!
LEBANON
First Fundraiser Party Rotaract Zgharta-Zawieh
Rotaract Club of Zgharta Zawieh's first fundraising
event for this year was held at LOCO - PUBLICITY
Byblos on 19th July, 2014 . All the proceeds were to
provide benches at Ehden Highway. The benches are
almost done!
Fundraising on a Boat Rotaract Beirut Phoenix-USJ
The Rotaract club of Phoenix-USJ had its first
fundraising event...on a boat! We organized a sail-
ing trip with a DJ who played the trendiest tubes,
and had many activities during the sail. The funds
collected from the 65 participants are going to the
renovation of houses in a deprived area in the sub-
urbs of the capital Beirut, a project with a high
cost, but that we are willing to accomplish as a
club during all this year.
Annual Iftar and Fundraiser
Rotaract Tripoli-Mina
The Rotaract Club of Tripoli Mina held its Annual
Iftar Dinner and first fundraising for our New Rotar-
ian year. All for a good cause, the proceeds will go to
orphans and other children in need. In the photo ap-
pear the VDRR Najah Elias, directors, members,
guests and the orphans.
LEBANON
Fiesta II Rotaract Beirut Center
After the huge success of Sunset Fiesta 1 last year,
the Rotaract Club of Beirut Center continued this tra-
dition with the 2nd fundraising event for this year
held at Cinco-Praia on the 21st of August. Great mu-
sic, Jacuzzi, Neon face painting, professional dancers
and premium open bar were all for $50. All proceeds
were used to fund our community service project: the
renovation of the library of the public school of Ras
El Nabaa Al Moukhtalata.
Trip and Meeting Rotaract Kesrouan
Rotaract Club of Kesrouan at the invitation of Ro-
tary Kesrouan went on a trip together on Sunday
September 7th to Tannourine, North Lebanon. The
first stop was at the natural reserve, home of the
famous Cedars, where we walked around the ma-
jestic forest. Then we had lunch by the lake which
offered traditional Lebanese mezza. Next, we went
to Batroun to visit St. Stephen Church and indulge
ourselves in some fresh lemonades.
Few days later on Thursday September 18th, we
held a joint meeting together with Rotary to set the
plan for the coming year and attend a presentation
by Rotarian and Rotary International Representa-
tive to the UN-ESCWA Dr. Michel Jazzar. The
presentation dealt with Rotary/Rotaract relations
and protocols.
LEBANON
Photoshoot Session
Rotaract Beirut
On Monday 22 September, we organized a profes-
sional photoshoot session with one of our dear Ro-
tarians Emile Issa who owns a professional photo
studio. Emile offered to help us look better when
applying to job interviews. He explained to us how
to pose in front of the camera, how the colors and
the clothing we wear will affect people’s percep-
tion and which postures to adopt.
I ♥ Byblos Rotaract & Interact Byblos - Rotaract LAU Byblos
"If Beirut is the Paris of the Middle East as the
cliché goes, then Byblos is its Cannes"
This International Understanding Project held from
11 to 15 September 2014 was an opportunity to live
and experience the majesty of Byblos not only for
foreign Rotaractors but also for all the Rotaractors of
Lebanon.
The trip consisted of historical visits, beach activities,
cultural exchange, a boat trip, a treasure hunt to dis-
cover the 7,000 years old city of Byblos, a mountain
day and of course partying. Hoping that this project
will become a yearly one with wider and bigger inter-
national participation.
LEBANON
LEBANON
President Elect Training Seminar (PETS)
Lebanon is part of District 2452 which includes 9
countries: Armenia, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Jor-
dan, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, and the United
Arab Emirates. Today, we have 18 active Rotaract
Clubs in Lebanon: Rotaract AUB, Aley, Baabda,
Batroun, Beirut, Beirut Center, Beirut Cosmopoli-
tan, Phoenix - USJ, Byblos, Kesrouan, LAU Byblos,
Metn, Sahel Metn, Tripoli, Tripoli el Mina, Tripoli
Maarad, Zahle, and Zgharta.
PETS Lebanon 2014-2015 was held on Saturday
July 5th at Bsalim Country Lodge from 9am to 5pm.
The attendees were: The Rotaract Committee Coun-
try Chairperson Rtn. PP Ralph Sayah,
IDRR Emil Moawad, District Information Officer
Tamara Hanna, IPVDRRs Jean Marc Adaimi and
Fouad el Haddad, VDRR Lebanon Najah Elias; as
well as Lebanese Club Presidents.
Italy
XXXIV HANDICAMP: here we are again!
Rotaract Castelvetrano Valle Del Belice
Since 1980, Rotaract Club of Castelvetrano Valle
del Belice is involved in an activity camp for the
physically and psychologically disabled youths,
accompanied by able-body assistants. This 34th
edition of our traditional handicamp was located in
a great structure in Triscina, from the 30th of Au-
gust until the 5th of September.
During this amazing week, forty Rotaract and In-
teract members had the chance to make young dis-
abled people experience a camp full of activities
and new challenges. This unforgettable event let us
appreciate how differences are fundamental in our
reality and reminded us that nothing is really im-
possible if there is the will to obtain it. All these
fantastic people gave us the inspiration to say that:
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.
Rotaract Summer School Rotaract Tropea - Rotaract Nicotera Medma
The Rotaract club of Tropea, chaired by Giusi-
Lonetti, with the Rotaract Club of Nicotera Medma,
in collaboration with the Zone "Calabria Ultra", dis-
trict 2100, has done the 2nd Edition of the Rotaract
Summer School. It was held on the 29th and 30th of
August 2014 at the Montalto Golf Club in Limbadi. It
was a club service project with a lot of participation.
The themes raised were: “Club and District” and
“Rotary and Rotaract beyond the national borders”.
The weekend also included a presentation about the
Med MDIO by the Country Representative for Italy
Daphne Iannelli. They were two days full of service,
fun, and friendship - the Rotaract spirit required.
Youth Day
The Rotaract Club of Tropea took part in the District-
Seminar for Youth, "Youth Day", organized by the
Rotary District 2100. It was held on September 20th
2014 at the high school “Enzo Ferrari”, in Battipaglia
(SA). It was amazing to see the Rotarians, Rotarac-
tors, and Interactors, from all the district, together.
We were nearly 400 people. We discussed about pro-
jects that have to be developed involving all the
members of the Rotary family.
The themes were: “Excellence & Made in Italy”, the
Rotaract Med MDIO, the Rotary Foundation, the en-
vironment, youth, etc. The Country Representative
for Italy at the Med MDIO, Daphne Iannelli, had the
chance to present the MDIO once again during this
day. There was also a fantastic promotion of youth
culture through a show called “the Noise of the
Light”, performed by Interactors and Rotaractors to-
gether.
Italy
Rotaract Tropea
“Bike Ract” 2014 Rotaract Club of Termini Imerese
On Sunday September 28th, at 8 am, in Trabia, the “young
people” of the Rotaract Club of Termini Imerese, organized
the first meeting “Bike
Ract”. The event had been
organized thanks to the
help of other associations
as MTB Eventisport, Bici
Italia SRL, the Pro Loco
of Trabia, and with the
support of the municipal-
ity of Trabia. The aim of
the event was to allow
participants, with a strong
passion for bike excur-
sions, to experience the
gorgeous wide area of
Trabia reaching the Eremo
of San Felice and, for the most determined ones, also circum-
navigating the Rosa Marina lake of Caccamo. The route of
the ride had been accurately planned, allowing the partici-
pants to see the region from different angles and perspectives,
thereby giving an idea of the limitless potential of this amaz-
ing land. After the break, the participants kept going with the
ride reaching the Villa Falcone and Borsellino. At the end of
the event, the chairman of the Rotaract Termini Imerese
thanked all the participants for attending and giving the possi-
bility to devolve all the proceeds of the event to the inter-
district Rotaract project, “Project for Nemo Sud”.
Meeting with Fashion! Rotaract Catania Est
"Fashion passes, style remains"… Quot-
ing a famous aphorism of the fashion
queen Coco Chanel, the Rotaract Club
Catania Est, on Saturday, September 13th,
involved members and friends in an ex-
citing visit to the fashion museum of the
Sicilian designer Marella Fererra. Catan-
ese of origin, European adoption, her
creations bring out the raw Sicilian mate-
rials. Colorful ceramic, lava rock, black
sand, and dried papyrus are the protago-
nists of the precious artistic achievements
of the designer that appears on the inter-
national catwalks, making the Made in
Italy a seal of quality. A journey in which
charm and elegance, tradition and innova-
tion win the heart and the mind.
Italy
The Rotaract Reggio Calabria between
Sport and Solidarity Rotaract Reggio Calabria
Happy Run! Two words that hide the dedication and com-
mitment of a young champion of Paralympics from Reg-
gio Calabria, Giusy Versace, who, also this year, together
with the organization that supports him, has come to the
waterfront of Reggio Calabria. Armed with shorts and
running shoes, 800 people walked 3km under the banner
of integration of the disabled and the able-bodied in
sports. Among the participants, a group of young athletes
proudly wore the jersey "Keep calm and join Rotaract," to
show the support of Rotaract Reggio Calabria for solidar-
ity through sports.
President Rosario Barresi infected with his enthusiasm the
whole sports club whose members took part actively in the
initiative, also giving life to a stand that brought together
all the Rotary family."It is a national event not to be
missed," said Rosario " which was confirmed by the con-
tribution, including economic, that the entire Rotary fam-
ily showed. A big applause to all the 800 participants. It is
through events like these that the sense of belonging to the
city leads to results that make us proud. There only re-
mains to thank the entire organization for the wonderful
experience that it gives us every year.
New Generations for Equal
Opportunities! Rotaract Napoli Castel dell'Ovo
Led by President Stefano Meer, the club works for the
personal and professional quality of its members. The
first activity of the year was the "aspirants' coffee", a
traditional date of an internal project where the older
members teach the younger ones and the aspirants the
basic concepts and the values of being a Rotaractor.
On 17/9/2014, the club presented, during a press
conference, at the presence of many civil and political
authorities, its project "Opportunities through Change".
The purpose is to remove certain architectural barriers
in some art locations around the city, by finding funds
through a common way with Rotaract Napoli Posillipo,
called ST'ART, which requires visiting locations with
artistic and culinary excellence.
On Sunday 28/9/2014, the club was at the Santobono
hospital of Naples, in range of the S.O.R.R.I.S.O.
project, through which the members offer material
assistance and moral support to children and their
families.
Italy
The Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid El Fitr Rotaract Tizi-Ouzou
In coherence with the conductive line of Rotaract and its legacy in charity, the club has taken action in this
direction. The beginning of the Rotary year coincided with the holy month of Ramadan and Eid El-Fitr, and
Rotaract Club Tizi-Ouzou provided 120 breaking-the-fast meals every day for the 2nd consecutive year.
The members of the club have devoted themselves during the whole month in the service of the needy until
the end of Ramadan. We then closed this campaign by visiting, on the second day of the Eid, the hospitali-
zed children at Tizi-Ouzou's Hospital, bearing gifts and spreading good humor thanks to all the members of
Rotaract club Tizi-Ouzou.
Algeria
Distribution of Clothes
Over 300 pieces of clothes collected in the charity
party called "Evening of Hope" were distributed by
the Rotaract Club of Setif, the eve of "Eid El Fitr"
(July 2014) for the sake of granting happiness and
smiles to the innocent children in need.
The project was successfully accomplished in the
province of 'Baidaborj' (south of Setif). It is impor-
tant to note that the Syrian children refugees also
benefited from this project.
Collecting Clothes for Charity
Rotaract Club Setif organized, for the 4th year in a
row, an annual Ramadanesque vigil on July 22nd,
to be the second edition of the "Evening of Hope”.
The goal of the project was to collect clothes for
the benefit of underprivileged children of remote
villages hoping to restore their smiles.
Algeria
Rotaract Setif
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