The Weekly Westerner Edition 56.04 (Aug 22, 2022)

President Linda called the meeting to order at 12 noon.

The Grey Eagle Resort is situated on the Tsuut’ina lands comprising 69 thousand acres or 104 square miles & to get a feeling of the size compare that to the Nose Hill Park which is 2,785 acres or 4.35 square miles.

Linda Anderson led us in a “rendition” of O’Canada

There were approximately 25 in person attendees and 13 on Zoom. Guests in attendance included Stephanie Rodriquez from Sir Lanka and several guests of our guest speaker; Marion Christian, Brian Gervais, Tony Davies & Vera Goodman plus Alex and his family from Ukraine.

Rotary Fact: 4,200,000 Rotary volunteer hours were contributed by Rotary members worldwide during the 12 months ending October 31, 2021.

Changes effective September; a “short social pause” prior to the speaker will be allocated to fellowship. Also, starting in September we will introduce “happy bucks” the direction of funds will be determined.

Tony Davies introduced our guest speaker, Joyce Luke and acknowledged Vera Goodman & Vera Goodman Learning Society as their inspirational leader and also thank Rotary for the opportunity to showcase their project.

The Kule Refugee Program

The Kule Refugee Camp was established in Gambela Ethiopia, in May 2014 in response to the major refugee influx from South Sudan; it was not fully stabilized until 2016. It has now reached its full capacity at 45 thousand refugees, 63% of which are under 18 years of age. Ethiopia is the 2^nd largest refugee camp following Uganda

Highlights of her presentation included:

Joyce acknowledged her appreciation to Vivian Jones, Steve Rickard and our Club for approving a $4,000 grant to assist with education of 50 children. Specifically, school books, art supplies and bottled water.
She also acknowledged her appreciation to Vera Goodman (a Calgarian) who started the Vera Goodman Learning Society & was instrumental in helping to establishing a reading & writing of English program in Gambela. The students were enrolled in a 5 month story circle learning program and learn to relate & share their own stories
Joyce was born in Gambela Ethiopia and moved to Calgary in 2002
Day 1 at the school there was 50 kids in one room wanting to learn. A few weeks later, she introduced “Vera’s Story Circle Project”. The Story Circle Project, led by Vera Goodman, a retired teacher, helps parents and communities learn how to coach their children to read and write.
Joyce introduced her husband who grew up in one of the Gambela Refugee camps. He translated the “Little Prince” children’s book into the Nuer language, so they could use as a tool in the “circle project” Once he had achieved his high school education he was eligible for refugee status in Canada. He now is a phycologist practicing in Calgary and went back to the camps for a year, providing counselling to the children.

Next Steps:

Continue the project from September to June 2023
Capture testimonials and evidence there impact
Fundraise and explore ways to spread the model.

Questions:

How many refugee camps are there – 7 camps.
How did you get out of the camps? Canada opened the door to refugees and provided the people to support. Canada was looking for refugees with an educational background
How will you sustain & ensure the program continues to support kids.
Fundraise & accept donations. It costs $60 per child per year
The UN gives them food, shelter & health.

Steve Kuiack thanked Joyce on behalf of the Club for the informative & interesting presentation. A gift will be made to Shelter Box in Joyce’s name.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Linda Anderson again made a request for someone to step forward and join the Board as Secretary. (2 year position)
Bill Fitzsimmons advised The Doorway has a unique program to help young people who are on the street or under housed. We are proposing to undertake some renovations to the Doorway office. This included building some partition walls, drywall and paintings, assembling some furniture, installing toilets and other minor renovation work. Work would take place on Fridays and Saturdays perhaps once a month starting in the fall. Our first step is to identify a lead person with the skills to plan and oversee the work. We are asking members for suggestions on a member or non-member who could fill this role. Secondly it would be helpful to understand how many club members would participate. Contact Bill Fitzsimmons if this service opportunity interests you.
Pat Fitzsimmons needs more volunteers to assist with Tree wrapping in Fish Creek. Its easy work and lots of time for fellowship. Contact her to provide your support. September 13^th 8am to noon.
Terry Felton advised cherries & peaches will arrive sometime on Wednesday. He will email us with instructions & timing for pick up.
Darren Grierson advised Alex and family are in need of rental accommodation, a used car & a job. Alex advised he is experienced with computer networks.
Mike Carlin advises;

David Williams is now out of his 3 week hospital stay and recovering at home. Give him a call and bring him a little sunshine.
The Board has approved the Foundation Committee’s Citizenship Award program for the 2 year. A memorandum has been sent outlining the criteria for nominees. Please review and submit your applications by September 30^th to Garfield Ganong.

The meeting adjourned at 1 p.m.

NEXT WEEK’S PROGRAM -

Tour at the Hangar’s Flight Museum 4629 McCall Way N.E. Calgary AB