Africa-Press – Liberia.
In a significant event for the Rotary Club of Monrovia, David Frankfurt, the Assistant Governor and district 9101, welcomed new members into the club, urging them to embrace leadership in their respective professions and to carry forward the club’s mission of service and excellence.
“As you join your fellow Rotarians, remember that you are now leaders in your professions. Your skills, passion, and dedication are essential in spreading the vital message of Rotary to all those you encounter,” Frankfurt emphasized.
Speaking at the induction ceremony held on Friday, August 31, 2024, at a local resort in Sinkor, Ama T. Harris, President of the Rotary Club of Monrovia, highlighted the historical importance and ongoing impact of the club. “Founded in the 1940s by Paul Harris, Rotary International has been at the forefront of global service. Our club, the oldest and largest in Monrovia, has been a beacon of community service, focusing on healthcare, education, maternal mortality, and conflict resolution,” she said.
Ms. Harris (no relation to Paul) detailed the club’s recent activities, including crucial interventions in reducing maternal mortality. “Last month, we focused on maternal health, recognizing the tragic statistic that over 50 out of every 1,000 babies born in Liberia do not survive. We intervened at ELWA Hospital, sponsoring a pregnant teenager and ensuring she receives the care needed for a safe delivery,” Harris shared.
The club’s mission for this year 2024, centers on training and mentorship, particularly for young Liberians. “We are determined to raise upstanding young citizens through mentorship, career guidance, and after-school programs. Our goal is to engage the youth, keeping them away from harmful influences and helping them build a positive future,” Harris added.
With ten new members inducted, the club’s membership now totals 62, with a long-term goal of reaching 100. “Quality membership is key to making a substantial impact. The more members we have, the greater our ability to serve,” Harris noted.
The Rotary Club of Monrovia was initially chartered by Rotary International on January 24, 1964, as the first Rotary Club in Liberia with 29 members from business and professional classifications that ranged from engineering to medicine to insurance to transportation, law and many others. Cllr. Christian Maxwell was the Charter President, and Mr. Bobby Naidoo was the Charter Secretary.
Rotarians continued to meet and serve during the Liberian civil conflict, though infrequently. This resulted in a five-year lapse in the official relationship with Rotary International. Remaining committed to the Objective of Rotary; the Rotary Club of Monrovia was re-chartered in 2000 to formally continue its service to the people of Liberia.
Following its initial charter in 1964, the Rotary Club of Monrovia sought others who were committed to Service above self and sponsored the Rotary Club of Yekepa in 1970, the Rotary Clubs of St Paul River and Buchanan in 1985, the Rotary Club of Gbarnga in 1987 and the Rotary Club of Sinkor in 2008. The Rotary Club of Monrovia was instrumental in supporting the chartering of the Rotary Club of Harper in 2007.
Rotary Club of Monrovia district administration is District 9101 , which includes the following countries: Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra-Leone.
Daniel B. Kollie, CEO of Smart Brothers Construction Company and one of the newly inducted members, expressed his gratitude and commitment to the Rotary’s mission. “This is not just an achievement; it’s a commitment to serve humanity. I’m excited to be part of an organization that aligns with my desire to give back to the community, to help others as I have been helped throughout my life,” Kollie remarked.
President-Elect Gbassay Golee, in a closing remark, reassured the new members of the meaningful impact they would make through the Rotary Club. “You have made a wise decision by joining us. Here, you will find a sense of belonging and the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals to create positive change in your community,” Golee said.
The Rotary Club of Monrovia continues to be a pillar of service in Liberia, inviting both the young and the seasoned to join in its mission of community building and development.
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