By Rotary Service and Engagement
According to UNHCR, 44,400 people a day are forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. Through our service projects, peace fellowships, and scholarships, our members are taking action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Below are some examples of Rotary members taking action:
The Rotary Club of West Naujan and Calapan in the Philippines supported the Department of Education’s program to provide assistance to Muslim children in the region. The Muslim community in Calapan City often feel marginalized due to their religion. The club put together envelopes filled with educational materials and supplies to give to students to support their Arabic language classes. Club members listened to their stories about being treated differently. The children were thankful that the club members supported their culture and wanted to learn more about them.
The Rotaract Club of Mount Aureol in Sierra Leone wanted to address the corruption in their country that has led to poverty. The group organized “National Youth Engagement,” a conference aimed at youth focusing on three themes: Corruption, Rule of Law and Governance. The conference offered various speakers and panelists and was well attended by students and youth groups.
The Rotary Club of Ner Chowk partnered with Sehyog, a special children’s home in India, to organize a fitness camp with a selection of winter games for children with special needs. Two children from Sehyog went onto the Special Olympics, representing India in Austria and Korea, and won Bronze medals.
During February, Rotary Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month, build peace and mitigate conflict. Below are some resources to help you get started.
Bring your project ideas to life with guidance from a Rotarian Action Group
The Rotarian Action Group for Peace offers clubs and districts resources and support to advance world peace and turn ambitious ideas into life-changing realities.
The Rotarian Action Group for Family Safety: Breaking the Family Violence provides support to clubs and districts in planning and implementing programs and projects that tackle domestic violence.
The Rotarian Action Group Against Slavery provides information about, and promote ways to engage and support anti-slavery and human trafficking projects, programs and campaigns.