Guest Speaker, introduced by Tav MacPherson:
Ross White, from Nanaimo (1987) was president of his club in 1997 and District Governor in 2002/03. He is a retired Educational Administrator and Tav gave some of his achievements
in that career. He has taken a great interest in helping to improve education in parts of Africa, and that was the subject of his address to us.

An African Adventure, an illustrated talk by Ross White.
In September, Ross and his wife went to South Africa for a vacation. Leaving his wife there, he went to Sunyani, a very poor city in Ghana. The latter, population 23 M, is a poor but politically stable country. He went first to visit the Kumasi-East Rotary Club to help them sponsor a provisional Rotary club in Sunyani, so that his Nanimo club could partner with them on educational projects.
Sunyani Muicipal Primary School - Grades 1-7
Ross showed us pictures of this school, where a food program had been launched earlier providing a noon meal, often the only meal of the day for some children. Ross found no wash rooms and the latrines were locked up so the children had to relieve themselves outside. Ross demanded that the local people clean up this situation before Rotary could start its help. This was done. On review of the school, many needs were identified, such as books, new blackboards and clean water. This was the basis of formulating a matching grant, now in the works. Korkors Medical Centre was a bright spot in Sunyani, with a Mr. Korkors providing shelter and food in clean conditions for the orphans of Aids. The District Hospital was also modern and capable. Another interesting development was the micro-financing of widows and abandoned women to enable them to undertake the making of soap and other money--generating ventures. Ross concluded by providing a list of projects needing help including the sponsorship of children.

Malawi: Ross showed pictures of wells sponsored by several agencies, including Rotary. He then delivered a dissertation on latrines, the various models and how the best ones are environmentally sound.
The speaker was thanked by Jim Force.

Carnarvon Water Park: Lorna Curtis introduced the Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Municipal Services. She presented the Club with a check for $10,000, representing the Provincial share of the cost of refurbishing that park. Other contributors were Oak Bay District and our Club. She also presented a plaque commemorating the project.

Exchange Students: Ola introduced her two fellow exchange students, Prerna from India and Livia from Slovakia. Livia presented us with a banner from her sponsoring Club, Bansky Bystrica in District 2240. President Jack, in exchange, gave her one of ours.

PROGRAMS and DUTY ROSTER FOR MEETINGS 2008