PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

On the 10th of March, the RI President D.K. Lee and the 1st Lady, Young Ja, visited District 3300. A grand reception was held at the Convention Centre of the Sunway Pyramid. More than 600 Rotarians, I think, from all over the District graced the occasion. The RI President took the opportunity to award certificates to PHFs. He also honoured the Rotarians who have contributed to RI in one way or another. Our RCPJ was represented. We had a tableful of our members and it was indeed great fellowship. The table was sponsored by the President.

The Mexican Nite on the 6th of March at the Sheraton Subang was a roaring success. A number of Rotarians and guests turned up to celebrate International Understanding, the understanding and respect of the different cultures in this world. HE the Ambassador of Mexico, Mr Jeorge Alberta Lozoya talked about his country. His presentation delighted the audience. He has a good command of the language and his jokes made the evening lively. We must also compliment those Rotarians who came in Mexican outfit. They tried and succeeded to make the evening really Mexican. Margaret in chili red Mexican skirt was the centre of attraction. Eric in his sombrero and poncho adds to the combination. Thank you Seng Chuan, Margaret, Chris and Tony for organizing the event so successfully. And to Margaret for sourcing so many prizes. We must also thank the Ambassador for donating bottles and bottles of tequila. Thank you Rotarians for supporting the event.

We have two other major projects in March: the ICC Concert and the CLE. The Concert, organized by the Interact Co-ordinating Committee, is held annually to raise funds for the Interact Clubs and also to help the Golden Child Project. It will be held on the 14th March at the HGH in Sentul. Please support our Interactors who have been working very hard to put up a good show. And the Saturday and Sunday will also see the conducting of the CLE for English teachers in the business premises of the President of RC Ampang, Sunny Low. It will jointly be organized by our Club and the RC of Ampang. More than 20 participants are expected. PP Yap Swee Fatt and the trainers PE Eric Wong and Ann Girija will be in thick of things this weekend.

Thank you Rotarians for your kind support in all the activities and projects. 

Some thoughts about literacy.

1. When parents are illiterate, fostering a reading environment for their children is difficult.
2. Reading has to do with language. Another component of language is writing. Literacy means to be able to read, write and count. This says so much about the importance of language.
3. Educate the women, you’ll educate the world. Why? Women rock the cradle. They are closer to their children. If mothers can read and develop in their children an inquisitive mind, the battle against illiteracy is won.
4. Are we helping enough to eradicate illiteracy? When people are literate, they can think for themselves. Unscrupulous people will not have a heyday.
5. RCPJ will start a project called Read-a-book soon.

Different forms of illiteracy have emerged. We have heard of computer illiterates. We need to learn every day to keep up with technologies that are changing so fast. Are we getting out from our cocoon to learn?

The Directors delivered their reports. Some of the salient features of the reports are highlighted as follows:

It was a short Club Assembly as some members had to attend the welcome dinner in honour of our RI President, D.K. Lee at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre. 

Viva-la Mexico! The Mexican Nite was truly a night to celebrate International Understanding. Held on 6th March, it was indeed a grand evening with at least 80 Rotarians and guests to mark the occasion. Costumes, Mexican music, tequila and all the paraphernalia was about Mexico. 

HE Ambassador Jeorge Alberta Lozoya was really a delight when he mingled with the guests. He was approachable and friendly. There were also Embassy staff who gave our Rotarians a lesson in tequila, down the hatchet in one gulp, a swipe of salt and a squeeze of lime. What a drink!

Our Rotarians and guests came in appropriate attire in Mexican outfit. There was also a video on presentation of Mexico. And the prizes were a plenty. Thanks to Margaret who was able to source very attractive prizes.