Thoughts on the Millennium project: Arabic Rotary Publications

 

Background:

300 millions of Arabs and almost one billion of Muslims have in common the Arabic language. Arabic is a holy language for almost one billion of human beings!

Rotary International respects the diversity human cultures and took this wise decision [late but better then never!] to give its support [part of funds for printing and distribution] and to promote the publications in Arabic language.

It means:

That this project needs all Rotarians’ continuous support in District 2450 and District 9010 as well. Why? Because, that when RI supports our language,  it means that we are now on the right direction to increase the Membership and enhance Rotary image in the Arab countries. Communication within the Arabic language is still the best way to promote Rotary in the Arab world communities. This project is expected to cover all Arabic speaking countries of District 2450 [Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Bahrain and UAE] and District 9010 [North Africa: Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Mauritania ].

The perfect ice-breaker:

How much anyone of us is happy when a foreign’s approach is "Salam Aleykoum". These two words are the best ice-breaker. Also it is the same to others when we communicate with them by their language!

What are the accurate feedbacks?

We have the support of RI – part for the budget

We got the approval of the DG 2007-08 – part of the budget. [From the District Fund]

We got the support of the International sponsors fom USA:

Rotarian Ted Hamady [RC Washington DC] reported that 1000$ [RC Washington DC] and 3000$ [Basra, Iraq Prosthetics Project, Rotary International District #7620 - Rotarian Linda Smythe - chair] took the decisions to finance a part of the budget for the first four publications for 2007-2008.

Think:

When we debate on the image of Rotary and Membership Development, we have to be practical. Once a project is launched and that we got such a great support on local, district and international levels, it means that we have reached our objectives and fulfill our vision.

      

“Friendship with the Arab World”

This is the theme of the Rotary project for D. 7620 which got the support of many clubs.

“Basra [Iraq ] Prosthetics Project” and “Arabic Rotary Publications [D.2450]” are two of many other international projects implemented. These projects aimed to build friendship with the Arab world. In fact they build the best bridge.

Think:

US Rotarians are not coming into the Arab region on the Army tanks. They came with their opened hearts. They are fulfilling the Rotary values by helping others, by respecting human beings. They are suffering with others; they are respecting the inner cultures. This is Rotary.

Thus, I am very proud to be a Rotarian.

Michel P. Jazzar

RI Contact – Arabic Rotary Publications 2007-2008

www.micheljazzar.com