Each year for the past decade, District 7780 has sent a team of people to an international destination to forge relationships with other Rotary Clubs and pursue opportunities for joint projects. This year’s destination was the Philippines. Previous Outreach trips have been to Eastern and Central Europe, Latin America and Africa. During Covid the focus was on Indigenous peoples of Maine and the Maritime provinces of Canada. The District International Service Committee (DISC,) which takes the lead with this district grant, wanted to do something further afield. The Philippines seemed like an excellent opportunity for a variety of reasons.
Rotary’s work with Polio began in the Philippines decades ago. The country has a rich and longstanding history of Rotary Clubs. The district they are visiting incorporates 400 clubs.
The team consists of three Rotarians from District 7780, much smaller than most teams which travel representing the District. They are: PDG Dick Hall, Portland RC, Team Leader; ADG Joanne Landry, Saco Bay RC; and PP Carol Madsen, Bridgton-Lake Region RC. Carol is the District Newsletter Editor. She and Dick have been communicating regularly during the trip using the District through the People of Action Facebook Group.
Follow the Facebook Group Rotary 7780-People of Action to see all the photos, videos, and posts from this trip.
Some of the highlights:
About 32 plus hours after leaving their homes in Maine, members of the Rotary District 7780 Outreach team arrived at Clark airport in Philippines. They were greeted at the airport by local Rotarians. They attended a regular Rotary meeting with the RC of Central Tarmac. Everywhere they visited there were welcome signs. They visited a free hospital for eyes, limb replacement and more, well-funded by Korean Rotarians. There they met a young woman who lost her leg in a fire 2 years ago. She is now an employee of the foundation making limbs herself.
In addition to visiting clubs and hearing about and seeing their projects, especially projects where they could use some help, the D770 Team attended a District Conference which generally hosts 400 people. A formal ball one night and a costume party were among the socials. A little different than our celebrations here in Maine and coastal New Hampshire!!
The
y also visited avocational school for young adults seeking training in sewing, cookery, automotive, HVAC training in a weekends program. They are looking at adding a welding program next on an adjacent piece of land. Vocational technical training is an important type of project in the Philippines. In addition, they have visited local Rotary projects, like clean water stations, and have enjoyed meals, music and fellowship with local Rotarians.
y also visited avocational school for young adults seeking training in sewing, cookery, automotive, HVAC training in a weekends program. They are looking at adding a welding program next on an adjacent piece of land. Vocational technical training is an important type of project in the Philippines. In addition, they have visited local Rotary projects, like clean water stations, and have enjoyed meals, music and fellowship with local Rotarians.We look forward to more information about their trip when they return.