FIRST LADY NOW AN HONORARY ROTATION

Under a nice clear sky, with a full moon, overseeing the ceremony, the first lady of Timor-Leste, Kirsty Sword Gusmao was inducted as an Honorary Member of Rotary Club of Dili on 17^th July. The occasion was a regular meeting of the Club, but with a difference , because by invitation the meeting was conducted in the grounds of the Prime Minister and Mrs. Gusmao’s residence in Dili. Club President Tricia Johns chaired the induction ceremony in the prensence of some 50 Rotarians, and Guests. Those present included a number of visiting Rotarians from Australia, as well as some of the younger members of the Rotarian movement in Timor-Leste who form the Rotaract Club of Dili. In her regular international travels on behalf of various charitable organizations in Timor-Leste, Kirsty sword Gusmao can now also speak o behalf of The Rotary Club of Dili, as its Ambassador. This will further the awareness among others, of the needs of many in the Timorese community, and thus have other Clubs and organizations commit funds for the improvement, especially of health and educational facilities, within the urban and rural communities of Timor-Leste.

The Rotary Clubs of Dili has been in existence since the year 2000, and now has a good mix of both Timorese and Foreign National membership. Since 2000 the Club has managed funds provided by various other Clubs around the world to enhance the welfare of various communities throughout Timor-Leste. Although most of the funding has come from Rotary Clubs in Australia, other Clubs from as far a field as the USA, Great Britain, Norway, Portugal, The Netherlands, and Japan have made substantial contributions throughout the years. Though the generosity of others the Club has also been able to fund scholarships and prolonged educational experiences for many young Timorese men and women. The Rotary Clubs of Dili currently meets every Thursday night, at the Hotel Timor, with fellowship from 6pm for a seated meeting with dinner commencing at 6.30pm. Visitors, and especially visiting Rotarians from other lands are always welcome.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide, who provide Humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world. The motto of Rotary is “ Service Above Self” and all members are expected to honour that the principles of the motto, but not to the detriment of their own personal employment positions or of their families. By convention he subjects of politics and religion are not discussed in Rotary.