24th. August 2011
A week may be a long time in politics but it can fly by in the Rotary world. At a recent meeting of the RC of Forest Hill, where I was presenting for Rotarians Against Malaria, I was fortunate to see a presentation of the Walk for Life project by the Country Programme Manager and Representative, Jahangir Alam. Last week we viewed the same powerful presentation at Bentleigh Moorabbin Central.
The Walk for Life project is based in Bangladesh and concerns the provision of non-surgical medical intervention for children born with the debilitating congenital condition clubfoot. The project has successfully treated over 5000 cases in the last two years via an excellent outreach programme that ambitiously endeavors to reach all of Bangladesh.
Jahangir gave a very personal and moving account of the project's work. He is an eager member of Rotaract and through his work as the Country Representative for Walk For Life is endeavoring to coordinate a three district Matching Grant to ensure the project's long term viability.
In the time I spent with Jahangir, I discovered a friendly, professional and personable young man of considerable intellect and passion. He is currently studying a Master of Arts (Sociology) and cares a great deal for his community. He declares openly that for him, failure is not an option. Too many children are needlessly suffering when the answer is at hand.
Jahangir is the perfect illustration of the beauty of empowerment. Mr Colin MacFarlane, the Melbourne Rotarian who originally conceived of and implemented the superb Walk For Life project, is due much credit for the ethical and empowering ground work he has put into place. Not only has Colin's concept changed the lives of the children and their families, but also the lives of the medical personnel, manufacturers, distributors and administrators to whom he has entrusted the ongoing development of the project.
As an academic International Health specialist, humanitarian and fellow Rotarian, I commend the Walk For Life project to you and sincerely hope that as a member of the RC of Bentleigh Moorabbin Central you will support this important and life changing health care project.
For more information please visit: www.walkforlife.org.au
Yours in Rotary Friendship,
JO BEILBY
President 2011-12
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