Sundaymail Editor
Sunday Mail Reporter
Visiting Rotary International District Governor Mrs Manuela Matambo Bettencourt has called on local Rotarians to continue helping underprivileged communities improve their lives through empowerment initiatives.
Mrs Bettencourt, who is from Mozambique, arrived in the country last Wednesday on a two-week tour to assess projects being undertaken by local Rotary clubs.
Speaking during her welcome ceremony in Harare, Mrs Bettencourt said club members should continue working hard to provide humanitarian services that improve people’s lives.
“We need to do more projects that impact our communities,” she said.
“Our communities are in need of everything, that includes schools, health, sanitation and water.
“So, as Rotarians, it is our mandate to improve the lives of our people.”
Mrs Bettencourt — who oversees Rotarians in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Northern Mozambique and Malawi — said her tour will help her familiarise herself with club members under her jurisdiction.
“As the governor, I travel throughout the countries to oversee the projects which our clubs are running,” she said.
“Currently, I am in Zimbabwe, visiting the clubs in Harare to see what they are doing and visiting their projects as well, following up on their achievements.”
Rotary Club of Highlands President Mrs Carolyn Chipumha said her club was involved in many humanitarian projects.
“We are happy that for the first time, the district governor has visited Zimbabwe Rotary clubs to familiarise with the members,” she said.
“She will also be visiting some of the projects we are undertaking.
“As Rotary Club of Highlands, we have focus areas that we are concentrating on at the moment, which cover education, women empowerment and food provision for disadvantaged communities. We are currently working on building Musingwa Primary School in Muzarabani to help reduce distances children walk to the nearest school.”
Rotary is an international service organisation that brings together business leaders and professionals to provide humanitarian service and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.
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