SEASON 2013-14
ISSUE 12
ROTARACTION CYPRUS ROTARACT NEWSLETTER
District 2452 Armenia|Bahrain|Cyprus|Georgia|Jordan|Lebanon|Palestine|Sudan|United Arab Emirates
SEASON 2013-14
ISSUE 12
Dear Rotaractors
ROTARACTION CYPRUS ROTARACT NEWSLETTER
The Team Rotaract, a four year journey for me. A journey full of excitement, energy, knowledge, personal development and community service.
DRR: Vincent Fayad
drr2452@gmail.com
PDRR: Elena Aroti
I have the honor of serving as VDRR for 2014 - 2015. I take this opportunity that i was given as a new challenge. The challenge being that i have to continue a great work that has been done in the previous years and take it a step further.
drrep2450@gmail.com
Cyprus VDRR: Kyriacos Christofides christofidisk@me.com
Cyprus PR Coordinator Chief Editor: Hannah Mortaga hannahmortaga@gmail.com
Creative Advisor Mishel Fayad
It is with great pleasure that I see Rotaract in Cyprus getting stronger every year, with many active young professionals becoming part of it. The effort is to continue growing by joining efforts to bring bigger and better results. I will have the opportunity to work with passionate presidents and active clubs to serve the community as well as develop our own skills and expertise. The goal for next Rotary year is to create awareness for Cyprus Rotaract, organize one pancyprian community service project and one professional development project, and last but not least get to know all Rotaractors around the island!
contact@mishelfayad.com
Editorial Pabla Neruda said “You can cut all the flowers but you can-
Personally, I learnt the true meaning of team work, volunteerism and professionalism through my Rotaract experience. Having served in different offices, in my club as well as in the District, helped me develop a set of skills that are proved very useful in my daily interactions both professionally and personally. Having attended numerous conferences/workshops/trainings locally and internationally, I expanded my international network and have great memories with friends.
not keep Spring from coming.” Ahh April… Allow us to officially welcome spring, although a bit late!
The Rotary and Rotaract experience is helping us shape the next generation of leaders and I am confident that by working together we can achieve great things and inspire people!
We are proud to present the 12th issue. In this issue, Incoming Vice District Rotaract Representative, Charis
Kindest Regards
Michael, is giving the welcoming words, learn more about the RYLA, have a look at the past events of each club and many more. Enjoy reading! | ROTARACTION | ISSUE 12 | 2
Charis Michael President RAC Nicosia Aspelia 2013-14 Incoming VDRR 2014-15
NICOSIA
22.03.14
Rotary Youth Leadership Award invited people between ages 17 and 30 to be part of a team and work together to present a final concept to solve one of today’s social problems, such as un-
employement and hunger within out societies. RYLA was hosted on the 22nd of March 2014, by Rotary and was free of charge at the European University of Cyprus.
ter for Research and Education Ltd. At the end, there was a small workshop. People were divided into different groups, each was assigned a mentor and was given a social problem.
There were several key note speakers at the event such as Michalis Papadopoulos Innovation and Development Manager of CYTA, Michalis Tyrimos Chief Operating Officer of Exelia Technologies and co-founder of the Cypriot Enterprise Link, Alexandros Vassiliou Managing Partner of Occhio Group Ltd and George Isaias Executive Director of the SYNTHESIS Cen-
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The group was given some time were they were asked to come up with a solution for that particular problem. I must admit some really good ideas were presented at the end of day. Some ideas which are not that hard to actually implement.
It is inspiring how just half an hour can bring out such great ideas. One can only but wonder what more ideas can be brought to life by devoting more time focusing and thinking with an entrepreneurial mindset.
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Rotaract Club Nicosia Aspelia
Rotaract Week Celebration: 10-16 March 2014 of Cyprus Cultural Foundation. After an interesting tour at the exhibition a tasty fellowship followed at “Kathodon” (Καθ’οδόν) tavern at Ledras street in Nicosia.
Rotaract Club Nicosia Aspelia organised various events during the week 10-16 of March in order to celebrate the Rotaract Week for 2014.
It was a great opportunity for both Rotaractors and Rotarians from the Aspelia family to share ideas and strengthen their relationship.
On the 11th of March, Aspelians were honoured to host many Rotarians from their mother club at the general meeting.
On the 13th of March, Rotarians accompanied by Rotaractors attended the “Cyprus and Geology” exhibition at the Bank
Mega Twinning project: Lebanon Celebration Aspelians hired a driver and a mini bus and hit the road to Machairas Mountain to enjoy a picnic inspired by the delicious Lebanese cuisine. The picnic included from dips to kebab and Lebanese sweets. The gastronomic experience was also combined with a visit at Machairas Monastery. On the 25th of March, Rotaract Club Nicosia Aspelia originally celebrated Lebanon as part of the Mega Twinning project.
The monks of the monastery welcomed the Aspelians and shared with them the historical background of the monastery.
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The trip to Machairas proved to be a unique experience for all of the Aspelians and their friends.
Rotaract Club Nicosia Ledra
Acoustics Engineering Besides serving the community, rotaract is also about development. What better development tool than knowledge; the food of the soul as Socrates refers to it. In pursuit of an interesting topic, we came up with Acoustics Engineering. This is a very rare
profession in Cyprus and all of our members had very limited understanding of the subject. Thus the Club decided that a presentation from an expert in the field would serve well in acquainting us with the topic. The presentation was part of Rotaract Club Nicosia – Ledra’s 2nd March meeting. Christos Georgiou, owner of CY Acoustics made us the honour of giving the presentation. Christos Georgiou is a graduate of Salford University recognised by the Institute of Acoustics and is a member of the Audio Engineering Society
and the Acoustical Society of America. During his presentation, Christos explained the various applications of Acoustics Engineering and some very interesting projects he was involved with as well as the challenges he faces as a young professional. Some of the projects he discussed with us were the TEPAK Library, a Trading Room and several residential properties. Our Club’s members were intrigued by the presentation and even discussed ways in which he could be employed to reduce office noise from loud coworkers. Christos humoured that the easiest solution would be to just get rid of the co-workers.
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Rotaract Club of Nicosia
Book Collection Campaign Our Club has collected new and second hand books to be donated to the Prison’s Library (Female and Juveline cellblock) and Youth Centres. For one month people could bring their books to our collection centres (including Bookstores Parga and Soloneion, Gloria jeans Café in Pallouriotissa, European University, University of Nicosia and kiosk Psimolofou). On the 19th of March 2014, the closure day of this effort, the event ‘’Meet the Rotaractors, Bring a book, Get a cof-
fee’’ took place at Gloria Jeans in Pallouriotissa, where we presented the purpose of the event. The reason we decided to donate the books to the prison, was because we believe that books permit to prisoners to enrich themselves, keep them company and it’s an air of freedom in prison. Also Rotaractors showed the importance of the book in our lives. The
speakers expressed through their lines that a book is a cultural tool, a way to improve your knowledge and your impression and it allows you to travel and dream. We had the opportunity to discuss and elaborate on the importance of books with the administrator / head teacher of the school in the prisons and the representative of Youth Centres of Cyprus.
International Project “ World Clean Up” Rotaract Club of Nicosia par-
aroussion in Greece began, as
ticipated in the international
a celebration of Rotaract week
project that Rotaract Club Am-
for 2014. The goal was “to prove that Rotaractors hold the universal potential to ACT and change the world” !!! Therefore Rotaract Club of Nicosia visited Athalasas Park in Nicosia on the 16th of March to clean up. We would like to thank Rotaract Club of Amaroussion for starting this amazing event.
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Rotaract Club Limassol Amathusia
Rotaractors go to Kindergarten! ciation, the main sponsor of the kindergarten. Finally we had a tour of the kindergarten and we are looking forward for our next project with them.
Rotaract Club of Limassol Amathusia visited the kindergarten of the Limassol Ladies Association on Thursday 21st of March at 13:00, to complete the second part of our Annual Xmas Cookie sale on December in which ₏730 were raised. With that money we were able to provide the kindergarten a 50’ screen, a DVD player, a
stand and some educational games. During our visit we had the chance to watch the lady and the tramp and prepare popcorn and cake for all the kids. The kids were happily surprised of the toys we collected for them. We had a great time with them as well as the ladies of the Limassol Ladies Asso-
Rotary Dinner with Dr. Eleni Theocharous On Thursday 21st of March we had the privilege to be invited to our Rotarians dinner with special quest, honourable Dr. Eleni Theocharous. We had a great evening, and enjoy Dr Eleni Theocharous speech, for believing in the Young Cypriot Minds and being a great example to follow. We need more Humanists, Doctors, Politicians and Women like her. 9 | ISSUE 12 | ROTARACTION |
Rotaract Club Kyrenia Liman
“Walk to Orchids” Charity Walk and we sell tickets, arrange buses and all other duties during the walk. During the walk, they give sandwiches, biscuits, fresh juices and fresh oranges. At the end point again a sponsor gives Cyprus coffee and Nescafe. This year we sold 1500 tickets and it was the biggest participation we had so far.
This is our 3th year to be involved in this project. It is a 9 km charity walk in a very nice environment. Its name is “Walk to Orchid” because there are so many differ-
ent orchid flowers on the walking path.
They will use the funds for advancing cancer research and for scholarships to young research students every year.
The main organiser is “Cancer Research Association”. Every year they arrange all sponsors
Painting Arabahmet Primary School School painting and renovations have become one of our traditional projects and every time, we are gaining experience at wall painting! This time, we painted a preschool class. We painted the rooms to a lighter colour so they will look brighter and bigger.
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Rotaract Club Kyrenia Liman
Kyrenia Liman on TV! One of the most popular local channels invited us to a TV morning broadcast. The program is very popular and it is in English so it was a good opportunity to promote Rotaract to non-Turkish speakers as well. One of my member and I accepted the invitation and attended the broadcast to talk about Rotaract and Kyrenia Liman Club. The host was also once a member of Kyrenia Liman Rotaract Club so the talk was very interesting.
Visit to District 2430 District 2430 invited our incoming board to their new term training which they called Assemble. It was a good opportunity to see a different District, promote our new District and also promote Cyprus. It was a 3 day program and they told that they already found new twin clubs.
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Rotaract Club Larnaca Kition
Presentation on Motivation member of the club and the incoming President decided to lead the way by giving the first presentation on our 6th of March meeting. As a successful psychologist, Socrates gave an interesting presentation on
In order to keep our meetings more interesting and active, our club decided that once a month one of the members will be giving a presentation. Socrates Panayi, an active
Rotary Casino Night On the first Saturday of March, members of Rotaract Larnaca Kition got the chance to dress us appropriately and attend a Casino Night that was organized by the sponsoring Rotary Club of Larnaca Kition.
The event took place at the house of the president Mr. Peter Ashdjian and his also Rotarian wife Mrs. Andri Ashdjian. Mrs. Andri took care of the decoration which put everyone on the mood. All the attendees were dressed up accordingly and there was a very cheerful mood in the air. Everyone got the chance to gamble a bit and enjoy the food.
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motivation and how to keep the club motivated. He mentioned a couple of very interesting point that could help the club in the future. Of course all fellow Rotaractors are invited to our future presentations.
Rotaract Club Larnaca Kition
Fundraising for Larnaca Multiple Sclerosis Members of Rotaract Larnaca Kition met at the Multiple Sclerosis Association house, located in Larnaca to present them with the money raised from the very successful fundraising event. Maria Evripidou and the board of the association welcomed us with drinks and snacks and thanked us for the help.
words. A total of 2000 Euros was raised and handed to the president of the association. We hope that this is just the start of a successful cooperation.
The members of the association showed us the appreciation for the cooperation and we were touched by their beautiful
Let’s Bowl
After bowling, we went for Lebanese food down at Finikoudes where the night continued.
On the 14th of March, Rotaract Larnaca Kition organized a bowling night to celebrate Rotaract week. The members met at K-Bowling
at 8 sharp and were divided into teams. We also had members from different Rotaract clubs that came to join. 13 | ISSUE 12 | ROTARACTION |
Rotaract Club Larnaca Kition
Pierides Museum Tour his family has done to keep the Cypriot heritage in Cyprus and talked about the history of many important items. It is so interesting to understand the meaning behind a small item and to see that ages ago,
people were very creative and artistic. The tour was scheduled for 30 minutes but it was so interesting that it went for almost 2 hours. We would like to thank once again Mr. Peter Ashdjian for an excellent tour.
On the 15th of March, Mr. Peter Ashdjian, president of our sponsoring Rotary Club of Larnaca Kition, gave us a free tour at Pierides Museum. We met early in the morning at the museum and Peter explained how the museum was formed, what
Palestinian Night the fact that we had rotaractors from all around Cyprus and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them once again. The night progressed smoothly with some Palestinian music, playing the “tabla” and dancing.
On the 27th of March, Rotaract Larnaca Kition had their Palestinian night. The event was hosted at Hannah’s house, our Palestinian member. Hannah decided to do the event at her house since she thought that this will help with the whole Palestinian experience. Hannah prepared a short presentation which some basic facts that ev-
eryone should know about Palestine. Later, Mr. Zaki, the representative of the Palestinian embassy in Cyprus gave a short speech as well. After the presentations were over, everyone enjoyed Palestinian food that was prepared by Hannah’s family (thanks Hannah’s Mum!) What made the night more special is
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A final note
Challenge
accepted!
From the beginning of our year as PR team, we have been hearing of positive feedback and each time we wonder how we can make the new issue a successful one. We must admit that this issue was a bit of a challenge. Being in two separate countries, myself still in Nablus, Palestine and Mishel back in Cyprus was indeed a challenge.
The fact that I have limited internet access did not make our job easier. We were told maybe it’s better to skip this issue since we had good reasons. But we were determined that we will be trying our best. We are very proud to present yet another issue.
From miles away, I send you my kisses and wish you a pleasant spring time! !
SEASON 2013 - 14
ISSUE 12
ROTARACTION CYPRUS ROTARACT NEWSLETTER
This is the Official monthly Cyprus Rotaract Newsletter. For any suggestions, ideas or thoughts about the uproming issues, please contact us directly at hannahmortaga@gmail.com or contact@mishelfayad.com