There is a place for you in Rotary if you have the heart and the hands for service, says Rotary International President 2024-2025 Stephanie Urchick.

Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: Rotary International President Elect Stephanie Urchick has lauded Rotary Pakistan’s humanitarian projects, particularly Smart Villages, and how it encompasses all 7 areas of humanitarian focus of Rotary International.

She expressed particular admiration for the efforts of frontline polio workers in Pakistan. “Polio will be gone in Pakistan because of the commitment of polio workers,” she commented.

She expressed these views while talking to a group of senior journalists. The press talk was facilitated by Imran Ghaznavi.

Stephanie Urchick further said that the aim of the Rotary was to empower people and give them a hope. She said she was amazed to see resilience and steadfastness of the people living in the smart villages established by the Rotary.

“I was deeply moved when a little girl gifted me a piece of handicraft especially prepared for me’, she added.

She spoke about how Rotary International has changed and adapted to the changing times, and how there is a place in Rotary for those with the heart and hands for service.  Mr. Tom Gump similarly spoke about his admiration for service efforts by Rotary Pakistan, especially regarding sanitation, water treatment plants, and mobile libraries.

Rotary Pakistan leaders also emphasized the importance of youth in Pakistan and how Rotary Pakistan is working to generating leadership and nation-building among youth in Pakistan.

 The distinguished dignitaries included Rotary International President Elect 2024-25 Ms. Stephanie Urchick and her Aide Mr. Thomas Gump. They were accompanied by senior Rotary Pakistan leaders, Mr. Faiz Kidwai (Rotary International Director), Mr. Masrur Scheik (District Governor of Rotary District 3272) and Mr. Imran Ghaznavi (ARPIC).

Faiz Kidwai spoke about the humanitarian aims of Rotary International, and how the groundbreaking Rotary Pakistan Smart Villages project is engaged at the grassroots level in Pakistan to transform the poorest of communities, bring development to small towns and villages, and empower their residents. The Rotary Pakistan Smart Villages project is not only providing essentials such as homes and shelters, but has long-term and far-reaching goals, such as infrastructure, education and health.

Water treatment plants, kitchen gardens, and solar-generated electricity has already been brought to these villages. Trainings to provide vocational and financial management skills are also provided at the Smart Villages in order to foster entrepreneurship and move towards de-urbanization in Pakistan.

20 of these Rotary Pakistan Smart Villages are to be completed by June 2024, after which this project will be expanded all over Pakistan based on the needs of the most deserving communities.