THROUGHYEARS ROTARACT PIARCO (U.W.I) CHARTERED ON DECEMBER 23RD 2009 the
GREETINGS Within the club we've had our fair share of successes and short comings but overall we would have positively impacted the community we serve. Our club is a family. In my biased opinion no other club makes you feel so at home. I've met persons from all over the region at the club, some wanted to make friends others wanted to give back, everyone found a home here at Piarco UWI. After 6 years of serving at club and district levels I took the mantle of President. I never expected Presidency to be so rewarding what was even more shocking was that I did it for two years. Serving the club in this capacity really helped me to grow as a person and handle persons and situations better. It was stressful at times but I mostly enjoyed my experience feel a lot closer to the members than I did before. I love Rotaract Piarco UWI. It's home, it's family. Heyyyyy everyone, thank you for embarking on this journey through the years with us. My journey in Rotaract and Piarco UWI started in 2015 at the 1st ever Hungry to Help, I saw the flyer asked if I could attend and the rest is history. Though only 13 years old our club is well established in the District, having had two DRR's hail from our club as well as holding several other district positions and our most recent achievement of winning club of the year adding to our many recognitions on this level. from President Vana Woods
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION P AGE 4 An overview of this magazine inclusive of the purpose and its significance. PROJECTS P AGE 9-10 Some Community Service and International Service projects through the years. HUNGRY TO HELP P AGE 5 A look at some pertinent information about one of our signature projects. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Introduction to the Board of Directors: 2009-2014 P AGE 11-1 2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Introduction to the Board of Directors: 2014-2018 PROJECTS P AGE 1 3 -1 5 Some Club Service, Finance, and Professional Development projects through the years. CHARTER P AGE 1 7 The history of our club's charter. CUPKIES FOR CANCER P AGE 2 2 A look at some pertinent information about one of our signature projects. P AGE 18- 20 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Introduction to the Board of Directors: 2018-2023 P AGE 2 3 SOCIAL MEDIA Information on where we can be found daily. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS P AGE 24 Thanking the persons who contributed to this magazine. NO.1 P AGE 6- 7
A Rotary partner, The Rotaract Club of Piarco (U.W.I) embodies “service above self” through all of its countless projects. Over the years, the club has completed an array of projects in all arms of service- Community Service, Club Service, Finance, International Service, Professional Development, and Public Relations, with the willingness of its Rotaractors and Prospectives. In addition, the club takes pride in continuity therefore a club trainer is elected annually to ensure necessary and accurate knowledge is delivered. Although committees function independently, some projects require a collaborative effort. Notably, International Service performs a mandate of promoting international peace thus, most if not all of its projects are partnerships with other clubs locally, regionally, and more importantly, internationally. Each committee is spearheaded by a director who ensures all projects are planned and executed smoothly. Indeed, the club itself is led by an unbiased team of four elected members consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Overall, the Rotaract Club of Piarco (U.W.I) members- Rotaractors, Prospectives, and Friends possess a willing and loyal spirit. INTRODUCTION P A G E F O U R| T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS Through the Years of Rotaract Piarco (U.W.I) promises to showcase the multifacetedness of this dynamic club. The journal will feature all of the persons who have served on the Board of Directors since its inception. Additionally, there will be a display of an array of projects completed by Rotaract Piarco (U.W.I), namely its signature projects: Hungry to Help (H2H) and Cupcakes for Cancer. Intentionally, this project serves as a reminder of its dedicated members who would have contributed to the success of this organization. Furthermore, it will also be an appreciative endeavour from the club to acknowledge the service throughout the years from persons and recognize their efforts in building The Rotaract Club of Piarco (U.W.I).
HUNGRY HELP The Community Service Committee is the creative core of this project. They do the main planning and assessment of everything required and then reach out to the rest of the club for support and volunteers. The 2022/2023 Community Service Director, expressed the significance of this project since it has a positive impact on so many people. She explained that the opportunity to meet, greet and provide such a blessing to someone brings her a lot of joy. She also mentioned that the planning of this project increased her confidence when reaching out to companies and taking on a leadership role. It’s encouraged her to interact more with Rotarians of the club for them all to share the general satisfaction of a successful project outcome. The director also stated that this project had such a powerful outcome that it was also done by the parent Rotaract. A principal project of The Rotaract Club of Piarco (UWI), Hungry to Help or H2H is executed on a Sunday in the third quarter (January-March) during World Rotaract Week. Being executed since 2015, the project thrives on its main purpose of wanting to provide a hot meal and personal care items for 250 socially displaced persons on the east-west corridor between Port of Spain and Arima. Notably, the goal is met every year. Further to that, here’s some essential information about Hungry to Help: The people involved The passion behind the project The execution of this project starts about six weeks prior to the end date. Firstly sponsors and a menu are selected. Some main sponsors are Blue Waters and SMGelan. The club and its members also provide as many items as they can respectively. About two weeks before the end date, groceries are purchased, and sponsored items are collected. The number of volunteers, cooks, drivers, and routes are also organized at this time. At least two (2) days before the event the cooks receive their ingredients to prepare for the day. Lastly, on the day everyone congregates at 6:00 am to commence distribution at 8:00 am. Execution P A G E F I V E | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS to
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009-2010 2010-2011 P A G E S I X | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS President: Nikita Moses Vice President: Jemel Harris Secretary: Josanne Forrestine Treasurer: Shelly ann Frank Community Service Director: Jamila Noel Club Service Director: Kezra Lashley Professional Development Director: Ophir Pajotte International Service Director: Anthony Modeste 2009-2023 2011 - 2012 President: Jemel Harris Vice President: Kezra Lashley Secretary: Jeunille Augustus Treasurer: Jamila Noel Community Service Director: Ophir Pajotte Professional Development Director and Club Service Director: Anthony Modeste International Service Director: Kezra Lashley
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012 - 2013 P A G E S E V E N | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS President: Kezra Lashley Vice President: Jemel Harris Secretary: Jeanine Mootie Treasurer: Jamila Noel Community Service Director: Shanelle Dempster Finance Director: Lerone Oliverie Club Service Director: Shonika Greenidge Professional Development Director: Kezra Lashley Public Relations Officer: Candice Barton International Service Director: Anthony Modeste 2009-2023 2013 - 2014 President: Jamila Noelle Vice President: Lynle Smith Secretary: Kafi Farrell Treasurer: Ronella Rajkumar Community Service Director: Afiya Edwards Finance Director: Ronella Rajkumar Club Service Director: Kevin Pascall Professional Development Director: Jinae Carrington Public Relations Officer: Candice Barton International Service Director: Anthony Modeste
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Every year Community Service embarks on projects that serve the community or district. Each director has free range, together with their committee, to decide and execute projects they are interested in. Over the years, Community Service has done projects such as “Christmas with a Purpose, ” “International Men’s Day Visit, ” “Baby Box Project, ” and of course one of our signature projects- “Hungry to Help.” COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS As Albert Einstein famously said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile, ” it is, therefore, the goal of the Community Service Committee to provide for those in need in society. P A G E N I N E | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS
International Service’s projects are primarily executed virtually to accommodate and gather support worldwide. However, these projects executed are not limited since our club through this arm of service has partnered with clubs within and outside of our district to complete and fulfill their mandate; projects executed include: “Independence Day Celebration with Malaysia, ” “Peace Walk, ” “International Coastal Day, ” and “AIDS Day.” INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROJECTS The global community continues to play a critical role in our lives and as such the International Service Committee remains committed to building and strengthening extra-regional bonds, and ensuring that wemaintain camaraderie and are our brother’s keepers. P A G E T E N | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS
President: Shanelle Dempster Vice President: Krystle Stewart Secretary: La Toya George Treasurer: Shari George Community Service Director: Diana William Finance Director: Lesley Johnson Club Service Director: Kevin Pascall International Service: Kevan St. Brice Public Relations Officer: Candice Barton Professional Development Director: Dilon Lawerence Club Trainer: Kezra Lashley BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014 - 2015 P A G E E L E V E N | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS 2009-2023 2015 - 2016 President: Shari George Vice President: Kevan St. Brice Secretary: Dominique Reid Treasurer: Sarah Henry Community Service Director: Arianne Charles Finance Director: Camevel Cova Club Service Director: Kerwin Ryan International Service: Ariel Burke Professional Development Director: Quintin Griffith Club Trainer: Rockel Woods Public Relations Officer: Elliot Clarke
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016 - 2017 P A G E TWE L V E | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS President: Kevan St. Brice Vice President: Kerwin Ryan Secretary: Shawnella Chaitan Treasurer: Vana Woods Community Service Director: Jeleka Mc Knight Finance Director: Curlene George Club Service Director: Dominique Reid International Service Director: Radannia Picou Professional Development Director: Oluseyi Todd Public Relations Officer: Rhea Mc Comie 2009-2023 2017 - 2018 President: Quintin Griffith Vice President: Camevel Cova Secretary: Khadine Bovell Treasurer: Aaron Blenman Community Service Director: Samantha Boodoosingh Finance Director: Shawnella Chaitan Club Service Director: Amy Castange Professional Development Director: Davin Lynch Club Trainer: Jeleka Mc Knight International Service Director: Kache Hanna Public Relations Officer: Dominique Reid
Sometimes referred to as the fundraising committee, finance is tasked with making the money for our club to be able to complete projects. Although a crucial role, finance projects are quite fun and engaging, for example, the “Car Wash, ” “Rota-Bae Auction, ” and “Fundraiser Hike.” FINANCE PROJECTS Executing projects nomatter the size requires funds and so the Finance Committee takes it upon themselves to ensure the club is always profitable in all ventures, and that well never runs dry. P A G E T H IRT E E N | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS
Rotary prides itself in building young professionals which is ultimately facilitated through the Professional Development Committee, where not only basic life skills are taught but also the importance and need for them. There have been countless projects under this committee: “Adultin’ 101, ” “Cooking, ” “Empowering YOUth, ” and “Think Skilled, ” to name a few. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTSIt is never the objective that one should be ahead of their peers, instead, everyone on the same level. Thus, the Professional Development Committee undertakes all activities to allow each person the same space to grow through training and workshops. P A G E F O U RT E E N | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS
While working as a team is important, it is equally significant to maintain healthy and strong bonds among members, and thus that is one of the Club Service Committee’s responsibilities. Additionally recruiting new members and increasing our membership to ensure continuity is also a staple of this committee. To excellently achieve this, this committee has done many projects such as “Picnic on LRC Greens, ” “Tobago Retreat, ” “Sports and Family Day, ” and “Bingo Night.” The main recruitment drive is done at the UWI STA's Guild Fest each September. CLUB SERVICE PROJECTS Built on love and a familial spirit, the club continues to be synonymous with a fiery and energized culture that is strengthened by the Club Service Committee. P A G E F I F T E E N | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS
Was/Is director Lost your member pin Went to conference Did a project proposal Did a project report Joined during the pandemic Paid dues in full Did Rotaraction Attended more than 5 events from other clubs Attended your Rotary Club's event Shared more than 3 posts Knows the pledge Free Know the year your club was chartered Made a friend Attended all meetings this year Know at least five territories in your district Is facebook friends with a PDG Served on the District Team Always late to meetings Attended a Rotary Meeting Has a friend from a twin club Was/Is President Got fined from the Sarge this year Owes Dues BINGO Rotaract Edition
CHARTER ANNIVERSARY The club was started on December 23rd, 2009 and since then members join together to celebrate and commemorate the special occasion. On this day, resilience and perseverance won and shone in the form of a Rotaract Club- Rotaract Club of Piarco (U.W.I). It is undeniably a day to be recognized with a momentous event. Since then, members have connected as a unit, and collectively gathered at a dinner; and so it is for this reason, the club continues to celebrate with an annual Charter Dinner. However, unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic members were unable to congregate due to health and safety measures. However, the occasion was still celebrated despite the inability to be present in a physical setting. Nonetheless, in 2022 the club was back out in full force with its yearly Charter Dinner, post-COVID style. P A G E S E V E N T E E N | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS 23.12.2009
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018 - 2019 P A G E E I G H T E E N | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS President: Camevel Cova Vice President: Samantha Boodoosingh Secretary: Vana Woods Treasurer: Khadine Bovell Community Service Director: Dana Moraldo Finance Director: Shinique Parkinson Club Service Director: Radannia Picou Club Trainer: Oluseyi Todd International Service Director: Aaron Blenman Professional Development Director: Deneica Ransome Public Relations Officer: Samantha Boodoosingh 2009-2023 2019 - 2020 President: Samantha Boodoosingh Vice-President: Dominque Reid Secretary: Radannia Picou Treasurer: Darrien Rouse Finance Director: Willis Estrada Community Service Director: Vana Woods Club Service Director: Kevan St. Brice International Service Director: Joshua Ruck Professional Development Director: Sinead Sebro Public Relations Officer: Shari George Club Trainer: Sade Harry
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020 - 2021 P A G E N I N E T E E N | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS President: Joshua Ruck Vice-President: Kezra Lashley Secretary: Kenya Lawerence Treasurer: Vanisha Smart Community Service Director: Kiziah Soverall Club Service Director: Dave Matthews International Service Director: Dana Moraldo Professional Development Director: Adrian Paul Public Relations Officer: Shakti Kafra 2009-2023 2021 - 2022 President: Vana Woods Vice-President: Dana Moraldo Secretary: Ryon Dangleben Treasurer: Shanise Samaroo Community Service Director: Camevel Cova & Kevon Joseph Club Service Director: Dave Matthews & Vana Woods International Service Director: Shania Samaroo Professional Development Director: Samantha Boodoosingh Public Relations Officer: Mary Marslier & Shania Samaroo
President: Vana Woods Vice-President: Kevon Joseph Secretary: Darron James Treasurer: Shanise Samaroo Community Service Director: Kalecha Harry Club Service Director: Michael Joseph Finance Director: Andrekeila Medford International Service Director: Sorraya Singh & Kevon Joseph Professional Development Director: Renee Jackson & Ryon Dangleben Public Relations Officer: Shania Samaroo Club Trainer: Dana Moraldo BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022 - 2023 P A G E TWE N TY | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS 2009-2023
D T R O T A R Y A S A M R E Y A E R B R O T T E L E V I T I K J P A C S Y R E E S H W G N S I S W E N T L K E F S W R A N S R I N O E R R U E S U O S U C U P G R E V H Y G T S E O L M O Y T I I A H C T R U O E Y D I Y K C T F L E S V N U N T B K E E R R O I E T U N J L H U M I L I T Y L O V E D F A T D E R T H self volunteer development service pins love dues district charity humility rotary directors Find and circle the words. WORD SEARCH Rotaract Edition
CUPKIES CANCER In past years, the funds helped the club organize a Christmas party for children where gifts and decorations were bought. The funds are also used to purchase machinery and equipment needed. Funds have also been donated to hospices. Lastly, some funds are also sent to the Cancer Society of Trinidad and Tobago. The general goal of this event is to sell around 1000 cupcakes and cookies which raises more than $20,000 annually. This goal set has been successfully met every year. This project is primarily planned and executed by our club’s Finance Committee who are assisted by the Community Service Committee along with the rest of the club. Initially known as Cupcakes for Cancer, it was recently rebranded to also include cookies culminating in Cupkies for Cancer. Typically done in the second quarter, it serves as a yearly reminder that our goal as a club is to assist those in need, and in this case Cancer patients who benefit secondarily as the funds are used to purchase necessary materials for the institutions. Below is some vital information about this project: Purpose Raising funds for cancer patients Goal The people involved The 2022/2023 Finance Director, expressed that this project shows its uniqueness by being a fun way to give back to your community while still gaining something in return, that is, a cupcake or cookie. She expressed her growth in character during the planning and execution of this project. She described that Rotaract projects such as this one increased her resilience, positive mindset, reliance and appreciation for teamwork, and the knowledge that giving your best is so much better than giving up. The 2019 finance director explained her story and passion for this project. She described that she was the teacher of a student who suffered from cancer and he held a special place in her heart. So this project gave her an opportunity to express her love and care with her actions. She also explained that taking charge of projects such as this one pushes a person to be very patient in different situations and when working with different people. This project altogether increased her time management and planning skills. She expressed that these are valuable personal takeaways that she was glad to have learned while doing something so important. Both Directors explain that finance projects are generally high-work and high-reward projects which were made prevalent to them in the Cupkies for Cancer project. Though the workload was intense, the pride and general positive feeling after accomplishing everything was much greater than anything that they imagined. The planning for this event started 6 weeks prior to the end date. Firstly bakers are selected and hired. Then Flyers are created and advertised. During the advertising period, incentives such as team points are organized in order to encourage friendly competition within the club and raise sales. Next, the location for distribution and drivers for delivery are selected. This is generally done one week before the end day. Then on the day of the event, organization, and efficiency are practiced to ensure smooth running. The Passion Behind the Project Execution P A G E TWE N TY- TWO | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS for
SOCIAL MEDIA Stay connected and updated with The Rotaract Club of Piarco (U.W.I): follow us on all our social media. Catch us on: P A G E TWE N TY- T H RE E | T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS @rotaractpiarcouwi Rotaract Club Piarco UWI Rotaract Club Piarco (U.W.I) @rotaractpiarcouwi [email protected]
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The completion of this magazine would not have been possible without some persons, and we wish to individually thank each one. Firstly, we give praise to the Most High for the idea, creativity, and perseverance. We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the group of individuals who started this club, and equally to those who continued and contributed since 2009. Focusing on the present, many thanks to President Vana Woods for her continuous unwavering support and encouragement, Treasurer Shanise Samaroo for graciously agreeing to be our chief editor with the assistance of Secretary Darron James, Rotaractor Keisha Fuller, and Prospective Kailey Pontiflet for willingly volunteering to contribute, and producing your commitment excellently, and of course, last but certainly not least, our Public Relations Officer- Director Shania Samaroo for giving us the opportunity to assist. Words cannot adequately convey our appreciation, but we hope this helped in understanding. P A G E TWE N TY- F O U R| T H R O U G H T H E YE A RS Thank You!