Rotary hosts East African night

East Africa came to the Rotary Club of Ashgrove - The Gap on 3 October 2007.

The African harmonies and dance movements came from a group of young East African people calling themselves the New Life Community Choir.

While listening (and swaying to the infectious rhythms) Rotarians and guests enjoyed M’Chuzi Wa Nyama (Curry of beef, Zanzibar) and Fruits of Africa pie on tables decorated with fruits and greenery.

There was a more serious side to the night of course. The key note speaker for the night, Professor Justin Maeda from Tanzania, pointed out many people in East Africa have less than $1 a day to find the necessities of life.

Professor Maeda posed the question, “Why should this be so?” “The three countries officially making up East Africa –Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda cover a wide area, are rich in natural resources and have been independent for 40 years. Yet they are poor. Why?” “

They are poor because education is not a right. It is still a privilege for a few. People are not taught the underlying principles of ethics, responsibility, or even punctuality,” he said.. Education is the key to advancing community and society goals and the contribution of Rotary clubs in supporting education is the most worthwhile investment,” Professor Maeda said.