Page 6 - 2026年1月號

More than job training

I n a garage outside Salinas, California, service. With 1.2 billion young people in emerging
The same integrity must drive our vocational
young people who are learning to
restore classic cars are doing more
economies reaching working age in the next decade
One small act than developing a skill — they are and only 420 million jobs projected, we face a critical
M arch is here, and for Rotary Interna- amplified when we work together. Through our stra-
gap. Communities long excluded from economic op-
reclaiming their futures. This train-
portunities need our support.
ing program provides mentorship and, for some, a
Partnerships remind us that Rotary’s impact is
path away from gang involvement toward meaning-
But support doesn’t mean imposing our will. It
tional, that means celebrating Water,
means listening to local needs, building partnerships,
ful employment. Graduates leave with certifications,
tegic alliance with the United Nations Environment
Sanitation, and Hygiene Month — a
practical experience, and hope.
time to shine a spotlight on one of the
Programme, we’re advancing the Community Action
themselves.
This is what Rotary’s Vocational Service Month cel- and designing projects that communities can sustain
most transformative areas of our work.
for Fresh Water initiative. This program equips Ro-
You have knowledge that can transform lives.
ebrates each January — the power of bringing together
This month is an opportunity to reflect on The Magic tary members with the tools and resources to protect,
people with unique skills to do good in the world. It
Whatever your profession, your expertise combined
of Rotary and the profound impact we create when we restore, and sustain freshwater ecosystems.
reminds us that integrity isn’t just about our actions
with Rotary’s values creates lasting change. The ques-
come together with determination and purpose. When we make use of Rotary grants and advocate
matching our words. Integrity is in everything we do.
tion isn’t whether you have something to offer, it’s
Years ago, I experienced this magic firsthand in for clean water in our communities, we create a ripple
how you’ll use your skills to serve.
The California automotive program has been such
the Dominican Republic. When a group of members effect that extends far beyond individual projects.
a success because it was built on integrity. Members
This January, I encourage you to ask how your club
helped people install water filters, three children As we embrace the spirit of the month, I encourage
can address vocational needs in your community.
of the Rotary Club of Carmel-by-the-Sea didn’t as-
watched with amazement as dirty water entered one every Rotary member to seek out new partnerships.
What skills do your members have that could change
sume they knew what the community needed. They
end of a filter and clean water emerged from the other. Collaboration multiplies our efforts and helps us
listened. They learned there was a shortage of skilled
someone’s life? How can your networks open doors
When we paused the demonstration, one child tugged reach more people in need.
for young people? What partnerships can create
mechanics as well as a large number of young people
at my sleeve and pleaded, “Show me the magic again.” Whether it’s joining forces with local organiza-
lacking job training. They recognized that technical
sustainable jobs?
To them, it felt magical. It was also the result of tions, forming alliances with international agencies,
skills alone wouldn’t be enough, so they partnered
Let integrity guide you. Let The Four-Way Test
PPHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA
countless hours of effort — planning, transporting, or mobilizing your community, every step we take
light your path. And let the young people in California
with Rancho Cielo, a nonprofit offering counseling
and installing the filters — alongside local partners together brings us closer to a world where everyone
and support services alongside vocational training.
and the multitudes worldwide who need job skills
PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA
who were dedicated to making clean water acces- has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
That is The Four-Way Test in action. Those four
remind you why vocational service matters.
sible. In that moment, I realized that what seemed The Magic of Rotary shines brightest when we
Let us celebrate putting our professional skills
simple questions help us not judge others but guide
like a small act could change residents’ lives. That is work in harmony with others to create lasting good.
us toward genuine, effective service.
to work for humanity with integrity at the heart of
The Magic of Rotary. Together, we can turn dreams into realities that
everything we do.
Consider our commitment to ending polio. For
This story is a testament to the incredible potential transform lives and communities. The result may feel
nearly 40 years, we have promised the world’s children
like magic at times, but we know it’s from the power
of our global family to create change. Water proj-
PHOTOGRAPH: LUCY HEWETT unwavering commitment to improving lives. Consider harness this magic to make a difference this month JANUARY 2026 ROTARY 1
we will eliminate this disease. Despite obstacles, we
ects exemplify our reach, our partnerships, and our
of our collective commitment and compassion. Let’s
persist, and today we are closer to defeating the virus. FRANCESCO AREZZO
President, Rotary International
Keeping this promise is the very definition of integrity.
Rotary’s work with USAID. That partnership has en-
and beyond.
abled us to work with communities and governments
to improve access to sustainable water and sanitation
STEPHANIE A. URCHICK
4
services for thousands of people in the Dominican
臺灣扶輪 2026.1
Republic, Ghana, the Philippines, and Uganda.
jan26-A-PresMessage.indd 1 President, Rotary International MARCH 2025 ROTARY 1 11/26/25 19:17
mar25-A-PresMessage.indd 1 1/28/25 22:27