Page 6 - 2026年5月號

Follow the youth

S hoki Wafula did not know what to Thousands of young people complete Rotary pro-
They also create lasting pathways into Rotary.
expect when he was forced to leave
his birth country of Uganda for South
grams each year, and they carry those experiences
Africa. What he found was a Rotary
Count on preparation, not luck with them throughout their lives. Many remain eager
to stay connected.
community that welcomed him with
warmth and friendship. That experience inspired him association of former Youth Exchange stude
Organizations such as Rotex International, an
N from around the world could connect, develop their Rotary program alumni continue serving as mentors,
resources are limited, and the need is urgent. It is the nts, help
ot long ago, in a small health center in g leaders
to help create a Rotaract e-club where youn
the village of Aaye in southwest Nigeria,
commitment to prepare people before a crisis arrives
a woman arrived in labor carrying twins.
skills, and serve together.
and to stand with communities when it does.
leaders, and advocates for our youth programs. As
The facility was short-staffed. The nurse
Rotex co-founder Hans Lee wrote in a rece
Today, that community includes members across
midwife in charge was not present.
multiple continents who collaborate on leadership Maternal and child health is not an abstract goal. nt reflec-
tion on Youth Exchange alumni, “exchange doesn’t
It is deeply personal. It is a mother who survives
A community health worker stepped forward. childbirth. It is a newborn who takes a first breath.
end when you return home.”
development, peacebuilding, and service initiatives.
For Wafula, the experience reinforced the lesson that
She had participated in Together for Healthy Fami- It is a family that remains whole because someone
When we welcome these young leaders into our
meaningful service begins with people w
lies in Nigeria, a Rotary Foundation Programs of ho feel con- clubs and activities, we strengthen the continuity of
was trained, ready, and cared enough to act. Rotary
Scale initiative. And though she was not formally understands that service means investing in people
nected, valued, and empowered to lead.
Rotary across generations.
trained as a midwife, she was equipped with essen- and systems long before they are tested.
His story reminds us why Youth Service Month is so
During Youth Service Month, I hope every Rotary
tial emergency obstetric skills.otaract and programs like Rotary club reflects on how youth programs can enhance en-
important. Through R
Programs like Together for Healthy Families in
Hours later, both babies had been delivered, Nigeria show what is possible when Rotary brings
Youth Exchange, young people build leadership skills,
gagement for new and longtime members. Collaborate
together local knowledge, global partnerships, and s into your
develop global understanding, and discove
one at the health center and the other at a general r the impact on service projects and invite youth voice
hospital, where the mother had been referred after sustainable solutions. By working alongside health pro-
planning and decision-making.
they can make through service.
Rotary’s message to the world is that we can Unite
complications were quickly identified. The new- fessionals and local leaders, Rotary helps ensure that
Rotary’s Action Plan calls on us to enhance partici-
PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA
pant engagement. At its heart, that goal asks a simple
for Good. Youth programs show us how th
borns and their mother were alive and safe. lifesaving care does not depend on luck or location.at happens
question: How can we ensure that participation in
in practice — when generations come togethe
Women around the world face similar circum- The story of the mother and her twins is at its core r, share
PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA
stances every day — moments when the difference a story of service. It is a reminder that Rotary’s impact
ideas, and work side by side in service.
Rotary is meaningful and fulfilling for everyone? Youth
When we invest in young people, we are not only
between life and loss depends on well-trained medi- is measured in human moments when people step
programs and Rotaract provide a powerful answer.
When clubs mentor Rotaractors, h
cal staff and reliable systems and procedures.ost exchange When we Unite for Good, service becomes more
shaping future leaders. We are building a stronger,
forward to help others in their most vulnerable hours.
more connected Rotary today.
Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria exists
students, or support youth leadership initiatives, they
PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA hope. By strengthening health systems and training FRANCESCO AREZZO MAY 2026 ROTARY 3
than an ideal. It becomes a lifeline for families, a
create opportunities for members to share their experi-
to increase the chances that those moments end in
ence in ways that feel personal and rewarding. These
source of strength for communities, and a promise
FRANCESCO AREZZO
frontline workers, this program helps communities
connections deepen members’ sense of purpose and
that Rotary will continue to go wherever help is
President, Rotary International
strengthen the bonds within our Rotary f
needed most.
protect mothers and children even when circum-amily.
stances are difficult.
This work reflects the very heart of Rotary service.
Service is not only what we do when conditions are
4
臺灣扶輪 2026.5
President, Rotary International
ideal. It is what we do when systems are strained,
APRIL 2026 ROTARY 3
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