The District
Youth Service Seminar organized by the Rotary Club of Colombo regency in
partnership with the Rotary International District 3220 Sri Lanka &
Maldives, took place on the 19th of September 2015 at the Sri Lankan
Institute of Development and Administration. On behalf of our club Rtr. Praveen
Fernando, Rtr. Ruvindi de Silva and Rtr. Hiruni Perera attended the seminar.
The main
objective of this seminar was to bridge down the gap between fellow Rotarians,
Rotaractors and Interactors, paving way to working collaboratively in taking
the District 3220 to even bigger heights. It also provided Rotaractors and
Interactors a platform to voice the current challenges and issued faced by them
in the smooth execution of their respective duties and responsibilities.
Following
the completion of the registration process, the meeting was called to order by
the District Governor Rtn. George Jesuthasan.
After the
lighting of the traditional oil lamp and the national anthem, the day’s
proceedings began. The gathering was
warmly welcomed by Rtn. Shanaka Perera, the President of the Rotary Club of
Colombo Regency. Next up, the gathering was addressed by the District Governor Rtn.
George Jesuthasan, who mainly spoke of the purpose of organizing the District
Youth Service Seminar. As stated by the
District Governor, the fundamental purpose of organizing the seminar was to
broaden the views of the Youth present at the seminar on the wide scope of
opportunities that Rotary has to offer them. And also emphasis was placed by
him, on the importance of reinforcing the inter-relationship between Rotary,
Rotaract and Interact.
Following
on, was a very prolific and not to mention, entertaining, session carried out
by the first keynote speaker for the evening Mr. Arfath Saleem. Mr. Saleem, an
award-winning Toastmaster, was placed amongst
the top 10 speakers of the world, after having competed at the World
Championships of public speaking in Las Vegas, USA.
Mr. Saleem shared with the gathering his life
experiences and how one should always change one’s self before trying to change
others. He also shared life stories of famous personalities and what the youth
of today could learn from the related stories. The session was brought to a
very reluctant end with Mr. Saleem offering the gathering a final piece of
advice to, “take it easy”.
Thereafter the gathering was dispersed for fellowship
and refreshments.
The latter
half of the District Youth Service Seminar began with the introduction of Act
Asia by Rtn. PHF Kumudu Warnakulasuriya and District Interact Representative Int.
Fabian Shokman. Soon after the launch of the official teaser for Rotasia, by
Rtn. Prabhu and District Rotaract Representative PHF Rtr. Sathiyeandra Tharmakulerajasingham,
the floor was open up for a session of questions and answers.
Moving
forward with the day’s proceedings, Mr. Ishan Jalil, the inspirational speaker
for the day was introduced. Mr. Jalil was able to captivate the attention of
the crowd within seconds of his speech, leaving everyone present at the
audience awestruck with deep appreciation and respect for him. He spoke very
passionately about how the youth of today could make an opportunity out of
challenges that come their way making us all believe that a disability could
absolutely be an ability or an opportunity in disguise.
Thereafter
the whole gathering was divided into four groups for a breakout session,
consisting of representatives of Rotary, Rotaract and Interact in each group.
This provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone present at the seminar to discuss
and address issues faced by them in strengthening the bonds and values of
Rotary, Rotaract and Interact in working together as one family. The key areas
of discussion mainly revolved around the topic of “what youth expect from
Rotary”.
Currently
prevailing issues and challenges such as the guidance expected from Rotary, the
effectiveness of the guidance received so far, limitations of Rotary,
establishing a smooth link from Interact to Rotary, were some of the areas that
were discussed during the breakout session. At the end of the discussion each
group was given a chance to present the concluded solutions for the issues
discussed.
Following
the concluding remarks delivered by the District Governor Rtn. George Jesuthasan,
the days’ proceedings were brought to an end by the Youth Service Chair Rtn.
Farzana Khan, delivering the vote of thanks.
The Youth Service Seminar was one enlightening experience and we, the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Management and Finance are indeed grateful for the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency and the Rotary International District 3220 for providing us with the opportunity of being a part of this brilliant experience.
The Youth Service Seminar was one enlightening experience and we, the Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Management and Finance are indeed grateful for the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency and the Rotary International District 3220 for providing us with the opportunity of being a part of this brilliant experience.
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