Wednesday, November 29, 2023, will be etched in my memory as a Rotaractor, as I had the privilege of participating in two significant events organized by the Rotary Club of Orem-Lindon. The day began with a friendly luncheon but quickly transformed into a rewarding and moving experience.

One of the highlights of this day was the ceremony awarding Paul Harris Pins to D.J. Smith, an exceptionally generous individual whose donations have significantly contributed to Rotary International. It was an honor to share this symbolic moment, acknowledging Mr. Smith's dedication and philanthropy towards the humanitarian mission of the Rotary.

Rotarian Lynn Hillstead presents Paul Harris pin to Rotarian D.J Smith

Furthermore, the day was marked by the inauguration of a new Rotary member, Richard Dodge. Attending this ritual, steeped in tradition and pride, was an impressive and educational experience for me as a Rotaractor. It strengthened my commitment to Rotary's ideals and reminded me of the importance of working together for the common good.

Induction of Richard Dodge as new Rotarian

However, the highlight of this day was the captivating presentation on Guatemala. Tobin Spears of BeHumanitarian, a passionate and dedicated speaker, shared his experience as the founder of an NGO working in Guatemala. His organization strives to support families, encouraging them to take responsibility for their children's education rather than placing them in orphanages. 

Tobin's words resonated deeply, especially when she emphasized that some parents, still alive, make the difficult decision to entrust their children to orphanages. The news of this poignant reality stirred a profound sadness within me, but it also strengthened my determination to act for the well-being of families. Moreover, thanks to her presentation, I felt a renewed sense of doing better with my foundation LNCLOTHES, which focuses on the education and entrepreneurship of girls in distress.

 Presentation of Tobin Spears before Rotarians 

Fortunately, the presentation also brought a message of hope. Tobin Spears' NGO is actively working to assist these families, providing crucial support to help them overcome their challenges. As a Rotaractor, this experience has inspired me, and I am convinced that my foundation can collaborate closely with Tobin Spears in the coming years to expand our impact and help more people facing similar difficult situations.

In conclusion, this day with the Rotary Club of Orem-Lindon was much more than just a lunch and a formal ceremony. It served as a catalyst for a profound awareness, fueling my commitment to humanitarian service and global solidarity. This event will remain etched in my mind as a source of inspiration and a constant reminder of our collective ability to make a positive difference in the world.

           Louyoko Nianza, Rotaract/Africa