The Sunday News
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Rotary Club of Bulawayo has shortlisted two schools where it will build high-tech innovation hubs, as part of its efforts to serve the community.
Celebrating its 90th anniversary yesterday, Rotary Club of Bulawayo president, Mrs Nobuhle Sibanda said they will continue to look for opportunities to serve the community.
“Over the years we have completed several projects in schools. These have included the provision of water supplies and tanks, as well as supplying desks and chairs to needy schools in rural Matabeleland and Midlands.
Currently we are in the early stages of working with a donor on the possible establishment of Innovation Hubs in some needy schools in Matabeleland,” said Mrs Sibanda.
She said some of the standing areas of focus they will serve the community include peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health.
Mrs Sibanda said the club will also focus on basic education and literacy, economic and community development and protecting the environment.
The club, which is in District 9210 and a member of Rotary International, celebrated 90 years of existence with its first meeting held at Selborne Hotel on 17 July 1931 and the first president was Major Robert Gordon.
The club was then officially recognized in December 1931 and had 19 members. Charter members included Major Duly, Henry–Low and Arthur Sanders.
Mrs Sibanda said with the official charter graced by the Rotary International president, Sydney Pascall on 27 January 1932 who personally presented the charter, they were privileged to still have among them some of the “mature squad.”
“These include in the name honorary member and past president Julie Bonnet, honorary member and past president Judge Selo Nare, past president Gordon Geddes, past president Zhaimu Thembo, past president Velma Ndlovu and past assistant governor Edwin Nhando among others.”
She said over the years the club has done several initiatives and has had countless achievements. These include Rotary International president having planted a friendship tree at the Old Polytechnic site now George Silundika Street.
The Rotary Club of Bulawayo also helped establish Edith Duly and Jubilee home for the aged.“
