Note From President Shernaz Vakil
Last week on persistent invitations from PP Paul George, I visited our joint vocational centre at the YMCA. I had forgotten how much good work we do here and how many ladies we are able to help and empower by giving them an opportunity to earn. I watched as crowded rooms full of eager young ladies were taught mehendi and beautician courses and graphic design and sewing and embroidery, and computers.
As I spoke to a pretty young girl, she explained to me that this initiative between the Rotary and the YMCA was so very special because almost all the ladies were able to earn some money from the courses that they had been taught.
Paul then went on to explain that the relationship between the Rotary and the YMCA was several decades old. In fact, the vocational centre was started at the behest of our very own Past President Arvind Jolly and has certainly stood the test of time.
Rotary also partners with the YMCA in the Night Study Centres where students who live in small tenements come to study in a quiet, congenial atmosphere under the supervision of teachers. The Rotary also provides much needed
nutritional snacks.
Paul proudly shared the excellent SSC results achieved by these kids. Once again, an initiative that has worked over decades, sustained by the dire needs it fulfils!
— President Shernaz Vakil