ROTARY CLUB OF THIKA, KENYA

Polio Ball arrives in Thika

2010-03-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

The Rotary Club of Thika received the Kick Out Polio ball on March 17, which is continuing its journey across Africa. This doubles as part of the build up to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and raising awareness on polio.
The ball, with signatures of prominent personalities, started its journey on February 23 in Cape Town when the Pan-African “Kick Polio Out of Africa” awareness campaign was launched with the symbolic kicking of a ball signed by Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Tutu had polio as a child, and has joined Rotary’s campaign as polio goodwill ambassador.
From Cape Town, one of the host cities to the 2010 World Cup, the ball has travelled through southern African nations and entered Kenya from Uganda en route to Ethiopia.
“We have to eradicate this life threatening, and cruel disease. This is part of the final push that is needed to stop polio in its tracks, especially in Africa,” says Joe Thiga, President of the Rotary Club of Thika while receiving the ball.
It will go through 22 polio-affected countries to Egypt to reach the Rotary International Convention in Montréal, Canada in June. The journey is being underwritten by DHL Express.
Since Rotary began its fight against polio in 1985, the incidence of the disease has been reduced by 99 percent. In Africa, only Nigeria remains polio-endemic, but the disease still affects children in many other high-risk countries, emphasizing the need to protect all African children against polio.
This ball is part of a challenge by former South African President Nelson Mandela, who in his 1996 address at the African Unity (AU) Summit, that formally kicked off the “Kick Polio out of Africa” campaign said: “We are calling on the continent's football players to bring their enormous influence to this campaign. Only unified efforts which galvanise whole societies towards these goals will succeed in kicking this virus, that looks so much like a football, out of Africa and eventually, out of the world.”
Polio eradication has been Rotary International’s top priority for more than two decades. The international humanitarian service organization is a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, along with the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UNICEF.
Rotary recently pledged to raise US$200 million to match $355 million in challenge grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. All of the resulting $555 million will be spent in support of eradication activities.

Mithini gets water; Finally

2010-01-27T05:27:00.000-08:00

Mithini Water Project, which was cordinated by the Rotary Club of Thika was inaugurated this week and residents started getting water from the borehole. This is yet another show that with synergy, Rotary Club of Thika is bringing dreams to the people around.

District Governor-Elect pays visit

2010-01-27T05:06:00.000-08:00

Thika recently welcome Eric Kimani (District Governor for year 2011-2012) at the Friday fellowship. Rotarian Kimani was accompanied by his wife Margaret and they joined the members to a Mbuzi party hosted in his honour.
Addressing the members, Rtn Kimani reminded members that the purpose of the fellowship remains to make friends.
"When you are all friends, project will come naturally," he said.
The Rotary Club of Thika President Joe Thiga thanked Rtn Kimani for making the visit.
"We are delighted that you are here with us," he said.

Garden Party thrill!

2009-09-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend's garden Party got off to a good start. There was both thrill and dance as Rotarians from Thika stepped forward to raise funds for the Club. The event was also garced by Rotarians from Muranga, Karen, Hurlingham and Lang'ata.
A team from Hampshire Fire Service, which trains the Thika Fire Service, had flown all the way from UK to attend the Garden Party and had a splendid show on how to put out fire.
Besides that we had Imani School Choir witth a spanish acapella, Poet Caroline Nderitu, Tiger Power Show, Scouts from Thika, and three young Divas: Victoria, Cathy and Monica whose patriotic song "Kenya" touched many.
The host band was Maestro led by James which rocked the evening - with a show that closed at around mid-night.
The President of Rotary Club of Thika thanked the visitors forturning up. The Club also donated a wheel-chair to a Thika Town resident and a games kit to St Patrick's School Special Unit.

We are now on Facebook!

2009-08-30T00:44:00.000-07:00

The Rotary Club of Thika is now on facebook. You can now join our Fun Club and get to know more about the activities of the club and enjoy exchange of ideas. The future of Rotary in your hands. Here is the link:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?filter=pp#/pages/Rotary-Club-of-Thika/122528188390?ref=nf

DG to Visit Thika

2009-08-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Rotary Club of Thika will on Friday August 28 host the DG Tadesse Alemu and his wife Mulu who are on a whirlwind tour of clubs in Kenya.
This will be the first time that the DG will be visiting Thika.
The DG will also be accompanied by AG Alex Nyaga.
We will be there to meet them in style.

Our New Team

2009-06-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

Here is the line up of the new team that took office.

President: JOE THIGA;

Joe Thiga is a Charter member of the Rotary Club of Thika. Born in the larger Murang'a District, Joe has previously held various dockets at the Club - apart from that of the President. His has lots of passion for community work and is also an avid golfer at the Thika Sports Club. His classification is Book Selling.

President-Elect: FRANCIS MWAURA;

An Engineer by profession, Francis Mwaura is perhaps one of the oldest Rotarian at the Rotary Club of Thika, having joined Rotary even before Thika was chartered. A former President of the Rotary Club of Hurlingham, Rtn Mwaura refers to himself as a "retired but not tired" engineer and runs a children's home in Gatundu. His classification is Engineer.

Vice President: Elizabeth Gitau;

You have to meet Teacher Elizabeth Gitau to understand her passion for children and charity work. Elizabeth runs a children's home near Ol Donyo Sabuk and is active in community work. She forms a critical link between the Rotary Club to the communities around the dry Kilima Mbogo area. For her, it is the spirit of Service Above self that drives her.
Her classification is Teacher.

Secretary: Bernard Kimengich;

(NO PIX)

Treasurer: William Mwangi;

There is no better person for treasurer than the retired avid banker turned stock broker, William Mwangi. Rtn William brings on board lots of commitment to Rotary work. Again, he is one of the longest serving members of Rotary Club of Thika. His classification is stock broker

Sergeant-at-arms: James Gitau;

(NO PIX)

Club Trainer: Mugo Kirika;

Immediate Past President Mugo Kirika has taken the position of Club Trainer. One of the charter members of Rotary Club of Thika , he brings again on board years of experience and lots of understanding about community issues around Thika. An avid golfer, Rtn Mugo has lots of interest in community work and will inject lots of information and ideas to new members. His classification is poultry farming

Rotary Foundation Committee Chair: Eleanor Harrison;

Unless you meet Rtn Eleanor Harrison, you won't know what drives towards rehabilitation of street children. For that is her passion and she explains it with ease. A charity worker based in Thika, Rtn Eleanor manages a feeding program in several schools and is one of the most active members of the Rotary Club of Thika. Her classification is charity worker

Service Projects Committee Chair: Marnix Huis In't Veld;

Public Relations Committee Chair: Jennifer Wanjiru;

A journalist by profession, Jennifer also works on community projects and is actively involved in raising awareness on Autism. She is also a founder of Autism Outreach, an organisation that reaches out to those with autistic children.

Membership Committee Chair: Rtn Dr Steve Mugucia

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology lecturer Dr Steve Mugucia is also a charter member of the Rotary Club of Thika. Rtn Mugucia has been pivotal in fundraising for the club, raising its membership and has held various positions since the club was started some six years ago. His major challenge now is to raise and retain the membership. He has lots of interest in girl child education.

Its Joy as Joe gets the chain

2009-06-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

In an elaborate ceremony attended by DG Kaushik Manek (District 9200), Joe Thiga (Left) was finally installed the new President of Rotary Club of Thika on June 6.

Rtn Thiga took over the chain of office from Rtn Mugo Kirika (Right) who said he was happy to hand over the chain to an able Rotarian.

The ceremony held at Thika's Blue Post Hotel was also attended by Hon Peter Kenneth, an assistant minister for planning and vision 2030. Hon Kenneth was given an honorary membership to the Rotary Club of Thika. Speaking during the event President Thiga said he will continue building the six-year old club to greater heights and took the challenge by the DG to have the Club membership grow to above 50 in an years time.

"The future of Rotary will be in the small clubs in small towns," said DG Kaushik Manek

For his part, President Thiga thanked those who made the event possible and promised to work hard to make the club achieve its aims.

"The future is in our hands," he said echoing this year's theme.

The ceremony was attended by AG Linda Longstaff, AG James Gachui, AG Wanjama and several clubs including Naivasha, Muranga, Meru, Langata, and Muthaiga.

Joy as Wheelchairs for Thika kids arrive

2009-06-02T03:45:00.000-07:00

Some 20 children from Joytown School in Thika and others from villages around Ol Donyo Sabuk mountain have benefited from wheelchairs donated by US-based Wheelchair Foundation.
It was a day of Joy for the beneficiaries – and their parents. Some of the children had never had a wheelchair while those who had – they were in a sorry state;mostly welded and fitted with plastic seats that were uncomfortable. The wheelchair donations were delivered on Friday, May 29 by Vickie Winkler of Health Education Africa Resource Team and the Rotary Club of Thika President Mugo Kirika.

Worth more than Ksh 200,000, the 20 wheelchairs are part of an effort by the Rotary Club of Thika to solicit for donations from well-wishers and partners in a bid to uplift the community.
During the occasion witnessed by Rotary Club of Thika’s in-coming President Joe Thiga, Mr Kirika thanked Ms Winkler for helping source the wheelchairs and thanked her for agreeing to grace the occasion.

“These children will always be grateful for what you have done,” said Mr Kirika.
Ms Winkler said that it was her joy to have partnered with Rotary Club of Thika in identifying the needy cases.
“We are humbled by what we have seen today and we will always play our part in making sure that the needy cases get attended.”
The headmistress of Joytown School said that some of the children had broken wheelchairs which were uncomfortable and said the donations will always be cherished by both the recipients and the school community.
“What you have done today is remarkable and it will aid these children in a big way,” she said.

The smiles on the faces of the receipients hitherto wheeling around on junk wheelchairs was evident after the ceremony.

During the occassion the Rotary Club of Thika President-elect Joe Thiga advised parents with young children to make sure that they also exercise their limbs rather than use the wheelchairs as an alternative.

"The mothers of the young children must make sure that they also exercise their limbs. These wheelchairs are supposed to help in mobility without escalating the problem," said Thiga who will be installed as President on June 6.

It was yet another day out for Rotary Club of Thika.

A Happy Birthday to Rotary Club of Thika

2009-05-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

Six years ago the Rotary Club of Thika was born. And last Friday, May 22, it threw a party to itself as members marked yet another reminder of the Service Above Self commitment. The party, complete with a cake and followed by the regular swallowship was memorable.
Four Charter members who were at the Occassion stepped forward to cut the cake and they were (From Left): Rtn Steve Mugucia, Rtn Mugo Kirika, Rtn Linda Longstaff and Rtn Joe Thiga.
It was almost house full that day and we had a former Rotaract Muraguri (Right) who now works with Fina Bank in Thika and who had been looking for a Rotary Club to join near Thika.... and he felt so much at home that he needed no coaxing on which club to join.
He found our club lovely and welcoming and you can guess by the smile!
Gauging by the mood the cake was a real treat and Millicent (pictured Left with her guest) was happy that members had had fun.
Rtn Eleanor had come with two guests too (below) who graced the occassion and had lots of fun. They must have found Thika to be the choice Club to keep on visiting (even if the Birthday Party comes once in a year).
For the six years, the club has maintained its focus and has become one of the most vibrant in the country. It has over the six years reached out to the physically challenged, provided water to the community and made sure that the girl child. The club has also grown in terms of numbers and its fellowship is by the day becoming as exciting as ever - and Kenya Wildlife Service Communication's officer Mr Ngugi who was there during the party can attest.

The "Ranger" (left) never misses a chance to ask the Rotarians to support the tourism industry by becoming domestic tourists. And he promised that soon he will join the Rotary Club of Thika. (He is most welcome.)

And as the party continued, there was plenty of talk and drink. It was one of those occassions when Rotary becomes the epitome of fun. It was also a day of reflection on how far the Rotary Club of Thika has come from and how to sustain and keep the membership growing.

If you are a Rotarian or a Rotaract visting Thika, do give us a visit on Friday evening at the Thika Sports Club starting at 7 pm.

Meanwhile, the induction for the incoming team led by Rtn Joe Thiga is all set....... (KEEP READING).

The return of Brave Rtn Wamaitha

2009-05-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

Thika Rotarian Dr Wamaitha Mugo has been away for a while - coping with a breast cancer. When she returned recently to give a talk on how she has survived the last ten years , it became an eye opener for all Rotarians in Thika.

It was one of those moments that the room fell silent and all you could hear was Wamaitha's voi8ce as she narrated her story. It is a story that many survivors hardly tell.

Wamaitha not only detailed her fight to survive but was candid in answering questions. "Getting diagnosed is the start of a long journey. Surviving is the bigger story. But it all calls for determination and will to live," she says.

At the end of it all, this was one of trhe most memorable talks that Rotary Club of Thika has ever organised.

That was Brave Rotarian Wamaitha's Day!

When Rtn Ken Scivyer visited

2009-05-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

We recently had a visitor Ken Scivyer who gladly presented us with the Rotary Club of Monkspath flag. He was very happy to have come to the Rotary Club of Thika and to participate in you fellowship. Next time you are in Thika, do pop in again. In this picture, Ken hands over his Club's falag to RC Thika President Mugo Kirika.

HURRAY: We are Six Years Old, TODAY!!

2009-05-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

We almost forgot that it was our birthday! It is our charter President Rotarian Linda Longstaff who early in the morning sent a short text message reminding members of this special date. Oh well! On 20th May 2003, the Rotary Club of Thika was finally chattered as Club 62234. Today, we look back at the six years as a statement on what we stand for. As we celebrate this birthday, we want to rededicate our efforts in serving the community and assisting the needy. At the Rotary Club of Thika we belief that Dreams can Turn True.

We owe all it to our Charter President Linda Longstaff (Pictured)

Happy Birthday to us.

SANITARY TOWELS PROJECT RETAIN GIRLS IN CLASSES

2009-05-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

The Rotary Club of Thika sanitary towels project continues to reach out to hundreds of girls who skip classes because they cannot afford the sanitary pads.

Recently, Rotarian Wamaitha Kirika and Rtn Millicent Githui went flat out to give the pads and talk to the girls in different Thika schools
As we continue with this project we seek new partners in getting more girls access the pads.

JOIN US TODAY TO MAKE DREAMS REAL

New RCC Born at Mithini

2009-05-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

It is now official!
The Rotary Community Corps of Mithini has been chartered. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Thika, the RCC got its charter on on March 20 in a colourful ceremony presided over by Assistant Governor James Gachui (above Right).
Speaking during the ceremony AG Gachui commended the RCC members for taking the initiative forward.“We appreciate your commitment in serving the community. That you want to contribute to the development of this community in the spirit of Rotary is very commendable”, said AG Gachui while handing over the charter to the RCC’s president James Maundu. Gachui also commended the 28 members of the RCC for getting together saying this will promote peace and progress in the community.
Rotary Club of Thika President Mugo Kirika said the RCC will be accorded the support it needs to serve the society.
“We will be there for you and we will do all we can to support you,” said President Kirika.
Rotary Club of Thika trainer and IPP Steve Muguchia termed the RCC as a bridge between Rotary International and the Community. During the event, A.G Linda longstaff updated RCC Mithini members on the progress of the borehole. The borehole will be completed soon and is sponsored by Rotary Club of Nairobi.

Service Above Self at Thika Cemetery

2009-05-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

This was the grave of James Smith who had a farm in Makuyu, Kenya. His grand-daughter a Rotarian had recently contacted The Rotary Club of Thika to not only help trace the grave but to also take her to a farm that was owned by her father during the colonial days.
In the true spirit of Service Above Self, the Rotary Club of Thika members joined Smith’s Grand-Daughter Rtn Sharon Daishe to Makuyu and also helped her to trace the Cemetery. Recently, the members returned and fixed the broken tombstone and now want to rehabilitate the entire Thika Cemetery as part of the town's unique history.

In the picture are Members of Thika Rotary Club with Daishe (SECOND RIGHT) after the grave was rehabilitated.

Here is the Tombstone before it was repaired.

Bed-kit dreams come true in Thika

2009-05-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

Some 600 vulnerable children from Thika District benefited from bed kits that were distributed by Rotary Club of Thika in March 2009.
Donated by Sleeping Around the World- a Canadian charity- the distribution was led by RC Thika President Mugo Kirika and co-ordinated by Rtn Eleanor Harrison.
Other Rotarians, Rotaracts and Rotary Community Corps and other volunteers worked tirelessly to make the event a success.
“It’s very fulfilling to put a smile on so many children”, said Kirika after the event.The children, with expectations showing on their faces, arrived at Garissa Road Primary School where the distribution was taking place early enough to receive what one of them called ‘sleep’.
“I came to receive sleep’ is what one boy who only gave his name as Mwangi said as other children laughed cheekily.
The 600 beneficiaries between age 6 and 12 were from different schools within Thika district while others came from childrens’ homes around Thika town. The needy were audited by teachers and their names forwarded to rotary. Each kit consisted of a mattress, a mosquito net, a t-shirt and a pair of shorts, a towel, slippers, a bed sheet and a school bag.
Children were also treated to lunch through the school’s feeding programme. Eleanor, who has been at the forefront in organizing gave a vote of thanks for making the event a success. It was another day out for Rotary Club CThika.