EVEN as there are opportunities for networking through numerous efforts to collaborate with corporate entities, President of the Rotaract Club of Georgetown, Liam Wong, says the real deal lies in positively impacting the lives of persons in need.
The ‘Georgetown’ club, the oldest of six in Guyana, continues to embark on various community initiatives. “The life of the president and Board of Directors is very rewarding; the truly rewarding aspect is being able to positively impact the lives of persons in need, whether children in need of school supplies or senior citizens that just need to know they are not forgotten,” Wong expressed. “Being a part of such a prestigious organisation really impacts your life as you’re provided with opportunities to improve the lives of others while simultaneously improving your own personal and professional development.”
According to Vice President Kimberly Manbodh, the club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Georgetown, has executed notable community-driven projects while influencing other clubs in Guyana and across its District (7030) to be a force for positive change. A twin relationship has also been established with a club in Trinidad, Rotaract Club of St. Augustine West.
The club meets bimonthly, on the first and third Saturdays, and it has 28 pinned ‘Rotaractors’ and 36 guests. “And in one week, we’ll be pinning eight prospective members as Rotaractors,” Manbodh told Pepperpot Magazine.
“The club has executed impactful projects thus far and was awarded the highest honours by our District,” Wong shared. Some of these projects included the Art of Public Speaking, the launch of an Anti-Bullying campaign, pampering and entertaining senior citizens, executing back-to-school initiatives across various regions in Guyana, and, most recently, honouring and establishing a relationship with the Gifted Hands Learning Centre for World Down Syndrome Day.
“Coming up, we will further explore opportunities to expand the Anti Bullying Campaign, a CPR and First Aid training programme that will offer attendees international certificates while also providing potable water to a community in need,” Wong disclosed.
Just recently, the club commemorated World Rotaract Week with a series of events under the theme, “MEN: MEN, MENtal Health and MENtorship.” This celebration, observed globally, highlighted the dedication of young professionals towards community service, professional development, and fellowship.
“Men in Focus” saw female club members surprising their male counterparts with thoughtful self-care hampers, promoting mental health awareness and support.
A Good Samaritan Act followed as the club extended a helping hand to the homeless in the vicinity of Regent Street, demonstrating compassion and solidarity with the less fortunate.
A highlight of the week was a training session on “How to not be a RINO: Rotaractor In Name Only” facilitated by Giselle Holder, Assistant Rotary Coordinator for Zone 34, Trinidad and Tobago, emphasising the importance of authenticity and integrity in service.
Among other activities, the week concluded with an adventurous “Into the Sunset” tour to Bartica, featuring team-building activities and culminating in a relaxing evening at the Mary’s Sunset Resort and Bar.
The club theme for this year is “Serve with Passion, Lead with Purpose”. The current vice president, who is also a past president, will serve as the District Leader for the year 2026/2027.