The Rotary Club of Agadez founded in 2006 was operational for four years. When political upheaval, rebellion, coup d’etat terrorist incursions devastated the economy, and they were forbidden by their national government to meet. In those years of operation they executed 10 very successful projects which were supported by dozens of Rotary Clubs around the world. They were a dynamic group, but he political system finally sent many of them fleeing the region or impoverished. They have dreamed of reviving their club. Their many American supporters are behind this effort.
We have just had our second organizational meeting with Dr. Skankey and our American visitors and two of the past presidents (Boucha left and Sidi Mamane Center) and the president elect, (Kouna) who has been waiting in the wings as president elect for three years. The time has finally come, the situation stabilized enough that they think the club can be rebuilt. They are going to organize another meeting on our return from the medical mission in 14 days with the 11 proposed new members. They are very excited about reviving it and are looking for a clubhouse to establish so members can go and socialize outside of regular meeting hours.
The next step is to call on the Assistant District Governor in Niamey to help train the new members and help us follow the procedure to get reinstated. This is a very positive step as Rotary has been a very good friend to this region–and with an active club can resume the remarkable level of activity they had achieved before the fall.
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