ISSUE : 50 VOLUME : 6 From The DGs Desk DECEMBER 2011 Lions it was also great improvement whereby prior to the Cabinet meeting, the Cabinet Secretary was in receipt of approximately 75% of your reports, My Fellow Lions and Leos, you are indeed appreciated for the changing trend. Let us continue to see We are now at the last month before the second half of the 2011-12 such increase in all our areas of responsibility. I would like to express my Lionistic year and we should be registered with LCI as meeting our gratitude to the all the organizers of the weekend’s proceeding, commencing target because I am in receipt of Mkoba Lions Club informa- with the joint march between Lions and the Diabetics Association tion which has also been submitted to LCI. I am however making an and the overall management of the day’s activities. It was indeed a great appeal to all of us to continue being proactive and focus our efforts success. on recruitment and retention of members for the rest of this Lionistic I would like to express my gratitude to our two PDGs: Lion Faisal Karim and year. I will continue to emphasize that we are part of Africa and need Lion John Silva who have applied and have been recommended by our District to be within the continent’s (Africa forum) and not on the outskirts. to attend the Faculty Development Institute and SVDG Lion Clever Mugadza, We are still waiting to receive the Charter for Mahalapye Central Lions Region Chairpersons Lion Jean Mathanga and Lion Dr. Alva Senderayi; Zone Club. Chairpersons Lion Eric ,Lion Jona Machaya and Lion Willie who have also been In the area of finances, there are some clubs that are doing very well recommended by District 412 for the Senior Lions Leadership Institute to be as both their International and District dues are already paid up for held in Kinshasa in February 2012. We wish these Lion Leaders all the best in the entire year; some have paid for the first half of the Lionistic year the hope of being selected. on both accounts; some have only paid for their International dues; The Leos Council Meeting was indeed a great success despite a number of while the remaining clubs have not paid any dues. I would like to challenges they faced. It was indeed heartening to see Leos who came from urge Region and Zone Chairpersons as well as the Guiding Lions of as far as to attend this very important meeting. The Zimbabwe Leos the defaulting clubs to assist the Finance Committee to ensure that should be applauded for their large attendance; they were accompanied by clubs honour their commitment of paying their dues. Please stress the the District Leo Chairperson and Zone 3A Chairperson Lion Jona Machaya and importance of paying dues during your Zone meetings, training ses- his Assistant Lion and a patron Lion Sharai Sibanda. The Botswana Leos sions as well regional meetings. We need to see the positive changes though few in number should also be appreciated especially the two clubs of this current situation at the beginning of the new year, remember from Francistown who were the hosts of the meeting and though being new our Convention is now approximately three months away and we all Leos were able to deliver when the need arose; they were accompanied by need to be in good standing. Zone 4A Chairperson and Assistant GMT Coordinator for Botswana, Lion Sylvia Tree planting continues to be our focus, most clubs are now involved Muzila. Lion Sylvia should be complimented as she worked tirelessly with in this exercise and these reports are being sent to the Newsletter PDG Lion Dr. Veera Sayana and the Region 4 Chairperson Lion Elizabeth and Website teams. This is the rainy season and therefore I do ex- Myengwa to ensure that accommodation was sought for the Leos. Fellow pect to hear that all our clubs including our Leos Clubs are involved in Lions and Leos thanks very much for your co-operation and commitment to this exercise. Read more about this in the article on tree planting and ensuring this meeting was a success. visit our website. If you have not sent in your report, please do so by My dear Lions, I would like to once again appreciate all the individual Lions January 15th 2012. and/or clubs who have submitted articles for this month’s Newsletter; we Clubs visits continue to be my greatest challenge and I continue to continue to increase our activities in all regions, however I am still not happy work on strategies to overcome this situation. During the weekend of with the rate at which articles have been submitted. I am also yet to view at the 2nd Cabinet meeting I was able to meet with two clubs and should least one article from District 412 in the Lions Magazine. I continue to express be meeting with some others in Zimbabwe before the end of the my profound gratitude to the Newsletter team, especially Lion Melusi for his year. I am currently working with the District Governor’s team to total commitment to this portfolio which is very challenging; yet he continues ensure that all clubs are visited before the end of this Lionistic year. to ensure its completion before the ending of every month. I really feel hon- oured to be working with this team. I urge all of you to continue sending your Fellow Lions, our rate of submission of applications for the 2012 Dis- articles for publishing to the Newsletter Editor "Lion Melusi Lusaba" newslet- trict 412 Convention during and after the 2nd Cabinet meeting is in- [email protected] or the Website Manager "Lion Piraishe deed pleasing; we now have over 100 delegates who have registered Mabhena" [email protected] , and by using all resources available. The and I am quite sure that by the time you would have received this resources referred to include Club Officer Training organized by Region & newsletter more delegates would have been added. Region One dele- Zone Chairpersons, individual Senior Lions, the LCI Magazine, our District gates allow me to thank the Convention Committee for granting you a Directory, our District Newsletter, the LCI Website, www.lionsclubs.org and, waiver to continue paying US$90.00 until end of December 2011 and of course, our District Website - www.e-district.org/sites/412 . this is because of the FOREX situation in your country. Please make use of this opportunity to ensure that as many members and guests I continue to express my gratitude to all of you for your continued support of register. In other regions, please note that the registration fee for our me as your overall leader. At the same time I want us to remember to always 2012 D412 Convention is now US$130.00. “Initiate, Consult and Communicate”, this is the only way we can be visible to our communities, zones, regions, district and global lions’ family. Now I would like to turn my attention to my Dear Cabinet Officers especially those who braved the heavy storms and traffic jams as well Fellow Lions and Leos, I would like to request all of us to continue in our as used whatever means of transport and were able to attend the 2nd prayers for our very committed and selfless Lion PDG Lion Anil Patel; and all Cabinet meeting in , Zimbabwe. I really did appreciate their other Lions and Leos as well as their families who may at this time be suffer- Commitment which once again allowed us to have a quorum at our ing from health-related problems. Let us pray that they will be granted a meeting. I would also like to appreciate those Cabinet Officers who speedy recovery and be able to join us to once again serve their respective communicated their apologies and sent their reports prior to the communities. To those who may have lost love ones during this period, we do meeting. My gratitude is also extended to our five PDGs who were express our sympathy and pray for comfort for you and your family. present at the Honorary Committee meeting despite their busy sched- ules and the distance they travelled to ensure their presence. Fellow DG Lion Frances Palmer “You Will Forget” by Chenjerai Hove Peace poster If you stay in comfort too long This year we have had a repeat of last year You will not know with regards to the number of clubs partici- The weight of a water pot On the bald head of the village woman pating in the Peace Poster Contest. One club in Zimbabwe, Lions Club of Mato- You will forget The weight of three bundles of thatch grass pos has been actively promoting the Contest On the sinewy neck of the woman Whose baby cries on her back and has gained good publicity for their club. For a blade of grass in its eyes Three clubs in Botswana- Gaborone, Lobatse Sure, if you stay in comfort too long You will not know the pain and Molepolole have also continued with this Of child birth without a nurse in white activity and are presenting Peace posters You will forget every year. I have not succeeded in motivat- The thirst, the cracked dusty lips ing other clubs in our District 412 to take on Of the woman in the valley On her way to the headman who isn’t there this activity, however I shall continue trying to encourage other clubs as well. You will forget The pouring pain of a thorn prick So, my target of a minimum of 10 clubs par- With a load on the head. ticipating this year has not improved and we If you stay in comfort too long have only 4 clubs of a total of 55 clubs that You will forget The wailing in the valley have participated. Of women losing a husband in the mines. CAN THIS SITUATION BE IMPROVED??? You will forget I am pleading to clubs in Zimbabwe, Malawi The rough handshake of coarse palms and Botswana to rethink your activities and Full of teary sorrow at the funeral. If you stay in comfort too long please include Peace Poster Contest for the coming year 2012. You will not hear The shrieky voice of old warriors sing I am willing to provide any information that is The songs of fresh storied battlefields. needed and the Lions Clubs website You will forget www.lionsclubs.org also has all the informa- The unfeeling bare feet Gripping the warm soil turned by the plough tion. You will forget Lion Vimla Ramkumar The voice of the season talking to the oxen. District Peace Poster Chairperson(2011-2012) Birthday Wishes 7 blunders of the world that lead to violence: Wealth without work, On behalf of the all the Lions and Leos of District 412 , I would like to wish Pleasure without conscience, our District Governor a happy Birthday Knowledge without character, as she and her family celebrate another year of blessings on the 8th of Commerce without morality, December. Science without humanity, We wish her good health, wisdom and Worship without sacrifice, patience as she ages gracefully Politics without principle. Lion Melusi Lusaba PLDP Editor Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) Taking Diabetes Head On

World Diabetes Day was celebrated on the 12th of Nov at Game City by the Lions of Gaborone. The event was organized by the diabetes association of Botswana in conjunction with Gaborone Lions Club, supported by Diagnofirm and students of Nurs- ing Institute. Close to 400 people were tested for random sugar. After the testing the patients discussed their results with the doctors and mem- bers of Diabetes Association of Botswana and were advised about the diet and need for physical exercise. The event’s guest speaker was Hon. Minister of Health accompanied by WHO representative, Dr. Onen who delivered a welcome addresses and mentioned that Diabetes is on the rise in African continent. The event was well covered by Media and the footage was shown on BTV. One of the Lions Dr. Nair explained all about Diabetes on Good Morning programme on BTV prior to the event. She attributed the rise in diabetes cases due to sedentary lifestyle and stressed the need for physical exercise. About 15 Lions participated in various stages from planning to execution of the project

Screening in progress Patiently waiting for their turn

Dr John Seakgosing, Minister of Health. A participant completes her details and Joy Crosbie from Diabetes prior to screening with the help of a lion Association of Botswana.

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens The Diabetes awareness March in Harare through the Lens The Lions Club of Harare West in partnership with the Diabetic Association of Zimbabwe held a march on Saturday 26th Novembers 2011 from Town House to Africa Unity Square to raise awareness of diabetes and advocate for improved diabetes care and prevention. free screenings for diabetes and its complications ws provided at the Africa Unity Square on the day. 2011 marks the third year of the five-year focus on 'Diabetes Education and Prevention.' Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day unites the global diabetes community to produce a powerful voice for dia- betes awareness and advocacy, engaging individuals and communities to bring the diabetes epidemic into the public spotlight. In the evening the Lions Club of Harare West will hosted a fund raising dinner at the Harare Club proceeds went go to the Diabetic Association.

The DG sited next to the Mayor of Harare His Harare West Lions also marched Worship Muchadeyi Masunda before at town house

From left: The SVDG,DG , Diabetics Ass Chair Part of the colourful march and Zone 2C Chair

An ambulance was used to screen volunteers UNITE FOR DAIBETES for daibetes after the march

Page 4 LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL

District 409 (Burundi, RD Congo, Rwanda) 17th All Africa Conference - Kinshasa, 1-5 February 2012 Dear friends,

It gives me great pleasure, honour and privilege to formally invite you to the 17th All Africa Conference (AAC), 1st – 5th Febru- ary 2012, taking place in Kinshasa, the largest city and political/commercial capital of the central African country of Democratic Republic of Congo, which is one of the world’s fastest growing economies with thriving agricultural sector and abundant solid mineral resources of over US$24 trillion.

With Africa gradually emerging as a Constitutional Area of our esteemed Association, the Executive Officers of our Association who ALL BELIEVE in the great growth potentials of Africa, will be gracing the conference which is designed to midwife the birth of the NEW AFRICA.

No doubt the presence of these esteemed officers with their full compliments of office will boost the morale of all Lions in the emerging Constitutional Area of Africa.

The programme of the conference has been tailored towards self sustenance and furtherance of self development which expect- edly will ultimately be applied to the benefit of service delivery. In addition, the programme has been designed to dovetail into two all important institutes from 7th – 10th February 2012 viz: Senior Lions Leadership Institutes and Faculty Development In- stitutes.

Needless to mention that apart from the rich programme content, the conference in Kinshasa promises to be a tourist Lion delight in view of the scintillating attractions including many wildlife parks, cultural diversity of its hundreds of ethnic groups, the fa- mous Lake Tanganyika, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira, the ubiquitous Congo River which traverses the entire landscape of DRC and which proudly runs between and separates Congo Kinshasa in DRC and Brazzaville in Congo Brazzaville.

What about the Congolese generic music, the soukous from which other African nations produce music genres. No doubt a lot of entertainments await all participating Lions at the Kinshasa AAC. My dear friends, one cannot forget in a hurry the traditional warm hospitality of the citizens of DRC particularly the vibrant Li- ons who cannot wait to receive all Lions into their warm embrace in Kinshasa.

It is therefore with a great sense of responsibility as the Conference Chairperson, that I enjoin you all to be part of history of the great transformation of Lionism in Africa by ensuring that you are all present in Kinshasa in large numbers to exchange ideas on service experiences, best practices as well as learn from the lessons of the shortcomings of the past.

Please remember that: The more we serve together, the happier we would be; For your friends are my friends; And my friends are your friends. The more we serve together the happier we would be!

Let us rekindle the spirit of our International Association of Friends and Volunteers by trooping to Kinshasa, come February 2012.I surely cannot wait to officially welcome you all in the company of the traditionally warm and hospitable Lions of DRC. Looking forward to meeting all of you there.

Registration- From 1st December 2011 – 220 $ US per person

(PLEASE NOTE THAT TRANSFER CHARGE AT YOUR OWN COST) Bank details : CORRESPONDANT BANK : CITIGROUP NEW YORK ADDRESS : 399, PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK NY10043 USA SWIFT : CITIUS33 ACCOUNT NUMBER : 36908897 BANK : ECOBANK RDC Sarl SWIFT : ECOCCDKI BENEFICIARY : LCI D409 – ALL AFRICA 2012 ACCOUNT NUMBER : 816419020117

Contacts- Gérard Mulimbi : [email protected] / +243 99 99 44 828 Luc Alimasi : [email protected] / +243 99 99 18 043 www.allafrica2012.org Page 6 CLUB UPDATES LIONS CLUB OF LILONGWE means inactive members need mentoring, persuasion and encourage- ment to be useful Lions in this Club.) Membership: The club has registered a steady mem- bership growth and has sponsored a new club in the Projects: Hubert Lee Park still offers accommodation to the aged. last lionistic year (Lilongwe New Century Club) that The Cactus Poort Recreational area is being spruced up to become a was chartered in August 2011. user friendly and attractive area. Public speaking competition at The club will soon launch Bunda Leo Club as soon formalities with LCI are finalized hopefully in the first High School attracted over 200 students from various Sec- quarter of 2012. ondary Schools in Kwekwe, Redcliff, and Gokwe rural Club officers training: The club has participated in the areas. Public speaking is an ingredient of eloquent oral communica- joint training programmes organized by the Region tion. Dr. Patricia Mapanda, District Chairperson for family and devel- chair in Lilongwe and during the Malawi conference. opment is encouraging family membership for solid and enjoyable Challenges: Members not paying theirs subs on time. Lionism at most Lions meetings she attends. Very few members being available for club activities at times affecting quorum during scheduled meetings. KWEKWE

LILONGWE NEW CENTURY CLUB Membership:23 (one inducted on 29/10/2011.) Projects: the Club is to supply a tea urn to the children’s ward plus Membership: The club was chartered with 21members clothes for mothers with children admitted to use as change clothes. and three new members have since joined The Club requests for support in their preparations of their Golden Club officers training : This was done on 23August Jubilee. The Club is in a joint venture of preparing a footbridge be- 2011 prior to the charter and was facilitated by the Re- tween Newtown suburb and Kwekwe CBD with Sebakwe Lions gion Chair Lion Jean. Club. The Club donated books to Mary Ward Orphanage and some Challenges: The club has identified Kawale Health eats. centre as their project and are now organizing fundrais- ing activities to raise money for this project. They have SEBAKWE organized social football and netball games in partner- ship with the alumni for Mzuzu University during the Membership:25 (expecting two prospective members.) month of December 2011. Projects: 60 orphans were given gifts, enjoyed entertainment and were treated to food and cool drinks. In addition, 4 schools benefited KASUNGU LIONS CLUB a wall clock and a fruit tree. This happened through Sebakwe Lions / Kwekwe Indians League partnership. Gifts and food for each child The club has been reactivated in September 2011 with cost $15.00 making a total of $900. Wall clock and fruit tree costs almost completely new members. Thanks to the great $24 each bringing the total to $96.00 given per school. Brought Can- effort by the FVDG Lion Clement. cer Awareness during Cancer month October in the local press, the The club has 19 members, seven were inducted during th Midlands Observer. This article was well received by the Kwekwe their fundraising braii on Saturday 19 November by public. Wants to start work on the Club stand. Lion Clement. Club relaunch ZONE PROJECTS They have planned to relaunch the club on the 10th De- cember 2011 and the logistics are being worked out. The Zone has agreed to help in the building and repair work of Mbembeswani Primary School. The School needs cement, window Zone 2E –Zimbabwe panes and furniture for the class rooms.

KADOMA The ‘One Million Tree Planting Project’ was officially launched in Kwekwe by SVDG Clever Mugadza on Saturday, 19 November at Membership: 19 (two inducted and have their 10.30am. A total 80 trees were planted in Kwekwe and Redcliff. The membership numbers on 22 October) Deputy Mayor of Kwekwe and Redcliff respectively were distin- Project: Have to start their sewing project. They are guished guests who participated in the event. Other dignitaries tying up loose ends with the Municipality, and other included Mr. Poto – Joe the Forestry Director and partners involved in the V.T.C. Their vehicle from Ja- Mr. Abdula Miya representing the Indian women’s League. The pan needs number plates and they are repairing the project was supported by the Indian women’s League, Business and kombi. professional Community and individual donors. In total Zone 2E will LEOs: Their LEO Club at Jameson high was inducted plant plus or minus 2500 trees this lionistic year. on the 22nd October. The Club has vibrant and enthusi- astic youths. The Zone is rallying behind Kwekwe L.C.s. 50th Anniversary to make it memorable. Kwekwe sponsored Redcliff then Redcliff spon- REDCLIFF: sored Sebakwe Membership:55 (active members are hardly 20, this

Serving with Pride Page 7 Lions Club of Lobatse : Health Camp at Kgomokasitwa on Sat 12 Nov 2011

13 Lions and a Prospective Lion from Lions Club of Lobatse conducted a health camp at Kgomokasitwa village approximately 40 Km from Lobatse on Sat 12 Nov. Over 50 eye glasses were distributed and more than 300 patients tested for BP, Sugar, Eye- sight, AIDS and Pap Smear.

Eye screening in Progress

Part of the crowd waiting to be attended Lions processing the paperwork

CHARTER ANNIVESARIES Want to be heard

Marondera Lions Club Got something to say, then why not share it with us. We will be glad to hear how your club is making a difference in the commu- Charter Date: 4th Dec 2009 nity We will be delighted to hear from you.

Mabelreign Lions Club Email us on – [email protected]

Charter Date: 8 December 1976 Blog with us on –www.lionsdistrict412.posterous.com

Zomba Lions Club Visit our web page– www.e-district.org/sites/412

Join us on Facebook- District 412 Lions Charter Date: 20 Dec 1971 Editor Lion Melusi Lusaba PLDP

Page 8

The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is 'Getting to Zero'. After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the global community has committed to focusing on achieving 3 targets:

"Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths".

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals and communities to take on the challenge of getting to zero

The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.

Have you played your part as a club ???

MEDIC ALERT UPDATE

As a matter of interest as well as having collectors all over town rattling their tins, Medic Alert have also set up an ASK ME DESK at Sam Levy ’ s Village, a popular shopping spot here in Harare. Medic Alert continues to grow in membership, albeit slowly, no doubt due to the current worldwide economic situation. As I have said on numerous occasions, any Lions visiting Harare wanting to know more about Medic Alert, are always welcome to call on our offices, situated at Emras Ambulance Services in Baines Ave- nue, opposite the Avenues Clinic. On my usual hobby horse, I regret to say that we still have Clubs, who have pledged monies at our District Conventions and have still not honoured them. Maybe naming and shaming them, might have an affect. I have sent numerous emails, in some cases over the years and whilst this has brought some results ,there are still the following Clubs with outstanding pledges. CLUB 2009. AMOUNT. Lions Club of Capital City $ 100,00 2010. Lions Club of Wankie Lwendulu $ 40.00 Lions Club of Nyanga $ 50.00 Lions Club of Mutare $ 50.00 2011. Lions Club of Wankie Lwendulu $ 150.00

I am appealing to the those Region and Zone Chairs whose jurisdiction covers the above Clubs, to endeavor to have these amounts settled before the end of 2011. Remember Lions, delegates attending District Conventions and making pledges on behalf of their Clubs to Medic Alert, should have their Clubs ’ prior authority to do so. If not paid at the Convention, payment should be made, at the latest, within two months of returning home, after the Convention. Lion representatives have been appointed by the District Governor in Botswana, Malawi and Bulawayo and it is hoped that with this move, membership in Medic Alert in these areas, will increase at a faster rate than we have experienced in the past. We cur- rently have some 44,500 members, let us make it at least 45,000 before the end of our Lionistic Year.

PDG LION MIKE MOLYNEAUX. DISTRICT CHAIRMAN MEDIC ALERT FOUNDATION

HO HO HO ! !!!! MERRY XMASS

Our Khumalo Lions' Trenance Feeding scheme ended yet another year with a Christmas Party when 300 children enjoyed a curry and LION SILAS “AKA SANTA ” IN ACTION rice lunch with quarter oranges afterwards and packets of sweets and biscuits distributed by Father Christmas.

We had a good showing of LION helpers including two LIONS from Pennsylvania who are spending 6 months in Bulawayo and are keen to be involved in our activities. We were fortunate that an ex Lion from Zvishavane agreed to assist by getting a donation of chickens and kindly cooking 25 chickens in a delicious curry sauce. Our ladies at Trenance cooked 14kg of rice and our first Lady President, Lion Thembi also cooked 14 kg. As usual there was not a scrap left and children were queuing to scrape the enormous pots.

We have been so fortunate with a group of ladies who volunteer a day a week during school term time to prepare generally 25kg of sadza, plus the relish of sugar beans, soya meat and a good selection of vegetables. We had hoped that the need might have diminished by the end of the year but, unfortunately, there seems no sign that this is happening. In truth food is needed more than the once a week but we could not cope with more. We have embarked though on trying to provide two additional classrooms for the school which has had litttle extra classroom facilities fadded since the days when the intake was 50 a year but now stands at 500. We are also hoping to be able to help them increase toilet facilities from the current 2 ! Should we suffer a cholera outbreak or similar things could be catastrophic there. Money in that area remains in very short supply and currently there is little community spirit so everything is an uphill battle for the Headmistress who is desperate to provide better for the children. We have watched improvement in the children in the three years this pro- ject has been running but there is great concern that many of the chil- dren from the squatter camps arrive having had no food so struggle to keep up energies for a whole day's lessons etc. The situation remains very unsatisfactory in many areas still yet Trenance is just 8kms from the centre of Bulawayo.

Any assistance in any way which can be offered by any other Lions Club will be much appreciated.

LADY LION JULIET RICKWOOD

ThoughTs To ponder

If you are busy being afraid of anything, it is very likely to hap- pen to you. Familiarity fosters appreciation Thoughts become things. A happy thought becomes a smile. A tired thought becomes a yawn. Today you better obey, tomorrow you may be giving orders. Trying experiences and unhappy situations all contain lessons which persons must learn sooner or later

Think about it !!!!