Happy New Year!
January is the month of Vocational Service, and Rotary International will be 118 years old. Here's some amazing facts about Rotary.
1.4 million members worldwide
There are more than 46,000 clubs in Rotary
Rotary WA District 9423 is made up of 93 of clubs including 1 satellite club and 5 Rotaract clubs.
Rotarians transform communities by expending over 47 million volunteer hours each year.
$333 million awarded for global service initiatives during 2020-2021, from the Rotary Foundation.
What do Rotarians do? it’s quite simple – Rotarians are people of action; community builders locally, nationally and internationally; and above all else problem solvers.
Guest Speaker - Sheryl Stanley
education within the unique context of Western Australian women's prisons. Teaching in these environments is not just about disseminating knowledge; it's about empowering women, fostering personal growth, and contributing to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
To begin, Sheryl spoke about gaining an understanding of the landscape of women's prisons in Western Australia, and asked the question "How many people have been inside a prison?"
Women in prison face distinct challenges, often quite different from their male counterparts.
Recognising these challenges is crucial in tailoring educational programs that address the specific needs and circumstances of female inmates.
The Power of Education for Women : Education is a powerful force for change, particularly for women in prison. It not only provides academic skills but also addresses underlying issues such as trauma, substance abuse, and mental health. Studies consistently demonstrate that education significantly reduces recidivism rates among women, paving the way for successful reintegration into society.
Teaching in women's prisons comes with its own set of unique challenges, including addressing the complex needs of female inmates, creating a safe and supportive learning environment, and recognising the role of trauma in their lives.
Tailoring Education to Women's Needs : Understanding that one size does not fit all, educational programs in women's prisons must be tailored to meet the diverse needs of the inmates. This involves offering vocational training, therapeutic programs, and educational opportunities that empower women to overcome their past and build a brighter future.
Courses available at Bandyup : Adult Basic Education (incl foundation literacy & numeracy), Hairdressing, Barista, Horticulture, Animal grooming, Logistics, Forklift ticket, Art & Art history, Driver Education, University courses (incl ITEC) Traineeships in Cleaning, Horticulture, Laundry, Warehousing, Hospitality, and Textiles
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem : Education has the power to build confidence and self-esteem. For many women in prison, low self-esteem and a lack of confidence may contribute to their criminal behaviour. By providing a supportive learning environment, educators play a vital role in helping women rediscover their potential and believe in their ability to succeed.
Educators must approach their work with empathy, understanding the unique journeys of each woman, and helping them rewrite their narratives through education.
So, teaching women in prison is a challenge that goes beyond traditional education. It's about empowering women, fostering resilience, and contributing to the creation of a more just and compassionate society.
How can you help? : Most importantly by keeping
an open mind and know that those in prison are just humans who have made some
poor choices.
Intergenerational trauma affects a large majority of those who are
incarcerated.
When thinking about “locking people up” remember that adult prisoners cost the
taxpayer $140,000 / year, and 40% of those incarcerated are sentenced with
non-violent crimes.
Announcements and Directors' Reports
Congratulations to Rick Sneeuwjagt - nominated for Citizen of the Year award (Senior category) at the City of South Perth Australia Day. Be sure to come and cheer him on!
Camp Opportunity - begins on Sunday 14 January. RCMP members will be providing lunch for campers and buddies at the South Perth Zoo on Monday 15 January (see Rick for more details). Veronica in capacity as DGN will officially open the camp on Sunday afternoon.
RCMP member Mark Jones - commenced cycling from Cairo to Capetown - safe cycling Mark - may the force and the wind be with you!
Rotary Assistance - Gorby and Lew Thomas assisting Roger Davey's business with their expertise, just shows what Rotarians can turn their hand to in times of need.
Fine(s) - take my money!
Veronica - 22 meetings into the year and obviously fines slipped under the radar!
Mike C - Returned from the UK (probably deported!)
Margaret W - Arriving ultra early this morning - unusual.
Geoff L - Unable to remember name of coffee shop where he buys his weekly coffee (Hmmm!)
Angus - Surprised everyone by attending - classed as a visiting Rotarian?
Debbie S - Missing in action for too long (we missed you)! Pay up Debbie.
Gorby - (1) Dress standard slipping but at least his shirt was not inside out; (2) good looking sister - what went wrong with him?
Rick S, Veronica L and Alan J - All joined the Club in the month of January!
Everyone - Who got a Christmas present they didn't appreciate!
Wine (slurp) of the Week
Warren McCamey won Heads and Tails! Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the wine.
Attendance
38 attendees in all, comprising - 32 members; 6 guests including guest speaker Sheryl Stanley, Sana Dimovich, Nick Stanley, Joanna Hudson (ex member), Lydia May Wong and Kerry Hardwick.
