“Be the change you want to see in the world”
 |
| Rotary Peace Fellows of Class 10 (2011-2013) Back row - left to right: Taylor Stevenson (USA), Maria Morell (Argentina), Jarunee Jarusruangchai (Thailand), Adamou Hamadou (Niger), Allison Kwesell (USA). Front row - left to right: Christopher Lindstrom (USA), Mélissa Toupin Laforge (Canada), Lin Chia-Yin (Taiwan) Auriel Neimack (South Africa). |
Inspired by these words I decided to take part in the Rotary World Peace Fellowship. Each and every one of us decided to follow our hearts and take a leap of fate. Now, here we are learning about peace, practicing our Japanese language skills, discovering new cultures, developing friendships and refining our sense of self. It’s amazing to think that only a few months ago, we were all strangers, living our lives in different parts of the world. Far away from our family and friends, we find comfort in each other. Together, we are creating a new family, one that reaches across borders and boundaries. We cannot underestimate the power of this association and its ability for foster positive changes in our world.
I am confident that we will exemplify the true essence of peace in our efforts and abilities to reach out to others, deal with conflict, practice kindness and cultivate our own sense of inner peace. As we learn to see and hear others with an open and humble heart we can set our judgments and egos aside and connect as human BEings. To BE mindful, present, and real,
in the moments that we share with others; this is first step
towards mutual respect and appreciation. Peace starts within
one’s self and expands outwards into the world. Thus, in the
great words of Gandhi, “be the change you want to see in the world.”
in the moments that we share with others; this is first step
towards mutual respect and appreciation. Peace starts within
one’s self and expands outwards into the world. Thus, in the
great words of Gandhi, “be the change you want to see in the world.”
Mr. Tanaka, Incoming President of Rotary International,
Visits Peace Fellows at ICU
 |
Rotary Peace Fellows of Class 9 & 10 with Mr. Sakuji Tanaka, the incoming President of Rotary International. |
Rotary Club of Mitaka-shi
 |
| My first Rotary Club of Mitaka-shi meeting. To my left, Mr. & Mrs. Miyazaki, my Japanese host family. To my right, Mr. Suda, my Rotary host councillor. |
I'm currently sponsored by the North Bay – Nipissing Rotary Club, district 7010 in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. In Japan I’m hosted by the Mitaka-shi Rotary Club, district 2750.
The Rotary Club of Mitaka-shi has been involved with the Rotary Peace Fellowship since it's inception with the International Christian University in 2001.
Since my arrival in Tokyo, the club has invited to numerous functions and meetings. August 2nd was my first meeting and I took the occasion to practice my very limited Japanese language skills and introduce myself to the club. In my best attempt, I tried to express my gratitude for the generous funding dedicated to Rotary Peace Fellows around the world.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to be part of this program.
International Christian University
The International Christian University (ICU) is one of seven institutions of higher education around the world that is partnered with the Rotary Foundation and Rotary International to support the educational development of selected Rotary Peace Fellows. Each institution is supports a designated Rotary Peace Centre which welcomes and supports a maximum of ten fellows on an annual basis.
ICU was founded in 1953 with a particular emphasis on peace and reconciliation considering that it was the former location of the Nakajima Aircraft Company, who produced
long range bomber during World War II.
Each year, 110 individuals from around the world are selected to take part in the Rotary World Peace Fellowship program. Sixty individuals receive funding from the Rotary Foundation to pursue graduate studies at one of the designated institutions, affiliated through the Rotary Peace Centres. Others complete a professional development certification program at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. For over ten years now, the aim of the fellowship program has been to nurture leaders who will promote international cooperation and peace through their lives, careers and service activities. Thus, each selected institution and program of study offers a distinct focus in concepts of peace and conflict resolution.
For more information about the Rotary World Peace Fellowship program
visit: www.rotary.org (see Students & Youth section)