The international service organisation Rotaract, which initially started off as the Rotary International youth programme, is known worldwide for its charity initiatives. Rotaract Bahrain, one of several Rotaract clubs across the world, has been a champion of change in the Kingdom and beyond borders too. Farah Baig had a chat with Rotaract Bahrain’s new president, Razan Jamal, about her ambitious plans and what makes the club so special.
Rotaract clubs are known for cultivating leaders, promoting professionalism and improving communities worldwide. The Bahrain chapter of the community-driven organisation too has earned a glowing reputation for itself through its foresighted charity initiatives which include international campaigns that serve as a catalyst for positive change.
MEET THE NEW PRESIDENT
Rotaract Bahrain’s new president, Razan Jamal, has always had a knack for charitable giving and hopes to inspire sustainable changes during her time at the helm of the youth organisation. “By profession, I am an interior designer, but I have always had a passion for a variety of things. I want to be a leader and strongly believe that you lead not by what you actually have, but rather by what you give,” says Ms. Jamal.
“This is what motivates me. As long as I am giving to others, with no expectation of receiving anything in return, I have a noble character and will make an impact as part of society,” she adds.
By garnering her know-how and supportive contacts, Razan hopes to encourage a better future for the youth during her tenure. “Over the last two years, with the outbreak of COVID-19, everything moved towards a virtual world as we all sat at home and did our best to adapt. Hence, this year my motto for Rotaract is ‘Calling for Change’ – a change in ideas, change in mindset and a change to be more successful,” she highlights.
UNDERSTANDING ROTARACT
Razan has now been a member of Rotaract Bahrain for five or six years and was compelled by the variety of causes that the organisation supports. “I realised that if I joined other organisations, I would be limited to supporting a single purpose, but with Rotaract we can even create a new cause for support. Then there’s the fact that it’s structured; you have an idea, but then you also have a team, board of directors, members and then the rest of Bahrain – countless helping hands so can propel your cause to success,” she explains.
“Rotaract has been a platform for the youth to share, grow, speak up and help others long before social media gained popularity,” she adds.
A NOTABLE MILSETONE AND EARNED TRUST
From July 2021 to July 2022, Rotaract was led by its then president Tanima Chakravorty. During her tenure, the organisation commendably completed a transformative international initiative – Project NSUO. “The initiative was proposed by Tanima following a life-changing encounter. Through NSUO, a Tiwi word for water, rural households across nine villages in Accra, Ghana now have access to clean and sanitary water. Prior to the project, women and children had to walk for hours just to find water and even then, it was not suitable in any way or form,” explains Razan.
The main outcome of Project NSUO was the purchase and installation of a water pump meaning that children may now focus on their education and countless hours, previously used to search for water, can be spent on development. “Through the joint efforts of the members and volunteers, this campaign was a great success and has created an impact that will be felt for generations,” she adds.
In addition to the NSUO Project, Rotaract Bahrain held a collaborative event through which individuals with Down Syndrome were able to effectively demonstrate their potential while interacting with members of the public. “We created a stall for them through which they sold baked goods. The thing that made this special was the fact that we were only there to support them but they were in-charge of the process from start to finish – buying the ingredients, baking, packaging, setting up and selling to potential customers. It was very inspiring!” she says.
“I believe that the reason for the success of Rotaract’s campaigns is trust. We don’t just talk, we deliver.” says Razan. “People, naturally, want to be sure that any amount that they donate goes towards the intended cause. So, when people see the results and difference made by our campaigns, such as the NSUO Project, we earn their trust.”
MOVING FORWARD
Some of Razan’s primary aims as president of Rotaract Bahrain is to increase awareness about the organisation, aside from the effects of plastic. “It’s not just one aim that I have during my tenure, but several honourable causes and initiatives which shall support the sustainability of Rotaract. In addition, I intend to organise a large-scale event which shall involve several charities while making the public realise that Rotaract is not just a club, but a proactive organisation that does fun things that aid others,” she says.
There are currently over 55 Rotaract Bahrain members – a number that Razan hopes to steadily grow while filtering potential members. “We recently had five guests attend a general meeting with existing members – an experience that allows people to build a rapport and realise that it is a friendly environment where you can support local causes and grow as an individual. People that are interested in joining the club can do so any year, and have to attend three general meetings following which we screen and elect new members,” she explains.
“Regarding my key international initiative, I hope to propose a cause related to education and improving the quality of life for refugees,” she adds.
Those wishing to get in touch with Rotaract Bahrain in order to inquire about their membership, support one of their causes or just stay up-to-date with their activities may do so by following @rotaractbahrain on Instagram.
