THE DISTRICT 9350 ROTARY FOUNDATION
AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAMME

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Latest Candidate selected: Matthew Dekenah – who intends to study Public Policy in August 2011.

Outgoing Ambassadorial Scholar: Lindi van Niekerk – Masters Degree in Public Health . August 2010 – July 2011
I am honoured to have been awarded the Ambassadorial Scholarship for District 9350. Above and beyond the academic and financial means the scholarship provides, it will give me the opportunity to meet and associate with Rotarians across the world. It is the desire and vision of each Rotarian to serve humanity above self which attracted me to this scholarship. My training as a medical doctor has instilled in me a similar desire to serve those around me and especially people affected by disease in South Africa.  I graduated in 2007 from the University of Pretoria and I have since been working at Victoria Hospital in Cape Town.  It has become evident to me that my existing medical knowledge is not sufficient to relieve the suffering of my patients, but that I need to shift my focus to addressing the broader social issues responsible for disease and find innovative means to improve the health care system in our country. The Ambassadorial Scholarship will help me achieve my aim through providing me with the opportunity to study a Masters Degree in Public Health. I embrace the experience of living and meeting culturally diverse people during my year abroad. Ultimately I dream of returning to our beautiful country to achieve the dream God has planted in my heart to improve health care for all South Africans.  

Current Ambassadorial Scholars -  August 2009 to July 2010.

Here is a brief synopsis of her impression of his year as an ambassadorial scholar.

What does it actually mean to be a Rotary ambassadorial scholar? Study...but more importantly, become one of the local community, do service projects, make speeches, learn about the local people and culture, and share myself and where I'm from.

I am so thankful for my time here in Victoria, British Columbia - I know it was the right decision to spend a year in this unique place, where I've learned increased independence and expanded my worldview immensely. Thank you ROTARY INTERNATIONAL and DISTRICT 9350 for choosing me as your cultural ambassador and for your generous scholarship - I've represented South Africa to the best of my ability, connecting not only with Canadians but also with graduate students from over 50 different countries at an International Conference in Toronto and other South Africans.

Canada is best known for their maple syrup, multiculturalism, free health care, hockey, Mounties, bears and not to forget the beaver, but after having an insider perspective Canada to me also represents friendly people, educational opportunities, beautiful scenery, outdoor activities and unforgettable and inspiring friendships.

Some of the puzzle pieces that help form this amazing experience include attending conferences in Toronto and Vancouver, watching Olympic and Paralympic events in Whistler and Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Games and meeting the South African Paralympic athlete and also appearing on the daily news talking about 'Paralympic excitement'. I also had the opportunity to work with some leading edge researchers, teach classes at the University, train National Special Olympic Athletes, travel to 10 different States in America, meet the Senator of Tennessee, learn how to surf, kayak, play slow pitch and basketball and daily watch deer graze in our front yard.

Rotary hopes to promote peace and prosperity throughout the world by building a vast network of communication and by spreading the common value of helping where and however each person and each club can and I hope to continue to stay involved with Rotary for the rest of my life.  I hope to encourage students to try for the Ambassadorial Scholarship, and I hope to promote the continued funding of Ambassadorial Scholarships among Rotarians. 

This is such a valuable program for acquainting South Africans with new places and new ways of life.  It gives me such inspiration, it is such a wonderful challenge, and it feels so good to volunteer that I know that it will always be an integral part of my life.  I am hoping to travel a fair amount in my work.  Hopefully I will be able to help start Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs in the places where I travel.  At the moment, I will do whatever I can to help Rotary and to help future Ambassadorial Scholars. 

My years of service have taught me that working for a better world is not always easy. But every time I faced tough challenges or lost my sense of efficacy, my community of like-minded individuals would unfailingly come to the rescue.

It would be a privilege and I look forward to sharing with Rotarians and outside organizations alike the importance and impact of the work of Rotary International.

Click here to access Lizette’s blog.

2. Damian Lahout studied at the University of Linkoping in Sweden from Sept 2009 to July 2010. His courses included ethics, law and economics, and Swedish society studies.

Here is a brief synopsis of his impression of his year as an ambassadorial scholar.

To describe my experience in Sweden over the past year is an impossible task to do in only a few short paragraphs. Dog sledding within the polar circle in pitch darkness at one in the afternoon. Dancing the samba at a Latin festival in the heart of Copenhagen. Diving into snow at -30’C after a staunch sauna session. Eating ice cream while watching the swans on a sunny spring day in Stockholm. Studying with a diverse group of international students and experiencing all the wonders of Swedish student life. People opening their homes to you as if you were family and sharing Swedish customs and traditions that seem to always involve loads of food. Actually it seems a little unreal that I could have done so much in only one year.  

All these memories, plus countless more, are all due to one organisation, Rotary, and its Ambassadorial Scholarship program. Not only did Rotary fund the entire experience, but no matter where I went or what I did there was always a Rotarian willing to help me. With Rotary you are never alone, you become part of a family with 1.2 million members who will always make you feel welcome with many becoming lifelong friends. All that is asked in return is that you do your part to make the world a better place. Whether it’s by giving presentations on South Africa, volunteering with local charities or by simply talking to people about your hometown it all contributes to promoting international goodwill and to Rotary that is the most important thing.  In my opinion it is a very small price to pay and a service I do gladly. To study at an international university and experience a unique year abroad is something will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Damian's blog can be read at www.djlahoud.blogspot.com.