President Dong Kurn Lee’s travelogue
September 2008
September began with a successful and well-attended presidential conference on child mortality, held in my homeland of South Korea. It was gratifying to see the Rotarians' response to my call for focusing our efforts on humanitarian projects that would improve the health and lives of children worldwide.
More than 8,000 Rotarians from Korea answered my challenge and rallied their efforts in attending this one-day event. We were honored to have Korean President Lee Myung-bak as well as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon send their greetings and good wishes in support of Rotary's hard work. Many informative programs were shared and strategies were developed to show support for this cause.
In addition, my wife, Young, and I participated in some wonderful Rotary institutes in September that took place in Philadelphia; Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; and Brussels, Belgium. They were well-attended and trained governors-elect as well as updated past Rotary officers. I appreciate all the work that is done to run an effective program, and I was impressed by the opportunities for discussion that each institute provided. An outstanding job was done by all of the conveners and chairs to organize these first-class events.
We met with many Rotarians and dignitaries in Lima, Peru, and Asunción, Paraguay, and attended intercountry meetings in Brazil. Our trip to Quito, Ecuador, was especially memorable. We visited two schools and a medical center for low-income families, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Quito-Valle Interoceánico. The medical center was built and the equipment purchased with the aid of this Rotary club. The doctors, who are members of the club, donate their services at the medical center. It amazed us to see how much a club with only 37 members can accomplish in the service of others.
In late September, I had the honor of participating in a United Nations event on behalf of Rotary International. This occasion was part of the UN’s program with nongovernmental organization partners, such as Rotary, which has worked with the UN for more than 20 years. At the event, I shared Rotary’s accomplishments with attendees, and I updated the audience on our progress in assisting the UN in achieving its Millennium Development Goal of reducing child mortality. I also emphasized Rotary’s commitment to build a healthier, safer, and more peaceful world.
Young and I look forward to visiting more clubs and projects in the months ahead and to meeting the many Rotarians who are working so hard in the service of others on behalf of Rotary.