District Governor Chuy Challenges Us to Imagine an Even Better World through Rotary Service11/21/2022
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In February 2022, The Midday Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende, in collaboration with Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora (Apoyo) launched a joint project - The Micro-lending Program for Local Entrepreneurs. The goal of the partnership is to expand the scope and reach of what Apoyo has been able to do by increasing the funds available for lending. Apoyo's mission is to aid individuals or existing small businesses, that lack access to banking institutions in Mexico, by providing small no-interest loans or grants, management, support, and mentoring, to enable them to engage in income-producing activities which will result in individual growth, self-esteem, and financial independence. Trainers provide sessions on different topics such as how to administrate a small business; decision making; basic accountability; fair pricing; self-esteem and personal growth. To date, training and financial education have been provided to 20 small business owners from rural villages and low-income neighborhoods, providing micro-loan recipients with the necessary skills to achieve success in their business endeavors. After participating in the workshops, the most promising participants with the best business ideas were offered a no-interest micro-loan to be used to start a business or expand an existing one. The Semi-Annual Report was issued in July. To view the report, click on this link. Here are some of the first micro loan recipients
The 3 meters tall peace pole was crafted out of cantera stone in keeping with the strict regulations of the Heritage Site. The peace message was carved on the stone in English, Spanish and the native languages of Otomi and Nahuatl and adorned by braille and Mexican sign language at the base. The Rotary logo was also carved at the base to honor the efforts of all the Rotarians that contributed toward this project. The dedication event was started with words of prayer and blessings offered by the native Otomi and Nahuatl elders followed by a number of speeches by Soledad Sanchez, Rotary District Representative, President Fred Collins of the English speaking Rotary Midday, President Alberto Carbajo of the Spanish speaking Rotary Club of San Miguel and other community leaders who were came to celebrate the occasion. After the unveiling of the Peace Pole, a World Peace Flag Ceremony was presented by Fumi Johns Stewart, Director of WPPS and Patricia Ann Talley, Peace Representative of WPPS in Zihuatanejo, Mexico who came to attend the event. Youths carried the flags of the world while all in attendance gathered around the Peace Pole to send their wishes for peace to prevail in every country on earth with great enthusiasm. After the Flag Ceremony, youth and adults alike joined as one heart and one mind in a Peace Walk which led from the park to the Jardin center of town. The walk was led by a Nahuatl elder, youth and other enthusiastic community members who carried the flags of the world while repeating the message, May Peace Prevail On Earth and in many countries around the world. The walk ended at the world renown La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, which is the current parish church of the City. Closing speeches were presented at the front steps of the church to conclude this memorable event by Rotarians, members of Pax Cultura and representatives of the Catholic, Muslim and Jewish Faiths. With the planting of this magnificent Rotary Peace Pole in San Miguel, a huge seed was planted in the Heart of Mexico. There are now plans to encourage other Rotary Clubs throughout Mexico to join the Peace Pole network. Thank you Rotarians for your dedication to Peace through Service! May peace be in Mexico
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