THE PROGRESSIVE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Mwanza, Tanzania: District Governor Lion Wilson N. Ndesanjo was very much impressed with the Quality Project of renovating and assisting Maganzo Primary School in Misungvi District, Mwanza. The Lions Club of Mwanza was one of the key players in the rehabilitation project along with help of District Authority of Misungvi.

The school suffered a devastating blow arising from heavy rains and strong wind which disabled the school from all the normal activities.

The entourage of the Governor in the company of District Commissioner of Misungvi Madame Mariam Lugayila and Director Mr. Nathan Mshana and Lion Leaders of Mwanza Club inspected the school and saw the progressive chart of the school.

Seven years ago the school recorded passes of only 17% in the final examinations of completion of standard seven. Last year the school made an almost triple jump by recording a fantastic result of 50% passes in the territorial examination. Standard seven is a jumping board to the secondary education in Tanzania and begins with Form I.

Governor Lion Wilson N. Ndesanjo standing proudly with Lion Leaders in the compound of Maganzo Primary School in Mwanza.

"SURPRISE GIFT FOR GOVERNOR"!

Mwanza, Tanzania: A "pleasant surprise" greeted District Governor Lion Wilson N. Ndesanjo when he wound-up his club visitations programme at the Lake-side town of Mwanza, the second largest commercial town in Tanzania.

The pleasant surprise came in the form of a "gift" from Lions Club of Mwanza, "twelve new members and three Melvin Jones Fellow". The Governor quipped by openly showing his satisfaction at the best gift at the end of his club visitations tour and warmly congratulated the club for following the Governor's Goals.

Twelve new members mean that the district is going closer to the desired target of 1,250 members which has to be achieved by end of April. The achievement  would turn out to be even a "bigger pleasant surprise" to all the Lions in Sub District 411B in the forthcoming Multiple Annual District Convention in Kisumu, Kenya.

Three new Melvin Jones Fellow means that the Sub District has now 317 MJF with 15 Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

More Information: According to the available statistics of Melvin Jones Fellow in Tanzania, Lions Club of  Dar es Salaam City ranks number one with 73 MJF, followed by L.C. Dar es Salaam Host with 49 MJF and number three position is taken by L.C. of Mwanza with 32 MJF. In Uganda, number one is L.C. Kampala Central 21 MJF and number two is L.C. Kampala Host 16 MJF.

A Quality Project: Governor Wilson Ndesanjo witnessed yet another Quality Project, the renovation and extension of Maganzo Primary School which cost the Mwanza club a big amount of TShs. 26,500,000/ (close to US$ 16500:00) so far. The school was badly affected with heavy rains and strong wind which resulted into a collective effort of the Lions and District Misungi for renovation works.

The progressive assistance included building of two new class rooms, 120 students desks. The school seems to be on the progressive chart in academic achievements...in 2007 there were 17% passes and in 2013 50% passes.

At the school, Lions club of Mwanza Valentine donated school stationary items for 600 pupils. Elsewhere the all-ladies club donated a wheel chair to a person who had suffered heart stroke. They also donated a sewing machine, books and biscuit boxes to Pamoja Youth Centre.

Story by Abdul Hai

Presentation of a wheel-chair by Governor Wilson Ndesanjo on behalf of the club in Mwanza.

A presentation of a sewing machine by L.C. of Mwanza Valentine to the Pamoja Youth Centre. Also seen in the picture is club President Lion Bhoomi Nanavati and others.

District Governor Lion Wilson Ndesanjo recently concluded his club visitations programme with a surprise gift he received from L.C. of Mwanza in the form of 12 new members and 3 Melvin Jones Fellow.

Pix from L.C. of Mwanza

MEASLES AND RUBELLA VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

Lion Wayne Madden Chairperson of LCIF and PDG Dr. Tebebe Yemane-Berhan compare notes before a Capitol Hill reception in Washington DC to celebrate the Lions-GAVI Alliance Partnership. (Foto credit GAVI Jonathan Stern)

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL AND GAVI ALLIANCE CELEBRATE PARTNERSHIP

Lions Clubs International has re-affirmed its commitment to protect children from measles and rubella in the world’s poorest countries  with a US$ 7.5 million initial donation to the GAVI Alliance to help fund measles rubella programme.

Past District Governor of Multiple District 411, Dr. Tebebe Yemane-Berhan from Ethiopia is a member of the Lions Clubs International Foundation Steering Committee was at Capitol Hill where a grand reception was held at Washington DC.

PDG Dr. Tebebe Yemane-Berhan said: “Vaccines don’t save life if children don’t receive them. So Lions work with the countries to make sure children are being vaccinated.”

He emphasized: “We look forward to a future where every child has access to life-saving vaccines.”

GOVERNOR'S SECOND ROUND VISIT TO MWANZA

Mwanza, Tanzania: District Governor Lion Wilson Ndesanjo began his second round of club visitations to Mwanza over the past weekend. He was warmly received by leaders of Lions Club of Mwanza and Lions Club of Mwanza Valentine.

The club members were at the Mwanza airport to receive the Governor who was garlanded with fresh flowers from the clubs. The blog will keep you updated of the events and photographs as soon as we receive these from the lake-side town of Mwanza.

Governor Wilson N. Ndesanjo being received at Mwanza by District Officers and leaders of  Lions Clubs of Mwanza and L.C. of Mwanza Valentine.

EMERGENCY RELIEF

EMERGENCY RELIEF REACH KILOSA

Relief supply to the flood stricken areas in Morogoro Region of Tanzania was delivered by a team of thirteen Lions from Dar es Salaam and Morogoro. The Relief Supply comprising consumable items and some utensils weighing 7.5 tons worth TShs. 17,872,500/= or just above US$ 10,000:00 was an emergency grant from Lions Clubs International headquarters in Oak Brook, USA.

Un-expected heavy rains for three days consecutively end of January resulted in one death, many suffered minor and major injuries during the fracas, nearly 2,000 houses were totally damaged and over 9000 people, mostly women and children were displaced. The affected areas or villages included Mateteni, Magole, Mbigiri, Mabana, Dumida and Barega.

A twenty- six- sitter  bus accompanied by a truck reached Morogoro Regional Commissioner’s Office where the Disaster Risk Reduction expert, Mr. Gilbert Mkindi received them for the necessary introduction and procedural delivery of the relief package. The Lions Team led by Regional Chairperson Lion Happiness Nkya, Lions of Senior Status Cabinet Secretary Lion Kishore Simzia, Cabinet Treasurer Lion Mohamed Lalji, Asst. Cabinet Treasurer (T) Lion Yusuf Dalala, District Officer for LCIF Grant Lion Rizwan Qadri were among the prominent people.

The activity was carried out jointly by the Lion Team and Officials from the Government of Tanzania including District Commissioner  Mr. Elias Tarimo at Mateteni in Dakawa approximately 205 kms from Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital of the country.

More Info: Morogoro Region is among the  regions considered to be  the food basket of the country and gifted with natural mineral resources and tourist attraction spots. The region is equally famous for producing top quality rice and sugar. While we are working on this story, the seasonal heavy rains popularly called “masika” has just started in many regions of the country.

Two prominent Lions, Grant Administrator  (T) PDG Lion Abdul Majid Khan and LCIF Grant District Convenor Lion Rizwan Qadri played their respective important roles in securing and managing the Emergency Grant of US$ 10,000:00. PDG A.M. Khan was unable to accompany the group because of his ill health.

Some inland patches affected by the flood  obstructed the relief team to reach other affected areas. However, the recipients some of them in temporary tents provided by the Government and Red Cross were given cutleries, plastic utensils, buckets, detergent soaps, cooking oil in jerry cans, maize flour, rice, beans, sugar and salt.

After a good humanitarian project, the team returned to Dar es Salaam.

Story by Abdul Hai

Source of information and pictures Lion Sayed Rizwan Qadri

EMERGENCY RELIEF SUPPLY FROM LCI TO FLOOD VICTIMS

The 26 sitter bus carrying Lions Members from Dar es Salaam heading towards floo-stricken areas in Morogoro Region.

"No more", the bridges, roads and electric supply devastated by three days of heavy rains during late January. Emergency Relief supply financed under Lions Clubs International Fund to the tune of US$ 10,000:00 was granted to District 411B (Tanzania-Uganda) for consumable items. 2000 houses and 9,000 people were adversely affected by the flood. One person was reported dead and many injured during the fracas.

Part of the thirteen Lions Team which did the great job of providing the Emergency Relief Supply.

Emergency Relief Supply to the victims of the flooded areas.

One of the affected victims of the flood which devastated many areas of Morogoro Region, one of the region in Tanzania considered to be the food-basket of the country.

Government Officers of Tanzania and Lions join hands in providing the Relief Supply which cost TShs. 17,872,500/= or just equivalent to US$ 10,000:00 provided by LCIF.

ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Harare, Zimbabwe: District Governor Lion Wilson N. Ndesanjo visited Zimbabwe and met again District Governor Lion Clever of District 412 where he attended a project of the local club in Harare.

The two Governors were in the same study class in Hamburg last year where they were installed as Governors in their respective areas. The friendship is part of the efforts to create and enhance public relations of our Sub District 411B. A few weeks ago, the Governor was in Hong Kong, again to enhance public relations with other districts.

Exchanging friendship banners, an effort to enhance solidarity of Lionism between the two districts 411B and 412 of Zimbabwe.

In Harare, the Governor set the example of his catch-word "Unity In Service" by participating in the project of distributing books by Lions Club of Harare West to St. Joseph's Orphans Centre. The club is a home club  of the Governor.

Governor Lion  Wilson Ndesanjo (2nd right) and Governor Lion Clever  (1st right) during the project to distribute books for St. Joseph"s Orphans Centre in Harare.

MORE EFFORTS AND WILL REACH TARGET!

Membership growth and club extensions are the prime district goals of District Governor Lion Wilson N. Ndesanjo and it appears that we as a sub  district are on the right course. With just a few more weeks to go for the Annual Multiple District Convention in Kisumu, Kenya, all the 43 Lions Clubs in Tanzania and Uganda have been seriously encouraged to increase minimum 75 New Quality Members.

The Sub District 411B is short of 75 members (minimum 1250) to qualify for it to stand on its feet as a full fledged sub district. 

A few weeks ago, during the visit of International Director Lion Alexis Vincent Gomes to fraternity clubs in Dar es Salaam, a grand Gala Banquet was held in his honour and thats where nineteen new members were inducted by him into the den of Lions.

75 NEW  MEMBERS REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: With a capital IF, if there are no more drop of members until end of April and again if we manage to recruit minimum 75 Quality New Members,  then the dream of Governor Wilson N. Ndesanjo will be a factual dream.

Going by the latest statistics released by Lions Clubs International, the Sub District 411B (Tanzania-Uganda) appears to be on the progressive chart with increase of thirty new members in January this year. The district can slightly boast of having total new members 1184 in 43 clubs.

Our GMT Leader, Past District Governor Lion Abdul Majid Khan distributed the latest  monthly health statistics of membership to district officers and congratulated them for the progressive trend. He said: “We need at least 75 new quality members to hit the bull’s target set by Governor in his District Goals for the current Lionistic Year.”

He emphasized: “ Let us pull our socks and collectively present our District Governor with a 100% full fledged Sub District before 30^th April.” The situation will be reviewed by the District Governor in the Third Cabinet Meeting in Kisumu during the Annual Multiple District Convention end of next month.

The Zone and Region Chairpersons in Uganda have been seriously urged to assist in bailing out Lions Club of Bushenyi which is now in “red” in the column of Status Quo.

Every month, the PDG reviews without fail, the general scenario of  district membership and his advice and observations act like catalyst for increase of membership. The target of Governor Lion Wilson Ndersanjo  is to surpass the total required membership of 1250.

During the last Cabinet Meeting in Dar es Salaam, Governor Wilson Ndesanjo thanked all the clubs for taking serious actions in recruiting new quality members.

He stated: “I had many opportunities to induct many new members in  clubs of Uganda during my visitation and also more members have been inducted in Tanzania.” He advised all the clubs having new members to report to the Lions Clubs International without any delay. He further elaborated that the increase of membership will boost our standing at the LCI and will certainly gain us the recognition which we deserve.

New members being inducted by International Director Lion Alexis V. Gomes (extreme right) in some of seven  clubs in Dar es Salaam recently.

STORY & PICS  BY ABDUL HAI

A HEALTHY MILK COW FOR MSANDAKA

Moshi, Tanzania: A healthy looking milk cow was donated by Well-Wishers Lion Jerome and others from Belgium to Msandaka Lions Deaf Centre where over eighty students are studying at this special school.

The Good Samaritan Lion was among the Well-Wishers who collected a sum of Euro 1,400:00 during Christmas festivals in Belgium  last year for purchase of the milk cow. Part of the donation is  also for keeping the cow medically fit by the appointed Vet Doctor. The centre has now several milk cows for providing balanced diet to the students.

It was all excitement at the Msandaka Lions Deaf Centre when the cow was brought to the centre in an open truck. Unable to express their excitement and joy vocally, they expressed a common sign language by raising their open shaking palms. 

Members of Lions Club of Moshi Kibo led by their club President Lion  M. Jones and District Officer Lion Inderjeet S. Rehal were at the handing over ceremony all beaming with excitement and satisfaction at the great accomplished task.

As soon as the news about the project reached the Cabinet Secretary Lion Kishore Simzia and Region Chairperson   Lion Godfrey Sawe, messages of congratulations were sent to the club leaders. 

District Officer responsible for International Relations, Lion Rizwan Qadri said that by donating a cow to the centre, the Donors and the club have generated enormous excitement to all concerned. 

He further stated,  quoting a Chinese proverbial advice

The milk cow finally arrived at the Msandaka Lions Deaf Centre in Moshi, Tanzania as a kind donation from Belgium. Note the sign language of gratitude immediately after the handing over ceremony by President Lion Jones and District Officer Lion Rehal standing extreme right.

: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, show him how to catch fish and you feed him for a life-time."

Story by Abdul Hai
Pictures from Lion I.S. Rehal 

RABBITS FOR THE STUDENTS!

Kabale, Uganda: Pairs of rabbits were donated to the students of St. Maria Teresa School by Lions Club of Kabale as a project to encourage modern livestock keeping.

A team of Lions led by club President Lion Alex Baguma visited the school, carrying with them some pairs of well-looked-after rabbits. The purpose of giving them rabbits was to encourage modern livestock keeping and also for human consumption.

President Lion Baguma advised the students to be serious in their day-to-day studies as the nation of Uganda expected the youths to be among leaders and professional workers when they grew up. 

St. Maria Teresa School was among the institutions in Uganda which was well supported by Lions of Lions Club of Budneught from Germany.

Cabinet Secretary Lion Kishore Simzia congratulated members of Lions Club of Kabale on behalf of District Governor Lion Wilson N. Ndesanjo who was out of Tanzania for a few days.

The President of Lions Club of Kabale in Uganda along with other Lions Members handing over rabbits to the staff and students of St. Maria Teresa School.

Story & Pix from Lion John Semuwembve

President of Lions Club of Kabale, Lion Alex Baguma advising students of St. maria Teresa School to work hard and be serious in their studies. The President later handed over pairs of rabbits to the school for modern livestock keeping.

Lions Club of Kabale

SOME MORE PHOTOS OF PRESENTATION CEREMONY

Special guests and representatives of some news media in a group photograph with IPP Executive Chairman Dr. Reginald Mengi (4th from left) immediately after the main ceremony of presentation of Gold Medal from Lions Clubs International President Barry Palmer. District Governor Lion Wilson Ndesanjo is fourth from right.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: We wish to re-produce herewith some more photos which were taken during the presentation of the Lion Gold Medal by Lions Clubs International to the leading businessman of Tanzania Dr. Reginald Mengi. The Gold Medal and Lapel Pin came from International President Lion Barry Palmer and was presented to Dr. mengi by District Governor Lion Wilson N. Ndesanjo in Dar es Salaam.

Another group photographs with some senior Lion members and their spouses with chief Guest Dr. Reginald A. Mengi during the Gala Banquet at the Hotel Serena.

Senior members of Lions Club of Dar es Salaam Amani took the opportunity to get a group photograph with Guest of  Honour Dr. Reginald Mengi, Jaquline Ntuyabaliwe on Dr. Mengi's right hand, Governor Lion Wilson Ndesanjo (3rd R), Lady Florense and others.

"INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE LION" FOR DR. REGINALD A. MENGI

STANDING OVATION FOR DR. MENGI & LCI

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: One of the top most leading businessman in Tanzania, Dr. Reginald Abraham Mengi received a continuous  standing ovation   when he was bestowed with a Gold Medal in recognition of his humanitarian services. The prestigious Gold Medal in his name and a Lion Lapel pin was sent by International President Lion Barry Palmer from Lions Clubs International.

The grand presentation ceremony was spearheaded by District Governor Lion Wilson Ndesanjo at the Gala Banquet at Hotel Serena. The Governor also presented his personal friendship banner on behalf of Sub District 411B comprising Tanzania and Uganda. A lapel pin also from International President was presented to the great philanthropist Dr. Mengi by Past District Governor and a veteran Lion Abdul Majid Khan.

Dr. Reginald Mengi was overwhelmed by the awards bestowed on him and admitted frankly that he could not find suitable words to appreciate the recognition and presentations. However, as a gesture for reciprocation, he requested the fully-packed hall to be up-standing  for a minute or so, so  as to appreciate the good works being done by this great organization.

He said:  “As a matter of fact, I learnt about serving humanity through Lions’ organization.” He appeared to be very frank when he narrated his life history by admitting that he came from a poor back-ground  and learnt to shape-up his business career  through the hard way. The attentive audience heard him saying that  what ever wealth he achieved through his business, he liked to share with the less fortunate people.

Time and again, speakers after speakers praised the unselfish benevolent Dr. Reginald Mengi for donating lavishly to the Lions Clubs so that they in turn served the people. Some glaring examples were donating millions of Tanzania Shillings for treatment of children with serious heart problems in Tanzania and Uganda.

A lengthy bio-data of the Chief Guest was spoken by PDG Lion Abdul Majid Khan and the Sub Treasurer of district Lion Yusuf Dalal talked about the achievements and main projects undertaken by Lions Clubs in Tanzania since the last fifty years.

The Region Chairperson Lion Happiness Nkya delivered a “thank you” note to the Chief Guest Dr. Mengi, the team of Lions which organized the function and all Lion Members and invited guests who attended the ceremony at the Hotel Serena.

The great Philanthropist Dr. Reginald A. Mengi addressing the audience immediately after receiving the prestigious "Order Of The Lion" from International President of Lions Clubs International Barry Palmer in Dar es Salaam.

Another appreciation presentation (friendship banner & lapel pins) was also made by Governor Wilson Ndesanjo on behalf of International Director Lion Alexis Vincent Gomes to District Officer Lion Zahira Patwa, District Officer Lion Shoffiudin Babul and IT & Bulletin Chairman for Tanzania, Lion Abdul Hai.

Governor Lion Wilson N. Ndesanjo welcoming the Guest of Honour Dr. Reginal A. Mengi just before he presented the prestigious gold medal "Order of the Lion" at the Grand Gala in Dar es Salaam.

The Gala banquet continued towards mid night hours and concluded  with late night delicious supper. As everyone was excited to be part of the historical evening, several group photographs were recorded.

The Lapel Pin from International President Barry Palmer being given to Guest of Honour Dr. Reginal A. Mengi by PDG Lion Abdul Majid Khan

Story & Pix by Abdul Hai

Guest of Honour of the Gala Banquet Dr. Reginald A. Mengi congratulating Lion Abdul Hai immediately after the later received a friendship banner and personal lapel pin of International Director Lion Alexis Gomes from Governor Wilson N. Ndesanjo. (Pix by Lion Shakil Ansari)