Global Service Week – Part 2
Todays service programme was in two parts firstly at the Gatina Primary School.
We were given one of the classrooms to work in and worked continuously for over 3 hours as we screened some 1,200 children. Adjacent classrooms were home to other members of the team.
We then moved to the Lions Eye Hospital and had the opportunity to observe, by cctv, a cataract operation – one of 100 being performed today as part of the Global Service Week. The operation was relayed to the auditorium and we were given a running commentary by the surgical team.
Yesterday, we had an incredible day at the United Nations! Our long-standing partnership with the UN began in 1945, when Lions were asked to assist in drafting the UN Charter. And each year since 1978, we have celebrated this partnership at Lions Day with the UN. We were honored to meet with Kenya’s Deputy President, His Excellency, Rigathi Gachagua, and discuss ways Lions and the government can collaborate. We also met with Director General, Zainadine Hawa Bangura, and Dr Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator.
Speakers today included these officials, as well as representatives from Congress for Global Communications Global Climate Action and Financial & Wealth Equity (M-PESA success), UNICEF, and Special Olympics.
One of the most prevalent issues facing the world is hunger. So much information was shared on the immediate action needed to combat hunger and malnutrition in children, impacts of climate change to food insecurity, nutrition and mental wellness, and the global promise to the 17 sustainable development goals of the UN. Our avenues of service so closely align with the United Nations- it’s an easy partnership!
