The Rotary Club of Swakopmund forms part of Rotary International, a worldwide society of people with many branches rendering international charity services to humanity.

The Rotary Club of Swakopmund was founded in 1960. The late Hermann Bitter was the first President.

For 42 years the Club allowed only men as members, but enthusiastic and faithful wives supported their husbands in this charitable organization and became active as Rotary Anns. In 2002 the Club of the Rotary Anns dissolved and since August 2002 the ladies were inaugurated as full members of the local Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club of Swakopmund serves the local community as well as part of the Erongo Region. Projects engaged in are, to name a few: support of the elderly in Old Age Homes and privately, children suffering from leukemia, the House of Safety and wheelchairs for the handicapped.

The motto for this year, up to June 2004, reads:

Lend a Hand

Events coming up till the end of 2003, in support of the motto, are:

- The tree-of-lights early in December in the Arcade will generate funds to supply a Christmas Dinner for the inhabitants of the Welwitschia Old Age Home

- A stall at the Annual Christmas Fair and

- Monthly Car Boot Sales are aimed to collect funds for the support of the on-going projects.

Plans in the pipeline for 2004:

- A cleaning-up operation of the beach after the holiday season

- A cycle-fun event for the whole family

- a gala-evening film premiere

- a German breakfast function

- Involvement in the Career Exhibition of the local high schools

Being a member of the Rotary Club of Swakopmund is satisfying, exciting and fun! As a Rotarian you not only become a member and part of the large Rotary family worldwide, you also meet lots of exciting people from numerous interesting countries all over the world during meetings and conferences. You are also granted the opportunity to travel all over the world. Through your personal involvement you also make your mark in the community.

Meetings in Swakopmund are held every Tuesday at 18h30 in the Deutsches Haus in Lüderitzstreet 13. Meetings are kept sweet and short, an hour only.

Are you interested in any of our projects?

Do you wish to join the Rotary Club of Swakopmund to support your community? Do not hesitate to contact any of the following numbers. These members will be pleased to assist you with information:

Astrid Mattle (Tel. 064-403865), Norbert Tolke (081 268 8306), Alida Fokkens (064-405858).