August 25-27, 2023 Location: Serena Hotel, Gisenyi, Rwanda
Day 1: August 25, 2023 – Departure and Arrival
The Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga Annual Retreat commenced on August 25, 2023, with great enthusiasm. More than fifty-five members, some with their families, signed up and embarked on this journey to Gisenyi, Rubavu District, Rwanda. Departure took place from Highlands Suites Hotel in Nyarutarama, Kigali in the afternoon, with some members travelling as a group by bus , while others opted to drive with their families.
The journey was marked with camaraderie, joy, and a strong sense of unity. Rotarian Victor initiated the retreat with a heartfelt prayer, setting a tone of spirituality and togetherness. Throughout the rest of the journey, members entertained themselves with infectious dance moves and jokes, making the bus ride a fun and memorable experience.
The group arrived at Gisenyi and were welcomed with a barbeque, music, and dance. Rotarian Blake hosted a delightful evening of entertainment at Maddy’s Kitchen. The night resonated with joy as members danced their hearts out. Rotarian Zachary, with his musical talents, added to the evening’s charm with a live band performance.
Day 2: August 26, 2023 – Serena Hotel
The second day of the retreat began with a hearty breakfast at the respective hotels. The formal program started with an introduction and prayer led by the Sergeant at Arms, setting a reflective and respectful tone for the day.
The Vice President/Club Administrator extended a warm welcome and provided an outline of the day’s activities. The President of the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga shared the club’s ambitious goals for the year 2023-2024 including conducting more service projects with support from the bigger Rotary International family, increasing the club membership composition and supporting Rotaract and Interact Clubs within the country..
A series of insightful panel discussions followed, emphasizing the core Rotary values, significance of service projects and highlighting the role that Club Committees would play in ensuring that the goals set for the year are accomplished.
Panel 1, “Service Above Self,” moderated by Rtn Fabiola, featured discussions with distinguished panelists, including PADG Master Jerb, PP Sauda, Rtn Job K, and Rtn Elizabeth.
Panel 2, “Service Project,” moderated by Rtn Arthur Asiimwe, engaged Rtn Julie, Rtn PP Jennifer, Rtn Charles, and Rtn Shema in a thought-provoking dialogue.
The day included a refreshing coffee break and a speech by our guest speaker, who shared a heart wrenching but inspirational story on Diabetes in the youth and how her daughter is a survivor. Lunch provided a brief respite before delving into discussions about “My Rotary” and more panel sessions.
The evening continued with a live band performance, with Rotarian Zachary once again showcasing his musical talents. Five new Rotarians namely Kelly Ifaluyi, Ituze Christian, Bitega Armand, Charles Haba and Cynthia were inducted amid great fanfare and jubilation.
Day 3: August 27, 2023 – Musanze Visit
The final day of the retreat began with a leisurely breakfast at our respective hotels. Members then enjoyed some quality time by the beach and a boat ride on Lake Kivu for those who opted for this activity. Rotarian Zachary and his wife, Rotarian Liz, even took the opportunity to teach some members the new game of Pickleball.
At the designated time, the group checked out from their hotels and departed for Musanze. Their visit included a stop at the Agati Community Library, emphasizing community engagement and the importance of education, especially for children.
Lunch was enjoyed in Musanze, providing members with an opportunity to savour local cuisine and bond over shared experiences.
In summary, the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga’s Annual Retreat 2023 was a resounding success, marked by camaraderie, insightful discussions, and a commitment to Rotary’s values. This retreat not only strengthened the bonds among members but also inspired them to continue their journey of “Service Above Self.” The club looks forward to a year of impactful service and fellowship, building a better tomorrow for communities in need.