Young president brings energy into Rotary

Lahoud, being the youngest President to lead the club as yet, says he is unbelievably humbled and excited that the club finds him fit enough to lead them in the coming year.

“I can’t wait to pour all of my energy into this amazing club and organisation and see how, together, we can improve the lives of the people of Boksburg.

“Even though we are a small club, we do an enormous amount of work in Boksburg, and I want people to know about it so that they too can get involved,” he says.

Lahoud was introduced to Rotary 12 ago through his Interact Club and says he has never looked back since.

“Over the years, Rotary has given me so many wonderful experiences, opportunities and opened doors that I didn’t even know existed.

“I have been on leadership camps, an exchange programme to Turkey and have been able to get involved with amazing charity projects that help make the lives of so many people just that little bit easier,” says Lahoud.

“Yet, it was being chosen as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and getting the opportunity to study in Sweden for a year that has been the highlight for me.”

Lahoud says that since his school days, he has been aware of the challenges faced by Rotary, with the biggest challenge being that of attracting younger members.

“A good Rotary Club is all about fellowship and service and I plan on focusing on both.

“Our weekly meetings are a fundamental part of our club culture, as this is where people meet; we are given an opportunity to listen to fascinating speakers and everyone is able to enjoy fellowship with like-minded individuals,” he says.

Lahoud has plans to pay attention towards making every meeting an event that people will look forward to attending

“Of course, what is a Rotary Club without serving the community?

“I plan to make our existing projects more sustainable, so that we can focus on the needs of the community,” he says.

“I would also like to build a Rotary Volunteer Core in Boksburg, which people can join and receive notifications, so that whenever we are in need of assistance, they will know about it and hopefully aid us in whatever way they can,” he says.

Lahoud emphasises his wish to reach out to schools in Boksburg and support them in starting Rotary Interact Clubs, in an effort to get the children of Boksburg involved in service projects.

“This is where I started, and would like to give others the same opportunities that I received, which made such a huge impact on my life,” he says.

Those interested in Rotary, and would like to find out more or how they can become involved, contact Lahoud on djlahoud@gmail.com or 082 372 2103.