As we are in the last month of our first quarter I wanted to write something really amazing for this online news letter. So i cracked my brain wondering what to write then it hit me it literary me, the most amazing story I can ever write that everyone would love to read is an interview with our very own DRR. Now unlike me most people have never had the great honour and privilege of knowing her and forming a close relationship with her. So with the help of my S.H.I.E.L.D contacts I tracked her down and using my Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1(designed for humans) I interviewed her online (the wonders of modern technology) and it was quiet interesting
Me: Hello DRR Jayne Terera (JT)
JT: Hie Nash McRonzie
Me: Please just call me Nash
JT: Ok
Me: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, who is Jayne Terera what makes you tick?
JT: Jayne Terera is a 20 something year old lady, business manager and a Proud Rotaractor. What makes me tick is God, my family and my friends. My biggest driving force is not wanting to be mediocre.I want to live up to my full potential and make a difference in the world.
Me: wow now that's lovely I like that, so what does DRR stand for
JT: DRR stands for District Rotaract Representative
Me: What does it mean to be a DRR, what are your roles and responsibilities
JT: The role of the DRR is basically that of overseeing the activities of the Rotaract Clubs in the district. I play an advisory and supportive role to club Presidents and Rotaractors. Specifically the mandate of the DRR is 5 fold, namely to facilitate training of Rotaractors in the District, help clubs retain and increase quality membership, increase awareness of the District, encourage joint projects between clubs in the District as well as organise the annual District Conference
Me: That sounds like a heavy task,better you than me i guess. How does one become DRR, Do i have to be a Harvard graduate or something
JT: (laughs) not at all. For one to be a DRR, you have to have served either as a President of a Rotaract club in the District in which you wish to be DRR or have previously been a member of the District Rotaract Committee for a year. I was the District Public Relations Officer in 2011-2012 and have been subsequently elected to be DRR for 2013-2014.
Me: How has this role affected you
JT: The role of DRR is an exciting one because you get to meet and interact with Rotaractors from different countries and languages. Its exciting to get to experience different cultures and mesh them into one, being the Rotaract culture Fellowship through Service. Another great way this role has affected me has been the ability to hone my leadership, teamwork as well as communication skills.
Me: Looks like it has done wonders for you now I want to be DRR What are your goals for the district,what changes are you going to make,whats going to make your reign different from your predecessors (this is were it gets interesting,dramatic music playing)
JT: Firstly I would like to thank my predecessors who have steered the District into the right direction thus far. My main goal for the District this year is to unify the District by encouraging collaboration between the clubs. Currently, we are in the process of coming up with a Environmental Campaign jingle which we will translate into 3 or 4 languages that will be able to air in all 4 countries in the District. Another big objective this year will be to establish a Rotaract Club in Malawi as well as Mozambique both of which have not had active Rotaract clubs for the past 3 years. In this year I also hope to resuscitate the Potential Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (PRLS) seminar which has been dormant for the past year. PRLS is tentatively scheduled to start in February 2014. As you can see, these are big goals which will need a lot of cooperation from fellow Rotaractors in order for them to come into fruition.
Me: Those are amazing goals you have for the district,you might also need help or advice from fellow DRRs which brings the question are you in contact with other DRRs
JT: Yes, I am in contact with other DRRs from Africa, namely:
Sarah (Kenya) - DRR 9212 - Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea
Amir Marouane (Tunisia) - DRR 9010 - Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania
Winfred Karungi (Uganda) - DRR 9211 - Uganda, Tanzania
Dominique Yon (South Africa) - DRR 9350 - South Africa, Angola and Namibia
Michel Ndjock (Cameroon) - DRR 9150 - Cameroon, Burundi, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Rwanda, Sao Tome, Tchad
Me: With all those contacts are there any plans of joining or forming a MDIO (Multi-District Information Organisation)
JT: So far I have been in talks with DRR Sarah from D9212 about possibly forming a MDIO. An MDIO functions as a regional office of information and resources and comprises of Rotaract clubs in 2 or more districts. It is formed for the purpose of facilitating communication and disseminating information. The Formation of an MDIO is quite a process though with the DRRs having to get at least 2/3 approval from the clubs in their districts, having to get approval from the District Governors and then the final approval from Rotary International. However like I said, we have begun the process and will inform you of the progress in due course.
Me: Well I hope it works out. Can you tell us about the people in the district committee and why you chose each person for that specific role
JT: The members of the District Committee are as follows:
Nyasha Muronzi (Me) - ADRR Clubs and Membership
Patson Musiiwa - ADRR Training
Victoria Mungwena - ADRR DISCON
Farirai Nyamukapa - District Secretary
Kudzai Murongazvombo - District Treasurer
Kay Terera - District PRO
Amos Mwanza - Country Representative Zambia
This team was chosen on the basis of each individuals strength. Each member of the team is an inducted Rotaractor who has served either as a President, Vice President or Committee Director in the past and so has the necessary experience needed to lead the District. Furthermore, Amos Mwanza was elected into office at the Ndola District Conference in May this year.
Me: Looks like you picked the A-team wise move I guess that's why you are the DRR, how well are you working with the DG & DRC
JT: I am working very well with the District Governor Stella Dongo and the District Rotaract Chair Masimba Mukurazvita. Rotarians are very passionate about new generations and are therefore excited about Rotaract and the role we play in Rotary International.
Me: That's music to my ears, do you have any plans to visit the rotaract clubs in the district,
JT; I do plan to visit clubs in the District. I was able to meet some of the Ndola, TPR and Catholic University club members at the Ndola DISCON, I have also managed to visit most of the clubs in Harare and recently I visited the Rotaract Club of MSU in Gweru. during this year I intend to carry out more club visits
Me: Yipee that's great news,well my lunch break is over so we have to end this, Any wise words you would love to impart on the rotaractors
JT: My parting words would be all the best for this coming year. I look forward to a very fun filled and fruitful year as we Engage Rotary and Change Lives.
Me: Thank you for those words and thank you for finding time in your busy schedule to have this interview. Cheers DRR Jayne Terera
JT: It was my pleasure Nash..Take care
And with that the greatest interview of my career ended, It was nice talking to such an enligthened Rotaractor, it looks like the future if our district is in safe hands
By ADRR Nyasha Muronzi (Nash McRonzie)
