At this very critical time in Ukraine, Rotarians have another opportunity to assist. Read the message from District Governor 2022-23 Barbara below.
Greetings Rotarians,
At this very critical time in Ukraine, Rotarians have another opportunity to assist. When I think about the heat this summer or the cold last winter, I am reminded of those in Ukraine who are truly suffering. I know the Rotarians from Ukraine are so appreciative of all that we are doing around the world to support them. They provided an excellent overview at the convention and thanked Rotarians for their gifts this past year, and then explained the critical needs for the year ahead. Certainly with the resurgence, medical needs will continue to be a priority.
I am so grateful to all of you for your generosity this past year. We partnered on two disaster fund grants for medical supplies, raised $10K for warm clothes, books and toys for the ever-increasing orphanages, and we donated $7,000 for books for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees living in our District. It was remarkable. Today I write to inform you about a program that clubs or individual Rotarians can support right in our District. It will benefit Ukraine for years as they defend their country today, and then rebuild in the years ahead.
Two weeks ago, I communicated with Ali Khan, UNMC Dean and Professor in the College of Public Health, about a new program launched at UNMC to support the Ukrainian public health field. You may have read about it in the news. I told the Dean all of the remarkable work by Rotary in our District and in the world. He responded, “I am so inspired by the multitude of activities and programs to help the people of Ukraine during this horrific war. This is so aligned to my admiration for Rotarians.”
The program now launched is described in detail in the attachment. Scholarships will be provided to eligible Ukrainian students to help Ukraine improve their nation’s emergency preparedness and response capacity. This is a collaboration between UNMC College of Public Health and the Ukraine Ministry of Health. With these scholarships, Ukrainian health professionals can complete either a Certificate in Emergency Preparedness or a Master of Public Health in Emergency Preparedness completely online from their home country. In addition, UNMC is providing trainings, short courses and workshops to support the immediate needs and infrastructure of the Ukrainian public health and emergency preparedness.
How can our Rotary club funds or individual Rotarians, like you, assist with this project happening right here in our District? Due to the generosity of donations, 10 scholarships have been awarded to qualified students for the 2023-24 academic year. Additional eligible candidates are awaiting scholarships. You can see on the attached chart that the Certificate program (18 credit hours) is $13,500 and the Masters program is $31,200 (42 credit hours.)
Could your club help fund a scholarship? Perhaps you have been wanting to help the Ukrainians, but you weren’t sure about the needs, or you felt hesitant about where to send funds internationally. Here is your opportunity. Donations go directly to a highly credible organization in our District, who then executes a program that is critically needed in Ukraine.
Gifts from Rotary club funds or from individual Rotarians may be made for any amount to support this innovative and impactful scholarship program. UNMC Ukrainian scholarship donations can be mailed to the University of Nebraska Foundation, Box 82555, Lincoln NE 68501 or to the Public Health Security Relief Fund online at nufoundation.org. Additional contact information is listed on the attachment.
Thank you for your consideration. Imagine the difference we can make!
Your District Governor,
Barbara