02/26/2024
As the sun sets on an incredibly fulfilling week in Antigua, it’s hard to believe how swiftly the time has flown. Representing the Rotary Club of Kirkland Downtown, under the dedicated leadership of President Michael Oskouian, we embarked on a mission alongside our friends from the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club, who founded this project in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Antigua and students from Newport High School. Our shared goal was a noble one: to enhance digital connectivity and education in Antigua by installing networking devices and donating computers to schools and nonprofit organizations in need.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of this impactful project, and as we wrap up our activities, the sense of accomplishment is palpable. The success of this initiative is not measured merely by the technology installed or the devices donated, but by the bridges built between our communities and the doors opened for countless Antiguan students.
The hospitality and culture of Antigua have left an indelible mark on all of us. To be welcomed with open arms, to witness the eagerness to learn and grow, and to see firsthand the difference that access to technology can make in a community, has been an experience of a lifetime. This project, rooted in service and fellowship, showcases the Rotary’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the world.
We are immensely grateful to the Rotary Club of Antigua for their partnership and to every volunteer who has dedicated time and resources to make this project a reality. The collaboration between clubs and the involvement of young minds from Newport High School have only enriched this experience, highlighting the power of collective effort.
As we bid farewell to Antigua, we do so with full hearts and a renewed sense of purpose. The journey does not end here; rather, we are inspired to continue our work, building on the foundations laid over the past 15 years. The bridges of friendship and understanding we have built will only strengthen our resolve to serve our global community.
Thank you, Antigua, for your warmth, your willingness to embrace new opportunities, and for reminding us of the beauty of coming together for a common cause. We look forward to many more years of partnership, learning, and growth. Here’s to the future, to continued collaboration, and to the endless possibilities that lie ahead when we unite in service and friendship.
