The Presidents Elect Training Seminar 2010-11 for RI District 3271 was held on 27th & 28th February 2010 at The Arabian Sea Resort, Karachi.

The PETS spread over two days was organized by host club Rotary Club of Karachi Karsaz under the chairmanship of PDG Muhammad Faiz Kidwai. This was the first overnight PETS ever organized in Pakistan and this memorable event was attended by the first Presidents of respective clubs to be part of the newly formed district 3271. Besides a very well organized program in all aspects District Governor Elect Shahab Balkhi has initiated a “CHANGE” in the basic structure of PETS program being generally practiced in the past. The two day event provided equal opportunity for all Presidents Elect to participate and interact during the program developed according to RI recommended program structure.

The inaugural session of PETS started with meeting called to order by host Club Acting President Rtn Mohammad Hammad and Welcome note by Rtn Kamal Mustafa, Club Secretary host Club. This was followed by Hamd and Naat presented by PP Rtn Shireen Kamal. In his opening remarks DG Usman Masud emphasized on unity among Rotarians with true demonstration of Service Above Self. His address paid tributes to the Rotary Leaders present in the gathering. PDG Aziz Memon presented a synopsis of the agenda.

During the Opening Plenary Session DGE S. Shahab Balkhi gave a brief introduction of GETS at Manila and the International Assembly in San Diego USA followed by screening of the DVD of the 2010-2011 RI Theme Address by RI President Elect Ray Klinginsmith. Later, the RI Theme ‘Building Communities Bridging Continents’ was explained by DGE Shahab Balkhi as giving a direction for all Rotary activities in the coming Rotary year. The new RI theme was enthusiastically welcome by all. DGE then presented the District Goals for 2010-2011 after interaction with the Presidents and AGs. He highlighted the Club Leadership Plan and the four avenues of service giving key areas of service on which RI President Elect has put emphasis for the year 2010-2011.

In his address the DGE presented the purpose of PETS and its importance for the Presidents Elect. After the sumptuous lunch Breakout Sessions were held in three groups of Presidents Elect with AGs for over two days. Group Discussions were facilitated by experienced and trained facilitators including PDG Abu Mohsin, PDG Faiz Kidwai, PDG Aziz Memon and DGE Shahab Balkhi. Sessions were also facilitated by DGN Iqbal Qureshi, PP Pir Ebrahim Shah, PP Irfan Qureshi, PP Shahbaz Qureshi, PP Rais Khan, PP Sultan Shakir and PP Shireen Kamal. All breakout sessions were based on Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) concept of facilitation and interaction rather than lecture and one way communication.

The Presidents Elect Seminar at the Arabian Sea Resort provided a unique opportunity of strengthening fellowship among the incoming Presidents and the District leaders. The participants besides attending the various training sessions also enjoyed golf and cricket. To also uphold the sanctity of the day of our the last Prophet Muhammed PBUH, evening entertainment was replaced by Naat Khawni and Qawali after dinner at the pool side.

To encourage maximum participation Presidents Elect had been pre-registered for the seminar. On arrival at the venue each participant was provided with beautifully designed PETS Folder, Name Badge and a useful bag to keep the Training Materials.

In the Breakout Session Presidents Elect were presented by the DGE the Theme Tie and RI Theme Pin. President Manual and other Training Materials including the Worksheets, the RI Presidential Citation booklet etc. were provided from time to time.

The event was a great a success as large majority of clubs from Karachi and interior Sindh were present and participated enthusiastically. In order to facilitate the participants, transport was arranged to reach the venue in time. At the end of the second day, in the Closing Plenary Session, Certificates were distributed by DGE Shahab Balkhi. In his closing remarks the DGE regarded this fun while learn experience as an enjoyable and successful ‘first’ event of District 3271 that will be long remembered. In the end, vote of thanks was presented by Rtn Mohammad Hammad, Acting President of the host club.

Rtn Kamal Mustafa

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!