HISTORY OF KIWANIS: STILL NIFTY AT FIFTY
“Well, I think it’s fine, building jumbo planes Or taking a ride on a cosmic train Switch on summer from a slot machine Yes, get what you want to if you want ‘Cause you can get anything I know we’ve come a long way We’re changing day to day But tell me, where do the children play?”
Released by Cat Stevens in 1970, these words still expose the complex challenge faced between maximizing technological breakthroughs whilst protecting and preserving the planet. These forces tend to operate at opposite ends of the spectrum. Is that necessary though? This is the narrative that Kiwanians challenge in our interactions with the children we meet. Sustainable agricultural practices, waste management solutions and renewable energy technology all represent sterling ways how progress can enhance environmental preservation. The critical element is responsible implementation, although the cynics will say the damage has already been done.
Since the club’s formation, members have voluntarily given of their time, expertise and money in a quest to improve the world, one child and one community at a time. The myriad young lives we have touched are testament to our belief that children are a precious promise. Ricky Martin said, “Children aren’t just our future. They are our present.” Through our various youth programmes, we try to encourage a balanced perspective. It is never farmer versus scientist, athlete versus academic nor artisan versus robotics engineer. Appreciating the concept of harmonious coexistence is what will prevent the enthusiastic realization of one set of goals from endangering the fundamental rights and safety of other stakeholders. Dennis Waitley said, “The greatest gifts you can give your childen are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
So, where do the children play? An anonymous writer declared that “Chilhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can read, write and count. Childhood is a small window of time to learn and develop at the pace which is right for each individual child.” After fifty years of building playgrounds, of hosting sports days, campventions and staging rallys, the members of the Kiwanis Club of North St. Andrew remain committed to creating an environment where curious young minds can learn as they play and play as they learn.
“Together we rise, one child, one community at a time.”
Mark Russell Distinguished President