Bulgaria and South Africa Strengthen Rotary Ties Through a New ICC Partnership
By Region 25 ARPIC Arkan Apturahman
On 17 June, during the meeting of the Rotary Club of Sofia International, an agreement establishing the Intercountry Committee (ICC) Bulgaria–South
Africa was officially signed, marking the beginning of a promising partnership founded on friendship, peace and international cooperation. During the meeting, the new Global Grant project, “Surgery for Life,” led by the Rotary Club of Vidin in partnership with the Rotary Club of Sofia International, was also presented.
The signing took place during the visit of our dear friends from the Rotary Club of Blouberg–Helene Visser, Jacqueline Claddonand Graham Claddon. The agreement was signed by PDG Nina Miteva, National ICC Coordinator for Bulgaria, together with the ICC Chairs of both countries –Hristina Malchevska (Assistant Governor) and Helene Visser (Past Assistant Governor).
The international visit was made possible through the invaluable support of Claude Badan, President of the Rotary Club of Sofia International, together with club members Inna Badan, Teodor Totev, Domagoj Stefan and Boris Boynov, a former Rotarian. Their dedication and warm hospitality played a significant role in ensuring the success of the visit and in strengthening the growing partnership between Bulgaria and South Africa.
The occasion also celebrated the successful completion of the Global Grant project “Paradise for Children,” implemented with the generous support of District 9350 (South Africa), together with additional contributions from the Rotary Club of Blouberg and the Rotary Club of Port Alfred. On 18 June, the South African delegation visited the Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Onco-Haematological Diseases in the village of Opitsvet, where they witnessed first-hand the project’s positive impact on the children and their families.
This important milestone is yet another example of the power of international cooperation within Rotary. It demonstrates how partnerships between clubs and districts across continents can create sustainable solutions, deliver meaningful humanitarian projects and bring lasting benefits to local communities.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our friends from South Africa for their support, trust and friendship. Their commitment to service and international cooperation has made possible both the establishment of this new ICC partnership and the successful implementation of the Global Grant project.
Together, we continue to demonstrate that Rotary friendship knows no borders and that Service Above Self is far more than a motto—it is a daily commitment that transforms lives, strengthens communities and creates lasting impact around the world.
Rotary Izmir Dokuz Eylül
District 2440, Turkey - Past District Governor
Past Rotary Public Image Coordinator
Turkish Rotary Magazine board member
Active member of the WASH and SRoF fellowships
TRF CADRE
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