On Thursday 14 August, the Rotary Club of Ely welcomed Rotary Global Scholar Sumaya Miller via Zoom at Ely Bowls Club.
Sumaya grew up in Southern Alberta, Canada, where her Jamaican heritage made her feel like an outsider in her early years. She became involved with the Rotary Youth Leadership Award Scheme, raised $25,000 for ShelterBox, and took part in three family exchanges, where she encouraged young people and learnt Spanish.
Her career has included work as a Climate Consultant and in environmental research. With the support of a Rotary Global Scholarship, Sumaya studied at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. Her dissertation, “How Colonial Education in Jamaica Keeps Rural Boys Locked Out of Learning”, highlighted the urgent need for investment in rural schools, including library funding, school equipment and technology.
Now working in International Development in London, Sumaya said she felt privileged to study at Cambridge with the help of Rotary and emphasised the importance of continuing support for education in under-resourced areas.
Looking ahead, Ely Rotary is excited to welcome a new Global Scholar, Leonard Wang, who will arrive in August/September to pursue an MBA in Health and Public Health.
The club’s next fundraising event, Tea in a Tent, will take place on Tuesday 17 September, 3–5pm at St Mary’s Hall, Ely, where tea, cake and donations will be warmly received.
The Rotary Club of Ely meets most Thursday evenings at Ely Bowls Club and is part of a worldwide network of like-minded people serving their communities and international causes. Guest speakers are regularly invited, and new members are always welcome.
For more information, contact info@rotaryclubofely.co.uk or visit the club on Facebook: Rotary Club of Ely.