JUBAIL, 7 April 2003 — Toastmasters International has chartered a new club in Saudi Arabia — Global Toastmasters Club 3602-79P. This new group is the fourth Toastmasters club for Jubail and is an indication of the growing interest in the organization in the Kingdom.
It has also been announced that as of July 1, the Gulf Toastmasters Council (GTC) will become a Provisional District of Toastmasters International. This move will allow individuals not only to participate in regional Toastmasters competitions, but also to have the opportunity of competing at global events, such as those held at the Toastmasters International Convention.
“We applaud the efforts of the Toastmasters clubs in Jubail in promoting the organization in their area,” said Syed Abu Zafar, Division A governor of GTC. “There are 17 areas in seven countries that are a part of the GTC. Jubail is the youngest GTC area, but they have a very high level of enthusiasm. I hope they are able to maintain their energy and initiative in coming years.”
The Global Toastmasters Club was founded because the total membership at other Jubail clubs had increased past the recommended levels. According to the Toastmasters International guidelines, each club should limit membership to about 30 people. This enables everyone in the group to have ample opportunities to practice the art of communication and serve in club leadership positions.
“With the chartering of the Global Toastmasters Club, more individuals in Jubail will have the chance to join Toastmasters and benefit from the skills taught by the organization,” said S. Waheed Lateef, president of Global Toastmasters Club. “We are hoping to attract more Saudis from the industries based in the city because we hope that once they experience Toastmasters, they will want to set up corporate clubs at the companies where they work. We also plan to expand the Toastmasters Youth Leadership programs and Speech Craft for Teachers programs throughout the Jubail schools. Individual Toastmasters gain valuable experience by presenting these workshops, and students and teachers gain important skills. These workshops are a way for Toastmasters to give something back to the community.”
The Global Toastmasters Club chartering ceremony was attended by over 150 Toastmasters and guests. It included an International Taped Speech Contest and buffet dinner. The guest of honor for the evening, Salah M. Al-Rushaid, customer services manager, MARAFIQ, urged the group to increase their efforts to publicize the organization’s activities.
“Most of the problems in this world could be solved if there were better communications between peoples,” said Al-Rushaid. “As Saudis we need the knowledge taught at Toastmasters because in the past our culture hasn’t encouraged us to speak out. Our basic education system doesn’t provide many opportunities for us to express our views before a group. When we attend university, there are more chances for such expression, but by then we are already reticent. Toastmasters is especially good at allowing people to gain experience in the areas of leadership, management and communications. Excellent skills in these areas will help a person succeed in life.”
