Rotary Peace Program in Hiroshima and Aline, Oleander Aluma, on Lebanese Television
October was a busy month for the Oleander Initiative!
First, eleven Rotarians, including our first participants from Russia attended a four day program in Hiroshima. Shortly after, the Lebanese teacher who led the Resilience, Rebuilding and Peace Program during February, 2025 went on a week long media blitz with her students. She appeared on four nationally televised programs, bringing the lessons of Hiroshima to thousands of Lebanese viewers.
Oleander Alumna brings Hiroshima Peace Culture to Thousands of Viewers on Four Lebanese TV shows
During February, 2025, Aline, a Lebanese high school teacher, and seven of her students attended the Oleander Resilience, Rebuilding and Peace Program in Hiroshima.
Aline and her students at the Resilience, Rebuilding and Peace Program in Hiroshima
Upon their return, Aline’s students impacted hundreds of students and teachers at their school by establishing an origami peace club and giving school wide presentations about Hiroshima’s peace culture.
Last month, Aline and her students further extended their impact by bringing Hiroshima peace culture to thousands of viewers in Lebanon on four television shows including:
Al Jadeed (click to view interview in Arabic)
Morning Catchy Talk: (Click to View interview in Arabic)
Murr Television: Click to view Interview in Arabic
OTV Lebanon (Click to View Interview in Arabic)
We are so proud of Aline and her students! Aline hopes to continue bringing the lessons of Hiroshima to Lebanon by implementing a second program for Lebanese students during February, 2026. Please consider making a donation to increase the number of students at the link at the endo this email.
October 2025 Rotary Peace Study Tour of Hiroshima
During October, 2025 eleven Rotarians from Canada, the US, and for the first time, Russia traveled to Hiroshima to study the remarkable culture of peace that grew out of the atomic bombing.
Group Photo with Hibaku-jomoku Survivor Tree
This program focused on incorporating the lessons Hiroshima – resilience, pacifism, the power of optimism and many others – into Rotary service. The October, 2025 program was the third program designed specifically for Rotarians, see previous Rotary Programs HERE.
Rotarians from the October, 2026 with Sadae Kasakoka, a survivor of the atomic bombing
“The most important concept we learned is one of resilience and positivity. The community of Hiroshima, and Japan as a whole endured devastation during war times. Hiroshima was rebuilt into a beautiful city, with such a strong focus on peace and it is truly incredible and inspiring.”
-Andre, Rotarian from Canada
The Oleander Initiative will be implementing its fourth Rotary program in Hiroshima during June,2026. We are proud about our ongoing relationship with one of the world’s foremost service organizations that now includes over 40 participants from four continents.
Warm Wishes for Peace,
Ray Matsumiya
Director, Oleander Initiative