PENAMPANG: A postponed installation last November did not stop Misompuru Toastmasters Club from returning stronger. At its Installation Night, incoming President Caroline Kunju unveiled the theme “Effort Yields Harvest” to mark a new chapter for the club.
Caroline, who also serves as Area K3 Director, spoke at the club’s fifth installation saying, “Challenges will come, and in the end, what matters most is how we overcome them,” she said.
Explaining her presidential theme, she said a harvest does not happen overnight. It takes planting, nurturing and perseverance, along with effort, patience and commitment, before the fruits of one’s labour can be enjoyed.
She said the theme is closely connected to Kadazan-Dusun culture and the spirit of Kaamatan.
“My hope is that, as we celebrate the Harvest Festival in May 2027, Misompuru Toastmasters Club will also celebrate our own harvest of success, standing proudly at the District Conference in Kuching,” she said.
She likened the Toastmasters journey to planting. Members build resilience by stepping onto the stage when they feel nervous, taking on roles when they are unsure and learning from their mistakes.
She paid tribute to Immediate Past President and Organising Chairperson Datuk Joanna Kitingan for leading the club to the prestigious Smedley Award 2025–2026 and achieving a perfect 10 out of 10 in the Distinguished Club Program (DCP).
“You have certainly raised the benchmark and left me with big shoes to fill. Rather than being intimidated, I choose to see them as an inspiration to do my very best,” she said.
She thanked the organising team, her mentors, past presidents, the executive committee and club members for their trust.
“I know there will be challenges, but I also know I am not walking this journey alone,” she said.
“In Misompuru, our goal is simple: stay focused, be resilient and keep going. Yes, our fifth installation did not happen as planned. But more importantly, we are here now. So together, let us plant for tomorrow, nurture with patience and persevere with resilience, so that with great effort, we may yield a great harvest,” she shared.-BNN
