Inspiring Story of Service: Yashar Keramati and Rotary’s Impact
The Rotary Club of North Delta recently welcomed a special guest, Yashar Keramati, whose story inspired everyone in attendance. ...more
Yashar, a UBC student from Coquitlam, earned the prestigious Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar title for his outstanding achievements. This honour allowed him to study in South Africa, where he pursued a master’s degree focused on gangs, police corruption, and poverty in poor townships. While there, he founded Peace and Love International, a Canadian charity dedicated to helping communities through aid, youth programs, and education.
Living in South Africa’s ghettos, Yashar saw the devastating effects of violence and poverty. He wanted to help the injured but lacked medical training. This motivated him to become a doctor. Yashar chose to study medicine in Cuba, where hospitals operate with limited resources, similar to those in the areas he wanted to serve.
During this time, Yashar connected with Rotary World Help, a program that provides hospital equipment to underserved communities. Through Rotary’s support, he helped send over $2 million in medical supplies to Cuban hospitals.
Yashar continued to think creatively. He turned empty shipping containers—used to deliver supplies—into community spaces. One became a recording studio for youth to keep them away from gangs. Another was converted into an animal shelter.
After completing his medical degree in July 2024, he is working as a doctor in Cuba. Yashar credits Rotary for helping him make a difference.
“Rotary World Help provides shipping containers with medical equipment destined for some of the most needy hospitals in Cuba. This is all thanks to the amazing Rotarians and Rotary Clubs who breathe life into Rotary World Help. The spirit of Rotary inspires me to be a better person, and I’m so honoured to be a part of this special family. Our work will never be done, but we’ll never stop trying.”
Yashar’s journey shows how one person, with the right support, can create lasting change.
