A focus on Youth avenues of service

On May 7 we held an inspiring meeting with many people involved with many avenues of Rotary Youth. the meeting was entitled Rotaract & Interact Combined meeting & Rotary Exchange student program.

Pres Roger welcomed members & guests and handed the meeting over to Pascal Grant. Pascal outlined the focus of the meeting – to increase the visibility to club members the many aspects of Youth programs and Youth clubs including Rotaract and Interact, plus explore ways of interaction and support with our club.

The contributors to the evening that focused on Youth included:

  • ·      2 visiting Rotarians – Barry Starr (Mosman) & Kos Psaltis (Belrose).
  • Exchange Student from Japan – Kazushi Shimazu.
  • NB Rotaract – Ivey Chedid (President), Sam Wilkins (Past President), Jacqueline Berthold (Member)
  • Forest High Interact - Ben Argue (student support officer, Forest High), Ella Reeson (Interact, Forest High).
Left to right: Ben Argue, Kos Psaltis, Elana Anceva, Ella Reeson, Pascal Grant, Ivey Chedid, Sam Wilkins.

Rotaract:

Ivey Chedid outlined that she was a RYLA alumnus and after such a positive and meaningful experience gaining exposure to the skills of leadership joined Rotaract.

Ivey, passionate about RYLA

Elana Anceva outlined how her going to RYLA enticed her to join Rotaract. She outlined her takeaways from RYLA – understanding oneself; leading oneself before leading others; thinking about resilience differently especially learning to overcome challenges positively.

Elana saying how she benefited.

Both told of the amazing changes they experienced from attending RYLA and how this help them in their lives.

Sam Wilkins spoke about the challenge of being the only member of N B Rotaract during the Covid years but how the club has grown and interacts socially and volunteering with other Rotaract and Rotary clubs.

Sam, a frequent visitor to the club

All speakers said the best pathway to Rotary membership was Interact then Rotaract.

Youth Exchange Program:

Barry Starr (who has arranged and/or hosted 70 exchange students since 1992) told the meeting of the need for involvement of all clubs in the Youth Exchange program. Barry recounted the history of the student exchange program that started in 1958 and the continuing contact of former students with their host families since then.

Barry Starr explained the benefits of the exchange program

Exchange student from Japan Kazushi Shumuzu has stayed with Rick & Chiaki van Brugge for part of his visit.  

Kazushi told us about the experiences he has had in Australia. He said how much pleasure he has had living with host families and his trips to Alice Springs, Tasmania & the Gold Coast. He has now made many friends with other exchange students from other countries and understands so many new things.

Kaz told us how much he benefited from the exchange program

Interact Clubs:

Kos Psaltis (Belrose Rotary) outlined how the Belrose started Interact clubs and spoke of their success at Forest High where the principal is most supportive and introduced their student support officer, Ben Argue (a former school captain from Davidson High). 

Kos Psaltis

Ben outlined his role is to not only support young people with any challenges they face but also to entice them to become leaders. Interact allows young people with different skill sets to come together and build strong leadership skills and the club can become a task force to manage programs in community service and other ventures.

Ella Reeson (Interact, V P. Forest High) explained how the club organises of out of school projects and fundraisers. Also, the rostering of helpers for BBQs, Steptember program in conjunction with Cerebral Palsy alliance and the hosting of the Pan-Interact games (and the club’s very successful efforts of obtaining food from sponsor companies).

Left to Right: Ben Argue, Ella Reeson & Kos Psaltis

All members and attendees greatly appreciated the contribution of the Rotary youth representatives to the meeting. A far greater understanding of the many activities has been made and the keen participation of the presenters was most apparent.

left to right: Pascal Grant, Rick van Brugge, Barry Starr, Roger Gray, Kazushi Shumuzu

 --ooOoo--

Photos: John O'Brien

Welcome Visitors:

We were very fortunate to have a visiting honorary club member, PP John Havilah, PHF and wife Sue come to the meeting. They are enjoying retirement at Noosaville in Queensland.  John was a founding member of the club in 1974.

John and Sue Havilah

Forward Planning:

The club turns 50 on June 19, 2024.  We are holding a special anniversary meeting and changeover on that date- here are the details including Trybooking info:

It promises to be a highly enjoyable fun evening with something for everyone who knows of the club.

Back by popular demand:


It is fun for all ages and the barbecue at the finish is always enjoyable. Bring all the family for a great time! Kids - free entry...

FORWARD PLANNING:


Finally:



 


 


 

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