ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE- 2022/23
Oct 19, 2022
Rotary Youth Exchange finally made it out of the pandemic! As some clubs know in late March of 2020 the worldwide pandemic caused a disruption in Rotary Youth Exchange for two years.
Finally, in September 2021, we were able to start up and make attempts to recruit students willing and courageous enough to apply. We had excellent communication with our partner countries who we have trusted and exchanged with in the past knowing all steps were being taken to ensure students safety (students and host families being vaccinated against Covid 19). We were fortunate to be able to send 19 outbounds from our district (11 Canadians and 8 Americans) to go abroad for one academic school year to be ambassadors for Rotary and for their communities. Rotary Youth Exchange is not a “trip” it’s a life experience unlike any other experience they will have, and it will shape the lives of these future leaders. Rotary Youth Exchange is about learning a new culture, language and making lifetime friendships but it’s also about creating a more peaceful world and having a better understanding of other people’s culture while dispelling any preconceived ideas about others. The students, both inbound and outbounds not only impact their peers they can impact the lives of Rotarians, teachers, host families and anyone they are involved with which assists in peace and understanding in the world. We currently have 19 students (outbound) living in 16 countries around the world!
September 16-18, 2022, we had our Inbound Orientation held in Wenatchee, Washington. It was a great weekend, and all the Wenatchee clubs kicked it off with a great BBQ for everyone held at the Wenatchee Rotary Park. The 19 students were very excited to get to know each other and had 2 days before having to part ways until the next event.
In December 9-11, 2022, the inbound students will have the opportunity to be hosted by Silverstar and Kalamalka Rotary clubs in Vernon, B.C for a weekend – Weekend in the Snow! This is usually a highlight for many students as they get to ski and enjoy some fun exchanging gifts and for some it may be their first-time seeing snow!
In February 24-26, 2023, is another exciting weekend as it’s when our inbound students get to meet up again, but they also get a chance to meet the new outbound students who will be heading out on exchange in their countries. This weekend is being hosted by the Merritt Rotary club. These students bond fast and make friendships while learning as much as they can about their “new country”.
March 31-April 2, 2023 is another fun filled weekend in Penticton, B.C. as this is an opportunity for Inbound students, Outbound students and their parents to meet learning more about their countries and asking questions. Parents learn more about how Rotary Youth Exchange works and why it’s the safest, best, and “cheapest” exchange around.
If anyone wants to know more about Rotary Youth Exchange, please look at District clubrunner page under the Youth tab and you can see everything about Youth Exchange plus videos. If you know of a student or parent who wants to know more, please send them www.studyabroadscholarships.org which will provide them with information on Rotary Youth Exchange program.
Any club or Rotarian who wants to know more please email – Martha Kennedy District 5060 Rotary Youth Exchange Chair at 43863mjk@gmail.com.