Port Nicholson Youth 1 Nov 2017
For those who were unable to attend this Wednesday’s meeting you missed a cracker.
A full house with the average age of members significantly reduced by the impressive line-up of representatives from Interact - Luke Whitehead, Isobel Jaspers and Ella Thorpe, Rotoract - Chelsea Steen Jones and ably lead by Fatuma Mohammed, Head Girl of Wellington Girls College and Thomas Stewart, Head Boy of Wellington College.
Rotary members were engaged and entertained as we were updated on their year of challenges, successes and learnings.
A number of themes emerged as each student stepped up to speak to the activities and events they had organised with their insights the most memorable.
Leadership
Living well, learning about values and leadership, gaining respect, making the best of every endeavour, and growing personally through their experiences in a way that was humble and inspiring. A year full of activities as volunteers, while they juggled study commitments. And as they come to the end of their year turning their minds to how they can build on their successes by coaching and
Change guiding new members and exploring ideas about an Interact Council in the future.
‘how a small number of people can transform a place’ (insights after volunteering at Zealandia)
Community and contribution
A genuine interest in serving their community, learning about the struggles of others as they packed parcels for Red Cross, contributed to Youth Line, supported refugees in their community, and made banners for a street appeal and for their club.
‘getting the most out of unsung work rather than being in the lime-light’ (insights after working in a kitchen supporting refugees)
Team work and connection
Working together, learning what it takes to create memorable events such as the Blue Dragon Quiz Night to raise funds to fight international child trafficking. Here they partnered up with the Intercontinental Hotel, teachers, students, and Rotarians (drum roll Christopher and Gillian) to deliver a highly successful, quality evening, endorsed by members in the room who attended.
And the value of the connection with Port Nic Rotarians, the support that is offered, the linkages with key projects, the food which is always appreciated, and knowing we like them!
‘learning from each other and growing the club’
Summary
If we had a dollar for every time these young New Zealand leaders offered thanks, acknowledgements and gratitude to others we’d have enough to build another house in Fiji.
Our future looked pretty secure from where I sat.
Julie Hood
.JPG)
.JPG)
Would you like to become and Earth Angel?
