G’DAY FROM ROTARY DOWN UNDER
Yesterday, I spoke to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) /Interact person Liam James who gave both PP Robin and I valuable info and insight into the merits of the RYLA program. This is something very important for us to consider – fostering Young Talent for the Future – through the RYLA/RYPEN/ROTORACT programs – I also met a young East Timorese Interactor, from Tetum,Timor Leste Eddie, who completed the programs and has returned to lead the way for other young Timorese. This program received sponsorship from the Mining and Gas companies in WA and the Rotary District of 9685. The Rotary Youth Program of Encouragement (RYPEN) was introduced to improve self-esteem, motivation, and develop life skills such as creative thinking, to help RYPEN-ians achieve their full potential. This model is perfect for us in Bali and also Sumba/Sumbawa and Flores.
Best Wishes
Barbara Mackenzie
ROTARACT, INTERACT, AND RYLA
Leadership is an essential aspect of Rotary—and we offer both clubs and programs to help emerging leaders develop their skills. Through these groups, participants strengthen their leadership skills, serve their communities, increase their world understanding, build friendships, and more.
ROTARACT
Rotaract brings together people ages 18-30 in universities and communities worldwide to organize service activities, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun. Rotary clubs sponsor them, but Rotaract members manage and fund their clubs independently. Rotaract members work closely with their local Rotary club, and may join after their Rotaract membership ends.INTERACT
Interact is a club for youth ages 12-18 who want to connect with others in their community or school. Interact club members have fun while carrying out service projects and learning about the world. Interact clubs organize at least two service projects a year: one that benefits their community and one that encourages international understanding. While Interact clubs receive guidance from individual Rotary clubs, they govern and support themselves.
RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) is a 3 day camp and program for 14 to 17 year old boys and girls. The aim is to communicate to these young people a series of ideas, problems and social experiences which will assist them in forming their own values and moral standards, and also to broaden their horizons culturally, socially and academically.
RYPEN is an intensive program, consisting of plenary sessions, workshops, sport and entertainment activities. Participants are given the opportunity to learn from achievers in the worlds of business, sport and entertainment and presenters will talk at keynote sessions and share their experiences with participants while emphasizing the need to work hard and stay focused. At the same time participants are interacting with peers from different backgrounds and also improving their teamworking and leadership skills. This is all done in an informal atmosphere, where questions and debate are encouraged.
Nominees are accommodated in dormitory style modern rooms, and all meals are provided in a communal dining room. The District RYPEN Committee live in for the duration of the camp and provide counselling and security.
The motto for RYPEN, ‘The Cultivation of Youth’, emerged from the very first camp back in 1980.