Category Archives: Youth

Paying it Forward 2018

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The Paying it Forward presentation at last week’s meeting was very informative, with Andre, Jarrad (students) and Gaby (youth chaperone) telling us about their experiences. Andre, who is an exchange student from Brazil, found it to be an enjoyable experience and particularly liked meeting the locals and experiencing their lifestyle. Jarrad enjoyed meeting and helping new people, whilst Gaby enjoyed being part of the village. Lyn (Jarrad’s mother) thanked the club for giving her son the opportunity for a fantastic experience. Kellie spoke about the plan for the next three years as the previous project has now been completed. She told us that the plan is to erect Kindergartens and a Primary school on three other islands. There are expressions of assistance from three other clubs in the north east and the ultimate goal is for Paying it Forward to become a recognised District project.This year there will be two groups; years 9 & 10 in July and 11/12 in November. There are already 10 nominations for November. Rod Bramich announced he wouldn’t be going this year although will continue to help out with the organisational details. Rod has put the call out for members to think about becoming chaperones to assist

Paying it Forward

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Guest speakers were Rod Bramich and Kellie Kadaoui. They spoke about the paying it forward schoolies project in Fiji and introduced some of this year’s participants. These were Nicolo Persia, Ella Clarke, Caroline Hvid, Bronte Lee, Joey Peterson and Jared Irving, each of whom spoke about what they hope to gain from the project.

It was great to hear how enthusiastic they all are to provide service above self for the people in Fiji. It was also fantastic to hear that all money raised for the project is spent in Fiji. One of the great things about money raised by Rotary is that 100% of it goes to the selected charity without money being siphoned off for admin etc. Another great thing about this project is that The Rotary Club of Milawa Oxley is also engaged and have made several visits to help with building and maintenance.

Rod reported that the locals are incredibly enthusiastic about the project and are always willing to lend a hand. In fact, they occasionally need to be discouraged from doing some things. Another interesting fact is that when westerners go there to help, they generally stay in the nearby resort. Our club members were the first Rotarians to actually stay in the village, which is very much appreciated by the locals. I am incredibly grateful to – and proud of – those club members who are involved in this and the Kitenden project. We certainly have a large reach around the globe!