Educating Our Youth

Interact

‘Interact’ is a global community of youth-run service groups connected to the Rotary International organisation.

Interact members are aged between 13 - 18 and are school-based. Interact Clubs enable students to develop leadership skills and personal integrity while helping others. Interact benefits its young members, the sponsoring Rotary club and the community that the Interactors serve.

As the third of its kind in South Australia, and the first in the norther suburbs of Adelaide, Rotary International recognised the establishment of Gawler & District College’s Interact club in 2019.

Prior to Rotary International recognition, the club had run community projects such as a sustainability project in the Gawler wetlands and a stationery drive for underprivileged schoolchildren.

Inaugural Club president Renee Chamberlain thanked the efforts of the Gawler Light Rotary Club for helping it be officially recognised.

The Interact project is about developing young leaders and as one of two local Rotary clubs, we are proud to be associated with the Interact club at Gawler & Districts College. It’s also about fostering a volunteering culture, which is strong in South Australia.

RYPEN - Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment

RYPEN is a youth leadership program aimed at 14 to 17 year olds. It aims to motivate and inspire, facilitate trust, increase self esteem, encourage commitment, understand personal responsibility, broaden horizons, and build team and leadership skills. RYPEN is a live in Camp in about April of each year and is normally held at the Nunyara Conference Centre Belair.

Gawler Light Light sponsors two students with leadership potential who will benefit from a learning experiance where they can gain confidence in a supportive environment. Qualified and trained people from Rotary, RYLA and Rotary Youth Programs are program leaders for the weekend. All of those working during the RYPEN Weekend are required to complete the mandatory Working with Children checks.

NYSF - National Youth Science Forum

The National Youth Science Forum offers Students in Year 11 a chance to test drive potential careers in science. Participants will do actual experiments in Laboratories and visit a range of industry and research facilities. Nominations open in March and there is a fairly rigorous interview process as places are limited. The Forums are held in January in Canberra and Perth over 10 days in the following year. The Rotary Club of Gawler Light provides guidance and support to a Student to help them qualify through the interview process. If successful, the Club will sponsor the Student to attend the Forum

Gawler Light Rotary congratulates Emma Gard (2014 awardee) on her award as Dux of Trinity with hear year 12 results (see http://www.trinity.sa.edu.au/news-events/latest-news/61-news-events/latest-news/740-2014-sace-results for more info)

RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Award

The RYLA participants are 18-25 year olds. RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth, provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders.

Rotaract

Rotaract targets members between the age of 18 and 30. Rotaract Clubs enable Rotaractors to grow personally and professionally, address community needs, and promote international understanding through friendship and service.

The Rotary Club of Gawler Light is keen to commence a Rotaract Club within the area. Please contact president@gawlerlightrotary.org to register your interest.