The Interact Club of Llantwit Major has become the first Interact club within RIBI to organise and stage a peace conference. Entitled ‘Peace throughout the World’ the event took place on July 17 at Llantwit Major Comprehensive School.
Interactors decided to stage the event after attending the Rotary Peace Conference at Atlantic College last year and becoming inspired to do something to promote peace themselves.
The proceedings were hosted by Interact President, Zoe Roberts and Vice President, Glen O’Leary. Speakers included Chiel Mooij, Head of Peace and Conflict Studies at Atlantic College, Phil Hibbert, Bethel Baptist Minister and the new Police Commissioner for South East Wales, Alun Michael.
Peace songs were sung by Interactors and a drama, coordinated by the incoming Interact President, Elly Jennings, was performed about young people deciding not to take part in violence. Videos about peace from students and members of the community were also screened, including one from the Reverend Hugh Butler, Rector of the Llantwit Major Benefice.
David Curtis, Rotary District Governor and Christine James, President of the Rotary Club of Llantwit Major, presented the organisers with certificates of achievement signed by the president of Rotary International.
The Interactors presented an olive tree to Headmaster, Dr Vince Browne, who said: “I am very proud of what the Interact members have achieved in organising such a successful day. The olive tree will be planted in the school grounds as a sign of peace and a reminder of the first peace conference to be held at the school.”
The Interact Club of Llantwit Major was formed five years ago by the Rotary Club of Llantwit Major and Llantwit Major Comprehensive School. It provides a forum for 14–18 year olds to help their local community and with almost 50 members, is the largest Interact club in Wales. The club meets weekly to devise plans for raising money and helping good causes. Rotarian and Past District Governor, Don Carley, also attends the meetings to offer advice and encouragement.
