Rotary’s Rotakids and Interact clubs are really stepping up to serve by transforming the lives of young people in these islands.
Today is Share Your Pledge Day, marking 18 months since the Step Up To Serve initiative was launched. Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland stepped up by pledging to create 300 Rotakids clubs and 125 Interact clubs by 2020. Following that promise, 55 new Rotakids and 40 new Interact clubs have been formed, offering exciting activities for all and adding to an ever growing portfolio of great learning opportunities.
The clubs are part of the Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland family which is home to hundreds of Rotary clubs. All Rotakids and Interact clubs are supported by Rotary members who help them achieve their goals by offering mentoring and advice. In total, there are 171 Rotakids clubs and 315 Interact clubs in Great Britain and Ireland with many more across the world.
Rotary GBI President Peter King believes Step Up To Serve has real value: “Being part of Step Up To Serve is like being part of a large family. All the organisations represented have one goal: to help young people be the best they can be and that matches the ethics of Rotary through and through.
“It is a real pleasure and privilege to help change the futures of young people all across the country and I invite members of the public to consider joining their local Rotary club and playing a positive part in their community. There are lots of opportunities to take part in fun and worthwhile activities.”
Lynne Deavin, Chair of Rotary GBI Youth Services Committee said: “We are well on the way to meeting our commitment to Step Up To Serve and helping hundreds of young lives along the way. It is wonderful to see young people aged between 7 and 18 creating their own learning journey and developing their self-confidence. The Rotakids and Interact clubs decide and organise their own projects, one of which must be based here in the UK and one which must be overseas. Both must have a positive social impact.
“A great example is the Dementia Cafe established at the Princes Risborough Day Centre by members of Princes Risborough School Interact Club. The day centre is run by local people making it very much a community project. Our Interactors fundraised for an interactive TV to be used in the residents’ lounge and created the café. Interactors visit regularly, meet and chat with clients which has proved to be huge success as the residents enjoy talking about their past. This is supported with images on the TV as appropriate. The school is also very supportive of this initiative as is Princes Risborough Rotary Club.”
Gwenda Griffiths, Interact Co-ordinator added: “Not only are they changing lives of other young people, they are changing their own lives by learning how to help others, how to organise and make great new friends in the process. Many Interact clubs will visit the overseas sites to see how their projects are progressing and help make them happen. All clubs are supported by their local Rotary club which further demonstrates Rotary’s commitment to keeping young people safe.”
Find out more by contacting your local Rotary club and discover a great adventure.
