KHS student/artist Sama Cooper Photo: Michael Small
COVID has made life difficult for our Rotary involvement with young people over the past six months or so. However we have kept our networks going. Working in partnership with the other three local Clubs Central Blue, Katoomba and Blackheath and the E-Club (our Rotary Hub) we are committed to connecting to and investing in our young people in the Mountains. We have continued to promote Rotary’s Youth Service Programs through communicating with our local schools.
Firstly, we do this through Rotary’s Youth Service Programs that develop leadership by providing learning and leadership opportunities. Unfortunately most of Rotary’s Youth Service Programs for 2020, such as RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment), MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly), had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. The RYPEN Summer Camp will now be online and is scheduled for next February 2021. It will be over two weekends ( February 5-7 and 13-14 ). However RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) did go ahead this year in January. This excellent program is held annually in January at Elanora Heights and applicants must be between 18 and 26 years of age and have left school for a year. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 RYLA will not be happening until 2022. Great news though we do have an outstanding applicant for 202
The renowned Rotary Youth Exchange Program (RYEP) provides young people around the world with unique opportunities to experience first hand many lifestyles and cultures of different countries. Great ABC story about Rotary's Youth Exchange program, in a COVID environment.
Secondly, by supporting Youth Projects and Events in the local community and involving young people in fundraising efforts to support these projects. In 2019 our Rotary Club under the leadership of club member Bill Pixton worked together with MYST (Mountains Youth Services Team) to support a ‘Music Mentoring Project’ through helping to fund the fitting out of the recording room and to repair drum kits and fix the sound equipment. The young musicians were mentored by professional songwriters and musicians, resulting in the launch of the Youth Band ‘Safire Palm’ and the release of their single at ‘Funktion at the Junction’ at Junction 142 on 26 October 2019.he Operations Manager of MYST, Kim Scanlon, was also a guest speaker at our breakfast meeting on 15 October 2019 where she outlined what MYST does and what the Music Mentoring Project would involve.Also two of the young musicians involved in this project, Rory and Nic came along and helped out at our September BBQ at Woolworths.
Members of our Rotary Club were invited to attend the Upper Blue Mountains Dance Festival that was held at Katoomba High School on 15 October 2019. Four of our members attended this wonderful event (Anne M, Jenny H, Peter S, Sandra de ) and were very impressed with the talent of these amazing young people. Congratulations must go to all participating students, teachers and schools who helped to make this event such a success, showcasing what our Primary and Secondary students are doing in the creative area of Dance.
Two Year 12 students and two Year 11 from Katoomba High School, were guest speakers at our breakfast meetings in June and September via zoom along with staff member Mrs Charmaine Tully. They spoke about career path planning and their participation in TAFE as part of their Higher School Certificate studies.
Thirdly, recognising students who exemplify Rotary’s ideals of service through offering awards for exemplary young people in the local community. Our club in 2019 funded an award to be made to a student/students at Katoomba High School. The award acknowledges those students who have achieved or done something for their school community. Three of our members, President Paul Campbell, Jenny Hartnett, and Sandra de Gruchy attended Katoomba High School’s 2019 Presentation Night. It was a pleasure to be part of this Awards Evening to recognise the many achievements of the students at Katoomba High School.
Working with our Youth, instills Rotary’s values in future generations to come. As they become our Youth grow to become adult leaders, it is hoped each will achieve that same desire and spirit to serve future generations. As Rotarians we have been inspired, entertained and impressed by some amazing young people who are achieving great things in their communities. It is our Youth of today that will be the Rotarians of tomorrow!