Guests: Francis Roberts, Louise Mugavin
Apologies: Sharon Kenny, Janet Blackley, John Hunt
Announcements:
- Debbie reminded members that there will be another book sale on the 4th July.
- Rachel introduced Francis Robert’s to members. Francis is being sponsored by our Club to attend a RYLA course on Phillip Island in July. Francis thanked members for the opportunity to attend.
- Congratulations Chris a the preparation of the Annual Report.
- Tony has contacted John Hunt. “He’s okay but still got a long way to go. He said to say hello to everyone”
We welcomed Louise Mugavin as our guest speaker.
Louise was born in Warrnambool. Her parents ran a dairy farm and there were 9 children in the family. She did her whole education from Prep to yr 12 at Emmanuel College, formerly St Annes college She was Head prefect in yr 12.
After completing yr 12 in 1975 and in 1976 as a 17 yr old she was sponsored by the East Warrnambool Rotary Club as an exchange student to the Philippines. She boarded a plane to Manila the following January and “had the best year of her life” living with 8 Filipino families throughout that year. She attended the local university and embraced the Filipino way of life. Her wealthy host families were very generous and hospitable. The households had servants catering for all their needs and Louise was included in their holidays and social activities. She attended the local university where most of the students were from poor families so she got to witness the wide disparity in wealth in that city. At University she made many friends with whom she is still in contact with.
Louise is forever thankful for the opportunity that Rotary offered her.
Thank you Louise for sharing your Youth Exchange experience. It demonstrates the importance of the program to promote international friendships and understanding.
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Congratulations to President Peter Smid on a wonderful year within our Rotary Club
