Fair Lawn Rotarians Welcome Exchange Student
Fair Lawn Rotarians once again open their arms to promote peace and understanding throughout the world by once again hosting a foreign exchange student. Rotarians recently welcomed Mateus L., an exchange student from Birigui Brazil. Mateus will be joining the senior class at Fair Lawn High School to learn about American culture and customs.
Mateus originally commenced his Student Exchange in Amityville, Long Island, NY; however due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy Mateus’ year abroad would have come to a halt and he would have had to return to Brazil. Through Rotary District-wide efforts, The Rotary Club of Fair Lawn was able to coordinate bringing Mateus here to Fair Lawn to complete his studies.
Stu Herrmann, President 2012-2013, receives Rotary Club of Birigui Cidade Perola's banner from Mateus
Mateus’ year as an exchange student was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Birigui Cidade Perola, Rotary District 4470. For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary Districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs. Rotary clubs are made up of volunteers who are involved in community service, emphasize high ethical standards, and work toward peace and understanding in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides support for Youth Exchange. Rotary International maintains a strong connection to youth and young adults. Besides Youth Exchange, Rotary clubs sponsor youth service clubs such as Interact , Rotaract , and RYLA and offer career development and mentoring programs.
Rotary is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in its programs, including Youth Exchange.
To learn more about Rotary Youth Exchange, please take the following link to Rotary International: http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/youthprograms/rotaryyouthexchange/pages/ridefault.aspx