Interact at Rotary Kawerau

Interact Club at Whakatane High School ----  

 

Linda Bonne is Rotarian from Whakatane Sunrise Club and she is also a teacher at Whakatane High School where she is very involved with the active Interact club, one of 10 Interact clubs in District 9930.

 

Interact is a club for young people ages 12-18 who want to join together to tackle the issues in their community that they care most about.

With Interact, you can:  Carry out hands-on service projects  Make international connections  Develop leadership skills  Have fun

Every Interact club carries out two service projects a year: one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding.  Service projects are an effective way for Interact clubs to take action at home and abroad, connect with other young leaders, and get members excited about their club.

 

The Whakatane Club has been active since 2012 and they meet once every week at lunchtime and has up to 50 members.  Two students also attend the Rotary meeting each week.  The club has a high profile at Whakatane High School and they volunteer for many community projects such as the “Hospice Sunshine on a Plate” fundraiser.  They have been involved in raising money for Shelter Boxes and with Outward Bound. 
   
President: Angus Ririnui-Tioke   027.6144069    angustioke@yahoo.com   Secretary : Brian Faulkner 308.8524   brian.faulkner@xtra.co.nz  Treasurer:  Gail Dobbin 027.4829130  gail.dobbin@xtra.co.nz 2 Mawake Road, Kawerau http://www.kaweraurotary.org.nz 
 
Wednesday 7th August 2019 --- At Jive Café 

Linda is the District Chair for Interact.  She said that the essence of Interact is about self-leadership in a safe environment but it also need enthusiastic teacher input. And she said the Interactors were refreshing, vibrant and interactive, and add greatly to the Rotary Club.

 

Kevin Paulsen is following in his sister’s footsteps as she was also very involved with Interact.  He is the current President.  He said it is a great opportunity to be a part of the community this way.  It was a big learning curve about the community and working with other generations.

 

One big successful fundraiser they helped organise was a Pink Ribbon Breakfast.  And they are about to hold a Debate for the upcoming Mayoral Elections.  

 

Kya Keepa spoke about being in Interact is good for their profile; it can lead on to becoming a prefect in Year 13, and it is great to have on one’s CV.  She has found that it has helped her develop her life skills and to mature as a person.

 

Angus thanked them for coming along to our meeting and said it was amazing to see such growth in young people.  He wished them well in all their endeavours.