One of the key events in the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme is the Orientation weekend for both Inbound and Outbound students and their parents and mentors. This year our venue was the Foxton Bible Camp.  

 
The purpose of Orientation is to formally prepare the NZ students for their travel overseas and to reinforce the behavioural standards and expectations for the international students already here.  The topics that are covered include;
  • Staying safe and healthy in another country
  • How to prepare a powerpoint presentation
  • Culture Shock and how to manage the ups and downs
  • Mentors and Parents information
  • The 6 D’s (6 don’ts)
  • The reason for Police Vetting
  • Travelling to another country
  • Getting to know your personality type
  • Learning our waiata for Marae weekend - E Toru Nga Mea
  • How to be confident with the Rotary handshake and smile
We would like to thank Rotarians Ash Dahya and Grant McRae for adding their professional knowledge as GP and Pharmacist to the programme and Inspector Mark Harrison (MNZM, PHF) from the NZ Police for talking to us about his experiences as Police Liaison for a number of Olympic and Paralympic Games.  John Granville the District Rotary Youth Liaison and John Morrison passed on their vast knowledge about Police vetting and RYE rules and processes.   DG Martin started proceedings with his wise words and we thank him once again for giving up his time to support this valuable programme. From the experienced and knowledgeable presenters, the students, parents and mentors certainly took away a number of tips and hints that will assist in the 12 months ahead.
Saturday night is the time for each student to give a 5 minute presentation, usually on their aspirations and goals of their exchange.  This year we thought we would mix it up a bit and gave them a couple of questions that they would talk about;
“If you were having a dinner party and could invite 4 people:
  • Who would the 4 people be?
  • Why would you invite them? and
  • What would you talk about?
We had some very interesting and thought provoking answers.  Imagine the conversations around dinner tables with people such as: Cleopatra, Nelson Mandela, Beyonce, Angela Merkel, Richie McCaw, Anne Frank, Mother Teresa, God, Barack Obama, Mahatma Ghandi… to name a few.
Past DG Deb Gimblett took on a catering role for us over the weekend and everyone gives her and her team of helpers a heartfelt thank-you for the tasty and plentiful food provided.
A highlight was a visit to Foxton Beach where a hoard of sparklers was produced and we watched the sun go down in a very fresh breeze. I even think a couple of brave souls took their shoes off and went for a paddle!
A great weekend, with fantastic people and lots of useful information - what more could we want!
Lynne Phillips
Chair District 9940
Rotary Youth Exchange Committee