Nurturing tomorrow’s leaders

In a bid to ensure that tomorrow’s leaders are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need, a new community youth club is on the cards.

At an induction late last month run by the Rotaract Club of Apia in partnership with United States Embassy, the youngest executive members were welcomed into the Rotary family.

The day saw the involvement of two pioneering Interact Clubs – one from Robert Louis Stevenson School, with 30 members, and the other Club from St. Mary’s, which boasts an impressive 40 members.

According to Rotaract President, Kaisarina Salesa, the workshop was to both teach and build the leadership capacity of young students from both Robert Louis Stevenson College and St. Mary's pioneer Interact club members.

“Interact is a service club created and established by Rotary International in recognition of the potential of young people from the age of 12 - 18 who want to commit to changing their communities and the world through charity projects,” she said.

“Interact or International Action is the perfect opportunity for young people to carry out community service projects for the betterment of their society as well as teaching them the value of service above self."

“It is also an opportunity where young people can generate international understanding by partnering up with other Interact Clubs around the world to breach the gap between countries, regions through projects that will promote friendship and goodwill."

“It is a club where young people can also realise their leadership potentials to be community leaders, national leaders and to be role models for other young people.”

Ms. Salesa said the decision to start up the new club came from Rotaract members, who saw the potential for young Samoans still in high school to serve their communities beyond their usual capacities and existing mechanisms.

“It was also identified by Rotaract that while leadership and service above self was already evident in these young Samoans, it was realised they had no idea how to translate their willingness in doing charitable works for their schools or communities."

“The youth of Samoa are the leaders of today and being able to build their capacity at a young age means that Samoa will see a much more capable and well equipped generation who the people of Samoa can entrust its future to.” Ms. Salesa said the feedback from the new Interactors on the induction day was encouraging.

“They were impressed by how global it is,” said the President."

“They were happy that there was something for them as an extracurricular activity."

“They were motivated and determined to start making a change however small in their school and eventually their communities."

“And thankful that they are recognised and acknowledged as leaders of today and partners for tomorrow's future.”

Ms Salesa said an official launch of both Clubs would be set for a later date.

“Until the inaugural ceremony and certification process completed by Rotary International, both Interact Clubs will be launched at a later date and time,” she said.

“So the launch will be confirmed until all procedures have been completed.”

She said once the Clubs are up and running, the types of projects that the students would be involved with included ones surrounding compost bins, access to clean water, upgrade of science labs, the Christmas giving tree and better roads to their schools.

“The community can also get involved by offering any support to the Interact Clubs for their projects,” she said.

“In particular, moral, technical and funding support whatever the project may be that the Interactors carry out.”

Ms Salesa said this project would not have been possible if it wasn't for the federal assistance provided by the US Embassy in Apia.