Press Release from RIBI

September 2004

ROTARY WELCOMES 150 AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARS

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars who are enrolling this month at universities across Great Britain and Ireland will be given an official welcome at a briefing weekend in Leeds from 24th-26th September.

The scholars are from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand, Samoa, Switzerland, Taiwan and USA.

In total, 150 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars have been selected to participate in the post-graduate programme at British and Irish Universities. The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships programme is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. The programme sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies.

While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.

Each Ambassadorial Scholar is funded by the Rotary Foundation at a cost of up to $25,000 each. Funds have been raised by Rotary clubs throughout the world, and through private and corporate donations. This academic year there are 1100 students studying abroad on the programme supported by the Rotary Foundation.

Each year the Rotary Foundation provides scholarships and grants amounting to $100 million for education programmes throughout the world. Since 1947 more than 36,000 men and women from 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program ranking alongside prestigious names such as Fulbright, Rhodes, Carnegie, Luce, and Gates.

From July 1st 2004, for twelve months, Rotarians in Great Britain and Ireland celebrate a century of service to their communities.

Notes to Editors
Rotary is an organisation of business and professional men and women who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. Members carry out this work in their community and/or overseas by giving their time and their expertise.

A Rotary Club is open to men and women who are business, professional or community leaders who want to use their experience for the benefit of others. Paul Harris formed the world’s first service club in Chicago on 23rd February 1905. The name Rotary is derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices. Today there are some 1.2 million Rotary club members of more than 30,000 clubs in 166 countries.

For general information on Rotary in your area, contact the local Rotary Club President, details from Robin Freeman telephone 01789 765411