On 13th October several members of the Club didn't get to our lunch instead they were taking Rotary out into the Community. This was our first involvement in the Kingston Employability Festival, an initiative of Lisa Gagliani and Kingston Chamber of Commerce. Rather than write an article I asked everyone who participated to write a few words. As you will see it was considered to be very worthwhile event.
'At a time when youth unemployment is reaching ever increasing levels any assistance we can give young people to assist in their quest must be of benefit and given the opportunities Rotary has to offer we must stop being a best kept secret. In the afternoon session we were approached by a young girl called Gwen who had brought her younger brother along. Gwen explained she had been on the recent Youth Exchange to Germany and was able to enthuse about her experiences to the teenagers gathered around. Whilst it is one thing for Rotarians to espouse the virtues, it‟s another for someone who has enjoyed the experience of an exchange.‟
'Yes, definitely exceeded my expectations. It was also enlightening to find the media stereotypical 'teenager' of the 21st C is not 100% of teenagers. Even though we were not a potential employer, so many were enthusiastic about volunteering at fireworks and the Christmas tree and Youth Exchange opportunities. I hope we are able to fulfil some of their expectations - might be tough but I'm sure Rotary will do its best, and succeed, as always.
Also, we have found one very enthusiastic Food Technology teacher (for us older members - the cookery teacher) and her Head of Department who WANT to assist with the Young Chef Competition. Those of us that were shown the new 20-place teaching kitchen by Beth were very impressed at both the facilities and her obvious love of what and who she teaches (a majority (over 70%) of who are boys!).
A worthwhile event and we should diarise it for 2012!'
'We met a good variety of young people aged 13 to 16, sometimes in groups, alone, or with a parent.
Talking with them was heart-warming because of their interest and enthusiasm. Many had not heard of us but they were genuinely interested in what Rotary does. They were inspired by Polio Plus and often expressed a wish to be part of it through joining and volunteering or taking part in the various