Update on Rotary Exchange Program
Posted by Harry Bracegirdle on Dec 06, 2016
January 14th, 2017 is a significant date in the life of Lisa van Someren who the Rotary Club of Port Fairy has sponsored to travel to Canada as part of the 2017 Rotary Youth Exchange Program. This is the day Lisa leaves Melbourne to travel to Woodstock, Ontario in Canada to spend 12 months away from home being hosted by a number of Rotary-connected families in Canada as well as attending school in Woodstock.
As part of her development, Lisa gave members of the Port Fairy Club a preview of the presentation she will eventually give to her host club in Canada, the Rotary Club of Woodstock. The presentation will give her new found, overseas friends an insight into her family life and home in Waroon (near Port Fairy) details on Melbourne and Australia as well as information on the local cultures, animals, landmarks and overall life in Australia.
Lisa spoke on a range of topics supported by a well constructed Powerpoint presentation. This was an opportunity for Lisa to deliver a "dry-run" of the planned presentation in front of an adult audience and it was very well received by all present.
Club members commented just how much Lisa has developed in confidence since she embarked on the exchange program earlier in 2016 and all will be very interested to see just how much further development is achieved after spending 12 months abroad. It should really be an exciting time for Lisa as she comes to grips with life and schooling in Canada as well as a much harsher environment where weather, dominated by snow in the winter months, pushes the temperatures well below zero degrees celsius.
As the time of departure approaches this also marks a milestone for the Club's Director of Youth, John Clue, who has spent a great deal of time and energy working with Lisa and her family on the sponsorship program which is also a first for the Port Fairy Rotary Club.
A final presentation will be made to Lisa at the Club's annual Xmas Party at Limestone Gallery on 12th December when members, spouses and friends will undoubtedly give Lisa a final send-off before her trip. That won't be the end of the association however, as we will look forward to receiving regular updates from Lisa over the 12-months away and a comprehensive review on her return.
The Club wishes Lisa every success in this exciting venture.
Some images from Lisa's presentation on 5th December.
