THE Rotary clubs of Uitenhage and Uitenhage South recently participated in what is believed to be a world first.
For many years there has been a Rotary programme called RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) which is run by Rotary Clubs in various forms worldwide on an annual basis. In South Africa it is aimed at learners in Grades 10 and 11.
“Owing to COVID-19 regulations Rotarians from the Rotary District, covering 90 clubs throughout the eastern part of South Africa, formed a virtual committee and hatched a plan to try doing it virtually,” said Clive Hassell, president of Uitenhage South who was the technical co-ordinator and Zoom host for the entire event.
“It was a whole day of interactive encouragement, personal development, leadership guidance, conflict resolution and upliftment.”
The two local Rotary clubs jointly promoted the idea, paid the minimal registration fees, and fed the learners and staff involved for the day. The Kariega event was held at Muir College. In total 250 learners were involved within the Rotary District and for a first it wasn’t just good, it was spectacular. Any initial scepticism was totally allayed,” said Hassel.
