(l-r) DG Thirayud Wathanathirawut (2011-12), DG
Thongchai Lortrakanon (2010-11), PP Alvi Sinthuvanik and PP Onannong
Chairperson of the YE program District 3340 perform their duties during the
final day’s program.
Staff reporters
Rotary International’s Youth Exchange Program offers
young people interesting opportunities and rich experiences to see another
part of the world. Students usually spend a full academic year abroad,
although some Rotary clubs and districts sponsor short-term exchanges of
several weeks or months.
The youth exchange program is also very popular in
Thailand and every year hundreds of children compete to be selected to
represent their clubs and districts as a student exchange ambassador.
In Rotary District 3340, which covers the northeast and
eastern regions of Thailand, 48 boys and girls aged 16-18 who were selected
for the 2010-11 program attended the final outbound orientation held at the
Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort & Spa June 24-26.
The seminar was officiated by District Governor Thongchai
‘Tony’ Lortrakanon and Past Assistant Governor Onanong Siripornmanut,
Chairperson of the District Youth Exchange program.
The workshop was just the latest of many steps the
youngsters have had to take to qualify for the Rotary Youth Exchange
program. They already underwent oral examinations on Thai history, a general
English test and written English test. They also had to attend leadership
and preparation camp.
Rotary leaders also attended the training to share their
experiences in the Rotary Youth Exchange program which is one of Rotary’s
most popular programs to promote international understanding and develop
lifelong friendships.
It began in 1927 with the Rotary Club of Nice, France.
Then, in 1939 an extensive Youth Exchange was created between California and
Latin America. Since then the program has expanded around the world. In
recent years more than 10,000 young people have participated annually in
Rotary-sponsored exchange programs.
Onanong Siripornmanut, Chairperson of the YE program
explained, “The values of Youth Exchange are experienced not only by the
high school-age students involved but also by the host families, sponsoring
clubs, receiving high schools and the entire community.
“Youth Exchange participants usually provide their fellow
students in their host schools with excellent opportunities to learn about
customs, languages, traditions and family life in another country.”
Incoming District Governor for 2011-12 Theerayut
Wattanatheerawut introduced President Kalyan Banerjee, President of Rotary
International for 2011-12 and his theme of “Reach Within too Embrace
Humanity”.
Past District Governor Pratheep Malhotra gave the kids an
insight of the history of Rotary, whilst other distinguished Rotarians spoke
on various subjects such as hygiene, table manners and how to adapt to the
different way of life in their host countries.
Rungratree Thongsai, Public Relations Technical officer
at Pattaya City Hall spoke candidly to the children, telling them of the
many difficulties that they will encounter in a foreign country. “Always
remember that you are Thai and should be proud of it. Tell the world about
His Majesty the King of Thailand and that he is a great and beloved King who
has looked after our nation for more than 60 years. He will be your source
of strength.”
DG Thongchai (standing right)
oversees the children during the ‘dining etiquette’ training session.
Tears flowed freely during the
final ceremonies where children paid homage to their parents.
Rungratree Thongsai won the
children’s hearts during her session.
The children showed off their
skills during PDG Peter Malhotra’s session on Rotary Basics.
The Rotary Youth Exchange
Committee and the outbound students pose for a commemorative photograph.
