Trio thank Rotary for 'amazing opportunity'
A trio of students sent by Maidenhead Rotary Club on an international youth project this summer have described the experience as ‘an amazing opportunity’.
Teenagers Anjali Patel, Jordan Brierly and Joe Clarke spent a week in St Cloud, just outside Paris, with other young people sent by Maidenhead’s twin Rotary clubs in France, Italy and Germany. The annual project, which aims to foster self-development and international understanding, is hosted by one of the four clubs each year in rotation. And last week Anjali, who is in the sixth form at Sir William Borlase’s School in Marlow, Jordan who is at Cox Green School, and Desborough School student Joe, gave a presentation to the club about their experiences. Their packed programme included a mix of activities ranging from a river cruise on the Seine, a day at the Asterix theme park, |
sightseeing at Versailles, and a treasure hunt to Montmartre. They also took part in team-building activities and a community project.
Jordan said: “It was an enriching opportunity. From it I learned and developed key qualities needed in life such as leadership, teamwork and perseverance. "The opportunity to experience a new culture was really a great stepping stone for me, as I would like to do international relations at university. Without a doubt, I would recommend someone to take part in this project.” Anjali added: “I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Each day was amazing, because not only did we visit renowned places, with a vast amount of culture and history, but we also got the opportunity to meet new people. “Everyone I met on this trip was lovely. Although some of us were different ages, we all got on fantastically as a group and I am still in contact with multiple people from each country.” “I am extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity and it is one I will never forget. I have definitely made some lifelong friends that I can’t wait to see again soon hopefully!” Project organiser Eddie Clarke said: “One of Rotary’s core aims is the development of young people and the programme is designed to help them build key life skills. "Our candidates joined youngsters sent by our twin Rotary clubs in Germany, France and Italy. Meeting their peers from other European countries adds an extra dimension to the project and helps foster a wider understanding between young people.” “They all had a fantastic time. We could really see how they had grown in confidence from when they were first interviewed during the selection process.” |
Adventurous teens sought for ‘experience of a lifetime’
Participants from Maidenhead on previous programmes have made lasting friendships with young people from other European countries.
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Adventurous teenagers are being invited to apply for an international youth project run by the Rotary Club of Maidenhead.
The two successful candidates will be sent on an expenses-paid trip to France for a week of activities designed to build self-confidence and develop life skills, such as teamwork and leadership. Also taking part will be young people from other European countries, so the participants have the chance to make lasting friendships. This year’s project runs from Tuesday, July 6 to Wednesday, July 12, and will be based in and around St Cloud, a suburb of Paris. On the agenda is a mix of cultural and fun activities including a river cruise on the Seine, a fun day at the Asterix theme park, sightseeing including Chateau de Versailles, and a treasure hunt to Montmarte. Participants will also take part in team-building activities, a community charity awareness project and socialising. Organiser Eddie Clarke said: “One of Rotary’s core aims is the development of young people and the programme is designed to help them build key life skills. |
"Our candidates will be joining youngsters sent by our twin Rotary clubs in Germany, France and Italy. Meeting their peers from other European countries adds an extra dimension to the project and helps foster a wider understanding between young people.”
Two teenagers are needed to represent Maidenhead. They must be aged 16 to 18 and be able to swim. “We are looking for young people who would benefit most from the experiences and the opportunity to develop self-confidence and grow as individuals during the week,” added Eddie. Every year the project rotates between one of the four Rotary clubs. Eddie said: “We have had the great pleasure in previous years of seeing young people grow in confidence from the project and the feedback from participants has been amazing – with many describing it as the experience of a lifetime.” All costs of the programme, including travel, are met by the Rotary Club. For more information and an application form call Eddie Clarke on 01628 671108 or email [email protected] |