The time of their lives
Twenty-three young adults from throughout District 9980 have just left Alexandra changed – and charged – people , after a stimulating and challenging five days at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards ( RYLA ) camp .
With widely-varying backgrounds – from a Rotary global grant scholar to an Olympian and Commonwealth Games medallist , and university students to those just starting out in their careers – they are united in their determination to make the most of the unique springboard the retreat has provided .
Themed ‘ Challenges of a Balanced Life ’, and hosted by the Rotary Club of Alexandra , the camp ran from April 17 to 21 , focusing on four sub-themes : Healthy body , healthy mind ; use it , or lose it ; working life , and whanau and friends .
The Alexandra club secured a dynamic speaker line-up , including Central Otago mayor Tim Cadogan , former New Zealand international cricketer Warren Lees , hospitality business coach Liz Perkins , multi-sporter and international businessman Scott Worthington , motivational speaker and author Wayne Perkins , and former New Zealand Cricket chair and Rotary Club of Cromwell ’ s Stuart Heal , whose leadership roles have included serving as Rotary International director between 2010 and 2012 .
Sakhr
Rotary global grant scholar
Sakhr Munassar , who is studying at Otago University ’ s National Peace and Conflict Centre , was sponsored by the Rotary Club of South Dunedin . Sakhr met new friends “ who have the potential , will and kind hearts to lead in the future ”.
He says he ’ s left the retreat inspired to spread the word , work harder and keep going , and will be recommending the experience to others .
“ Rotary has changed my life , and I want everyone to be part of it ,” he says .
A chat with his boss ended with 19-year-old Sean Collings , an apprentice electrician , signing up for RYLA – quite a leap out of his comfort zone – supported and funded by the Rotary Club of Mosgiel .
“ It ’ s not something I would normally do , but I thought I may as well , as it would be good to develop my skills ,” Sean says .
“ What I got out of the week was meeting new friends , getting an insight into people ’ s lives and being inspired by the speakers to go out and really push myself .
Sean
“ I think it ’ s changed me . One reason being , I ’ ve learned not to take anything for granted and to enjoy the small things in life – and when you get knocked down , just keep getting back up again and moving forward .”
RYLA is something of a tradition in Samantha Hughes ’ family – her mum is also a graduate .
An Otago University student studying aquaculture , fisheries and consumer food science , Samantha
RYLA participants after a hike to Alexandra ’ s iconic clock .