Rotary Youth Exchange is Back in Business!

Youth Exchange is back!  We have three students outbound from Hana sponsored by Lahaina Sunset and one from Big Island sponsored by North Hawaii.  Hennessy is in Chile, Mahea is in France and Kawai, who has not left for Spain just yet.  They are all spending their junior year abroad.  Lily from Kamuela is in Belgium where she is a gap year student as she was supposed to go abroad when COVID hit so we are excited that she is able to fulfill her dreams this year.

  There are four students who are inbound.  Sara from Italy is spending her year in Hana and sponsored by Lahaina Sunset.  Julie from Norway is sponsored by Maui Upcountry.  Elsa from France is sponsored by North Hawaii.  Nico from Sao Paulo, Brazil is sponsored by Poipu Beach.  Please take the opportunity to meet these students and invite them to speak at your club.

   I am hoping to have the students visit each of the islands.  This is a perfect opportunity for your club to experience Youth Exchange.  Youth Exchange in Hawaii has different challenges than the mainland, like having events where the students in the district get to meet the other students and other club’s members meet in a social setting.    I am hoping that you know of a way to bring the students in for 2 or 3 nights to your island, participate in a service project, meet other students with the interact club you may be sponsoring and see something special on your island like a special hike or a boat trip.  If you have a home that could house the students (hide-a-beds and air mattresses work just fine) or know an inexpensive location that could have housing, please let me know.

   I cannot do this alone.  I need your club’s help.  I do have some funds to assist with costs.  Please let me know if you can assist in making this an amazing year just as your counterparts in Chile and Europe are doing for our kids.  Please reach out to me at d5000rye@gmail.com or 808.634.2988.

Tom Gross,  808-634-2988 

D5000 Hawaii Youth Exchange Chair