BY YOUTH DIRECTOR JANELLE CRAIG
Throughout the month of May, Rotary clubs around the world celebrate Youth Service Month and the opportunities Rotary provides for youth to connect and grow through service, develop leadership skills, mentor or be mentored, and have fun.
To this end, the Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook welcomed back its sponsored candidate, Harishan Ramananthan following his attendance at the summer Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN). RYPEN is a flagship program aimed at providing teenagers aged 14-16 (ideally a student in year 9 or 10) with opportunities to develop “life skills” and motivation to help them cope with the challenges of a very competitive future.
Due to COVID restrictions, summer RYPEN headed online, meaning Harishan and his fellow participants from throughout metropolitan Sydney linked up online. Over two weekends in February, Harishan undertook challenges and activities that assist in setting and achieving goals, develop teamwork and communication skills, and build confidence and self-image.
Reporting back on what he gained from the program Harishan said “The activities were engaging and challenging and I learnt a lot about leadership. One of the most rewarding tasks was building a SolarBuddy light which will now be sent overseas to kids living in countries with energy poverty”.
If you or someone you know would like to apply to attend RYPEN or obtain information on any of the other youth programs Rotary support, please contact Janelle Craig, Youth Director, Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook via [email protected]
Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment
