Ms Fathima Ziyad (Mac Rob's teacher rep), the INTERACT board, Mr Des O'Shanassy (District Chair)
What an exciting event it was to attend the orientation day of the Interact Club at Mac Robinson Girls’ High school. There was a huge buzz in the air as about 100 girls attended the event, chattering and eating their lunches. The club meets weekly over lunchtime and there is always an activity to do. Some of the girls join by Zoom but still are involved in creating various items used, for example, Teachers’ Day.
The orientation day was specifically to inform all the students about Interact. It was great to see the district Interact Chair attend. Both Des and I gave a short talk to the girls. This was followed by the board giving an overview of what the club would be doing for the year.
Interact Rotary is a service-based organisation for young people and is sponsored by Rotary Clubs. It fosters leadership, international understanding and community service. Interact clubs are self-governing and complete at least two projects annually; one local and one international, whilst building skills in service above self.
Interact's purpose is to develop leadership skills, personal integrity, and global citizenship through Community Action. Members organise activities and projects to connect with local leaders and explore new cultures. While sponsored by Rotary Clubs, they are self-governing and self-supporting. Membership at Mac Rob is open from year 9 to year 12. Interact is a worldwide organisation.
Port Phillip Rotary has sponsored Interacted at Mac Robertson Girls’ High for 14 years. The club itself has its systems down pat and is a great example and role model for other emerging Interact clubs. The success of the club depends not only on the girls and their enthusiasm, but also on the teacher representative. We have been extraordinarily lucky to have had Mrs Ziyad as our staff representative.