Rotary District 9570

YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAMS

HONEYWELL ENGINEERING SUMMER SCHOOL (HESS)

The Engineering Summer School is an initiative supported by Honeywell, Engineers Australia, Sydney Division and Rotary Clubs around NSW and ACT. It brings together students entering their final year of secondary school who have expressed a sincere interest and application for studies and/or a career in one of the many branches of engineering. Applications forms are forwarded to Year 11 students via schools and Rotary Clubs. Students may apply either direct to Engineers Australia or through their local Rotary Club.

Students are offered places on a first come first served basis. Successful students gain the opportunity of experiencing day-to-day life as an engineer through access to universities and contact with Australia's leading engineering organisations. Opportunities exist to talk with and observe engineers employed in government, private and research facilities covering a broad range of discipline categories. Such opportunities might encompass biomedical, chemical, civil, environmental, electrical, computer or mechanical
engineering. It is hoped that through such experiences, student decisions about future career paths will be made using informed judgments.

Attendance at and transport to HESS involves a personal cost to the student. However, sponsoring Rotary clubs may wish to assist with the payment according to circumstances. Sponsoring clubs are also encouraged to invite students to their weekly meeting both before and after the Summer School as well as endeavouring to keep in contact during subsequent university attendance and after graduation.

For further information contact District Chair:
PP Stuart Doak email or

Email: rworthing@engineersaustralia.org.au

MODEL UNITED NATIONS ASSEMBLY (MUNA)

MUNA was introduced to Rotary by the Lake Cargelligo Club in District 9700 in 1980. The concept was passed to Forbes Rotary Club, also in D9700, in 1984. MUNA is now held in every district in Australia and to many other countries around the world.

MUNA is a great project which develops Rotary’s involvement with local schools. It builds international understanding and gives students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the workings of the United Nations and its member countries. It is also an opportunity for International Exchange Students to participate. They can act as advisers to countries or participate in a team. If you have an exchange student in your club, please ask the student to pencil MUNA in his/her diary. The Rotary Club of Canberra Sunrise organises the national MUNA in Canberra over the third weekend of August. It is held in the House of Representatives Chamber of Old Parliament House. The Australian National University is a major sponsor and, consequently, the Saturday night dinner is held at Bruce Hall, Australian National University (ANU), sponsored by the ANU. The Assembly is chaired and adjudicated by Rotarians with prizes being awarded for the best teams. Rotary districts and clubs sponsor the teams and the students are encouraged to
dress in the national costume of the country they represent. The students for the national MUNA are accommodated at a local motel and transported to the various events. This allows them to further their networking skills and to make friends over the weekend.

Districts around Australia make their own arrangements for accommodation at the local MUNA’s. Where the nation selected by a team has an Embassy or High Commission in Canberra, contact is made with them and to invite their representatives to attend the Saturday night dinner with the students. Many Embassies and High Commissions look forward to assisting the students and they should also make contact with its selected nation's Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. In recent years some Embassies and High Commissions have extended an invitation to students to visit them and representatives have attended segments of the Assembly.

For further information on MUNA contact
Rosemary Everett
ACT
ph 02 6290 0294 or email reverett@netspace.net.au

NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE FORUM (NYSF)

The NYSF is a national program that seeks to inspire and encourage future generations of scientists and engineers, offering them the
opportunity to learn what a life in the sciences can mean. It is further aimed at equipping them with interpersonal and other non-academic skills that will give them an edge in university entrance and beyond. Since its inception in 1984, NYSF has been held over two sessions, each of twelve days, in Canberra each January. Beginning in 2010, a third NYSF session will be held in Perth, WA.
Students for all three NYSF sessions will be chosen on the same basis and allocation of students from each Rotary District. Students from all over Australia will attend in Canberra and Perth, experiencing life as a university student, whilst being exposed to the breadth and depth of career options in science and engineering. They will experience also aspects of research through a series of visits to laboratories and other facilities in Canberra or Perth and their surrounding regions. The NYSF also looks beyond academic achievement to the personal skills that help students fulfil their potential. There is a strong emphasis on the development of communication and interpersonal skills, encouraged through discussion and debate.

There are also two formal dinners per session that attract over 100 scientists from various disciplines, these highlighting addresses by high-calibre speakers such as Dr Fiona Wood, burns specialist and 2005 Australian of the Year. More recently, NYSF alumni who have gone on to excel at home and internationally in science and engineering have returned as keynote speakers at NYSF dinners.
Rotary clubs throughout Australia are responsible for all participant selections. Initially, interested students register their details on the NYSF web site then lodge their applications with the Rotary club of their choice. University, industry and government partners cover about half the cost of student attendance at the NYSF. Most Rotary clubs choose either to subsidise or pay
in full the student fee component. All NYSF sessions are staffed from a base of returning students as well as NYSF office staff and
volunteer Rotarians.

Full details, including session dates, application forms and general information for all NYSF
sessions can be found at the web site, http://www.nysf.edu.au
Further information: Bob Greeney, Rotary Liaison Officer
Mob 0407 737 131 • Email: greeney b@iimetro.com.au
OR Sandra Meek, National Youth Science Forum office
Ph 02 6125 2777 • Email NYSF@nysf.edu.au

PACIFIC AUSTRALIA CULTURAL EXCHANGE (PACE)

PACE, an international goodwill program for young people, was conceived in District 9690. It was devised to offer the advantages of an
exchange program to young people who would have difficulty in nominating for the longer-term Youth Exchange Program. It has successfully conducted exchanges for students aged 14 to 17 between Australia and nations of the Pacific area since inception in 1983. The exchange as its name implies, is a cultural program aimed at developing understandings between nations and promoting goodwill for all concerned.

After a rigorous selection process, successful applicants are required to attend briefing sessions to outline the objectives of the program and to become conversant with facets of the intercultural experience. Students depart Australia late in December to return one month later in time to continue normal school studies. While they are overseas, many families welcome students from the exchange countries into their homes to share lifestyles and enjoy cultural differences. Exchangees are expected to provide the necessary airfare, insurance cov er, pocket money as well as other miscellaneous items. The District PACE Committee provides selection procedures, briefings, overseas contacts, allocates destinations and administers the program. For Pacific Island students, the exchange consists of a city stay, a mountain billeting and an inland tour program. The district committee conducts briefing and debriefing programs for this group as well. PACE is an exciting program utilising social living skills, teaching diplomacy and encouraging racial harmony whilst offering an opportunity to develop mature responsibilities.

RECOGNITION OF YOUTH AWARDS

Recognition of Youth Award is unique to District 9690. It was set up to mark the 75th anniversary year of Rotary International and has been conducted successfully since. It seeks to identify involved, concerned young people of all-round ability, already embarked upon community interests and conscious of opportunities to participate in a wide range of interest groups. The contest is divided into two sections: Senior under 20 years of age and Junior Years 9 and 10 with winners being recognised by trophies and certificates. Further, sponsors of the winning candidate may nominate a charity or an approved community service to receive a donation to assist its development.

The program recognises and encourages all nominated candidates to continue their efforts of providing leadership within their own communities. Judging is by personal interview conducted on a weekend and is based upon the information contained in the entry form. A formal presentation night is held for participants and their families.

ROTARY ADVENTURE IN CITIZENSHIP

The aim of the Rotary Adventure in Citizenship is to provide young delegates with a first hand introduction to the process of government in Australia and the role of Canberra as the National Capital. The program aims to increase delegates’ awareness of their responsibilities as citizens and the values and privileges of being Australian. The program is open to year 11 students from across Australia who are sponsored by interested Rotary clubs. It is held over a five day period in Canberra during September at a time while
Federal Parliament is sitting. Delegates have the opportunity to meet parliamentarians and public servant personnel in a program which features parliament in action, Current Affairs, the Legal process, Science, and Sports. The delegates introduce and thank speakers, act as MCs and take part in various role-playing exercises including elections, question time and Senate inquiries.
Besides visits to the Australian War Memorial, Australian Institute of Sport and Questacon, a social program includes an ice-breaker barbecue, bowling and a formal dinner.

A total package covers return travel to Canberra, as well as all meals and group travel during the program. Accommodation is provided by Rotary host families. Rotary clubs sponsoring delegates generally pay all, or part, of the fee, depending on circumstances. The delegates appraise the program and they provide feedback to their sponsoring clubs and the two organising clubs in Canberra.

For further information contact: The Rotary Club of Canberra Inc
Colin Holmes
Ph: 0408 756 120 • Email: colin.e.holmes@gmail.com
or The Rotary Club of Woden Inc
Bruce Wyatt
Ph: (02) 6286 3519 • Email: bwyatt@netspeed.com.au
Application forms: http://www.rotarnet.com.au/users/9/97109/RAIC/RAIC1.htm

ROTARY CLUB OF HAWKESBURY YOUNG CARERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A Young Carer is a child who undertakes care responsibilities beyond those generally considered appropriate for a person of his/her age. They care for parents, siblings, or grandparents who have a disability, chronic or mental illness. In 1997, members of the newly chartered Rotary Club of Hawkesbury saw a TV program, which highlighted children who were at risk. One group was Young Carers.

At that stage there had been no official recognition of these young Australians. The Club volunteered assistance. So began the Rotary Club of Hawkesbury Young Carers Assistance Program - a four day camp for respite, counselling and a fun time for these children to "act like kids". Since then, this Rotary Club, in many ways, has supported camps for 65 children at a time (7-12 year olds and 12-17 year olds) at a cost of $300+ per child. Young Carers are given opportunities to develop a peer support network, to share
experiences and raise concerns with peers and leaders and to liaise with professionals in an informal setting. The financial and physical assistance, from other clubs of District 9690, has been greatly appreciated. Continued help for these camps is always appreciated.

For more information:
Contact: Rotary Club of Hawkesbury
hawkesbury@rotarnet.com.au

The Agricultural Skills And Technology Experience (TASTE)

TASTE is a program for Year 10, 11 and 12 students held at two campuses of the Australian Agricultural College Corporation (AACC) during the June/ July and September school holidays. The four-day program is designed to help young people explore agricultural training
opportunities and engage in training for different types of careers in the rural industry. TASTE will give students an appreciation of innovative technologies and the specific practical skills used across a wide range of career fields.

2011 TASTE

Experience 1: Emerald Campus
Arrive 3 July Depart 7 July or
Arrive 18 Sept Depart 22 Sept

Experience 2 Longreach Campus
Arrive 27 June Depart 1 July or
Arrive 26 Sept Depart 30 Sept

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A ROTARY TASTE SPONSORSHIP PLACE:
1. Submit a TASTE application to the campus of your first preference by the cut-off date.
2. Send a copy of your TASTE application with a cover letter of no less than 350 words to your local Rotary Club detailing why you want to attend TASTE and how this will help you in the future. Successful applicants will be notified 2 weeks prior to commencement of the program.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information:
Contact: Ian Houston
email click here

Download documentation for TASTE here
PLEASE VISIT:
www.rotary9570.org

ROTARY YOUTH DRIVER AWARENESS (RYDA)

Young people aged 17-25 represent less than 15% of the population yet account for over one quarter of deaths and injuries on our roads. In 2000, a group of concerned Rotarians decided that something must be done to stop this tragic loss of young people and established the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program, a road safety education program for
year 11 students.

RYDA was initiated in District 9680 on the north shore of Sydney and each year around 10,000 students from over 90% of schools in the district attend RYDA. The program has now been adopted by 12 other Rotary Districts and has rapidly spread to venues across NSW and interstate to Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. Last year over 25,000 students attended RYDA at 23 venues located across Australia and to date over 100,000 students have participated in the RYDA Program. RYDA is unique as it attempts to influence “attitudes and behaviours” of both drivers and passengers before they get their licences. Peer pressure from passengers has a major effect on the way young people behave behind the wheel - by addressing students as both drivers and passengers, the program aims to change the environment in the car rather than focusing solely on the driver.

The one day RYDA Program includes six sessions that are designed to be interactive and cover a broad range of topics including hazard perception, stopping distances, safe celebrating and fatigue plus financial responsibilities - all aimed at influencing the attitude of young people before they get behind the wheel of a car. RYDA is conducted at an out of school venue that makes the day special and dramatically highlights the road safety message. Students get to meet and speak with a person who has
experienced a devastating road accident; to see the distance it takes to stop a vehicle travelling at different speeds and to realise that an extra 10 KPH can in some circumstances have tragic consequences. RYDA is funded nationally by Founding Sponsor BOC, a leading provider of gases and safety products. Additional funding is provided by local and state governments, businesses, local
Rotary clubs and a nominal student contribution. The RYDA program was developed in consultation with road safety authorities, state departments of education and the police. Presenters are all accredited experts in their fields, including Drug and Alcohol Counsellors
and Police Officers.

Further information on RYDA in the District:
PP Eric Anderson » email

ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD (RYLA)

Rotary Youth Leadership Award program is a no-cost to participant leadership training seminar for young adults aged between 18 and 25 years. It is conducted on a district basis annually with participants being sponsored through local clubs. This residential program is aimed at encouraging and developing leadership and social skills so that awardees can, more effectively, contribute to their communities in a practical manner. Each Rotary club is invited to sponsor potential young leaders by providing the financial support for a seminar of one week's duration and by transporting them to and from the venue. Wherever possible, awardees should be invited to meet their sponsoring club members prior to the seminar and to report back after its conclusion. Maintaining contact with awardees is desirable as they can be a valuable resource for the development of ongoing youth programs. During the seminar it is usual to provide a formal occasion to which Rotarians are invited as visitors. Normally this will be a dinner where awardees can relate
experiences to sponsoring club members.

It is the responsibility of the District RYLA Committee to present a stimulating, informative program featuring prominent successful business and professional people who have proven records of achievement. The week culminates in the awarding of a RYLA Certificate of Achievement, which can be presented back in the Rotary club environment. The seminar offers the opportunity of disseminating the Rotary ideal of service to the community as well as creating an awareness of the range of programs available through Rotary sponsorship.

Contact: District RYLA Chair
PP Jenni Keerie email

What is RYLA ? click here

Find out about the history of RYLA - click here
RYLA Application forms click here

ROTARY YOUTH PROGRAM OF ENRICHMENT (RYPEN)

ROTARY YOUTH PROGRAM OF ENRICHMENT (RYPEN)

RYPEN, under the sub-title of The Cultivation of Youth, is an Australian-designed project for young people between the ages of 14 and 17. It took its rise from the fact that there was little recognition for decent, hardworking young people and sets out to broaden horizons and lift aspirations in a supervised residential weekend seminar. Its stated aim is to communicate to young people a series of ideas, problems and social experiences which will assist them in forming their own values and moral standards and broaden their horizons culturally, socially and academically. Nominations for the seminar result from an approach made by Rotary clubs to the local high
schools. They are directed to the district RYPEN chairman for selection and further communication. Where numbers become excessive for one seminar, it may be possible to conduct a further course later in the year. The cost for the weekend is usually carried by the sponsoring Rotary club with assistance in transport where necessary also being offered. The district RYPEN committee is responsible for the presentation of the weekend seminar A program of thought-provoking activities, informative speakers, social situations and personal challenges is offered under the supervision of counsellors and visiting Rotarians. Parents and Rotary club members are invited to attend the final session and lunch on Sunday. Rypennians, as with other youth program nominees, should be encouraged to address their sponsoring Rotary club on their return.

Contact: District RYPEN Chair
Vermon Brown (Yeppoon Rotary) email

What is Rypen? click here
List of Activities for 2011 click here
Information for Students click here
Information for Teachers click here
Application form click here
Note: Information for sponsorship clubs can be found in under forms - RYPEN

THE SCIENCE & ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

The Science and Engineering Challenge is an outreach program founded by the University of Newcastle in conjunction with Rotary. It commenced in 2001 and has grown to involve over 100 Rotary clubs and 30 Universities reaching over 720 schools and 19,000 students nationwide. The Challenge aims to address our skills shortage in science and engineering by inspiring young people to study senior Maths, Physics and Chemistry. It provides students with an exhilarating day where they compete with other
school groups in engaging and demanding activities. The Challenge gives students an appreciation of the complexities of a career in the science and engineering. And it works!

To locate your nearest Challenge competition OR for more info on establishing a Challenge
in your local region, please contact:
Bob Nelson (Director of National Challenge Operations) - 02 4921 6137
PDG Don Whatham (Challenge Mentor) - 02 4981 2049
www.newcastle.edu.au/challenge

THE SCIENCE EXPERIENCE

The Science Experience is a national program that encourages students in Years 9 and 10 to consider science, engineering
and technology as interesting and worthwhile subject and career choices. Almost 3,000 places are available at the 3 day program
conducted in approximately 36 university campuses and tertiary institutions throughout Australia each year. The programs are
organised and conducted by committees based in each institution and follow a similar format. The programs are essentially 3 days of hands-on science fun and activities in laboratories, short interactive lectures in lecture theatres from prominent scientists such as Dr Fiona Wood (2005 Australian of the Year) and the Sleekest Geek himself, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and most programs include a visit to a local research/industry site. Each program provides information on possible careers and future study opportunities. The Science Experience has received in the past, generous financial sponsorship from Siemens Ltd when it was known as The Siemens Science Experience. The program continues to have the support and encouragement from Siemens and also, from the national and state
science teachers associations, the Young Scientists of Australia and the participating universities and tertiary institutions.

Doncaster Rotary club in Melbourne and Monash University first initiated the program in 1990. Since then, Rotary clubs throughout Australia have played a major role in the development of the program through encouragement of students to attend and the full sponsorship of more than a third of all students who attend the programs. Rotarians serve on local organising committees and in some instances carry major responsibility for the organisation and conduct of the 3 day program. Rotarians have provided billets for many country students attending programs and often provide social functions, especially barbeques, for students during programs.
Brochures and application forms are sent to all secondary schools and Rotary clubs in April of each year and hopefully the information arrives early enough to be distributed at PETS or District Assemblies . Information and application forms may be accessed and downloaded via the website www.sciencceexperience.com.au and students are able to make direct online applications. The programs are non-selective and any Year 9 or 10 student is welcome to attend.

Although not essential to participation, Rotary clubs endorse many of the applications.

Further Information:
The Science Experience Rotary Representative PDG Ken Hall
Rotary Club of Tamworth
Ph: (02) 6765 7021 • Email: khmail@bigpond.com
Or Kim Aitken - The Science Experience
Ph: (03) 8288 1001 • Email: kim@scienceexperience.com.au

ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM (YEP)

The Youth Exchange Program is an international program which provides young people with the opportunity to experience life in a different country,
culture and environment for up to one year. The program is an extremely rewarding experience for all who participate whether they be student, club members, host families, district personnel or the wider host community. Most youth exchange students participate in the year long program, spending their year abroad in a host school. A smaller number participate in short term exchanges of up to three months. These two programs are for students aged 15 to 19 whilst the New Generations Exchange provides the same opportunity for 18 to 25 year olds. The major objective is to further international goodwill and understanding by enabling students to study at first hand some of the problems and accomplishments of people in lands other than their own. There is an ambassadorial role implied in the exchange with students being expected to impart as much knowledge as they can of their own country as well as sharing that knowledge upon
their return. Applicants, who can be children of Rotarians as well as non-Rotarians and are accepted by a sponsoring Rotary club after interview and club selection.

Final selection and nomination resides with the district youth exchange committee. All students and their parents will take part in a thorough orientation and briefing program Outbound students are responsible for the provision of round trip airfares, clothing, comprehensive health and travel insurance and incidental expenses. The host Rotary club accepts the responsibility of food and lodging with arrangements made for regular monthly living allowance and school requirements.

As an exchange program, Rotary clubs wishing to nominate students should be prepared to arrange reciprocal hosting. It is usual for hosting over the twelve-month period to be shared by several families with the Rotary club offering support and guidance throughout. Host families do not have to be Rotarians. A Rotarian counsellor is appointed to co-ordinate activities as well as providing advisory and counselling support to the student. The district YEP committee provides an overall support structure to assist club exchanges. It initiates international contacts, selects and briefs outbound students, welcomes and
orientates inbound students, provides district counsellors to monitor progress. In today's society all persons who have contact with students or young people under the age of 18 are required to have background checks carried out, . Rotary Districts world wide participating in youth exchange are required to be certified with Rotary International whilst participating clubs are required to be certified with their District Youth Exchange Committee.

For further information in the District:
Stephen Bennett email