THE Rotary Club of Laurieton is on a mission to revive a 30-year-old program, the Rotary Junior Community Awards.
Inaugurated by the Rotary Club of Mitchell River, the awards ran in local schools until COVID forced a hiatus.
Like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, students carry out a variety of activities designed to help them understand the value of community participation, while promoting leadership, confidence, self-worth, knowledge, skills for life, and positive social values.
Rotary aims to provide children an opportunity to see and understand their own potential value to the community regardless of academic, physical or other abilities.
Rotary Club of Laurieton President Graham Blackett told News Of The Area, “This is an excellent program to help students develop community involvement.
“It also showcases the talent of our young people within the local community.”
To successfully complete the award, students need to attend a variety of different activities.
These include a community event like NAIDOC Week; a physical activity or sport; contributing time to community service; taking part in a cultural experience such as Chinese New Year; and engaging in an artistic pursuit, for example attending a play.
Students then produce a report which can be via a variety of media including written, drawn, and video recorded.
The program is open to school students in Year 6 with the aim of fostering community connection and involvement at an early age.
Mr Blackett is in the process of contacting seven local schools in the hope that they will embrace the opportunity.
The Rotary Club of Laurieton meets on Monday nights from 6.30pm at Laurieton United Services Club.
New members are always welcome.
By Rachael THORPE
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