** IMPORTANT NOTICE - CANCELLATION OF YOUTH SERVICE PROGRAMS **
Dear Rotarians and friends of Rotary,
I am writing to advise you that given the current state of crisis and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the District 9810 Board has taken the decision to cancel Youth Service programs in this District until March 2021.
This decision reflects the view of Rotary Districts in Zone 8 which comprises, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. For example, all Inbound and Outbound Youth Exchange students have returned to their homes where safe and practical to do so, and the Youth Exchange Program in Zone 8 will not consider re-starting until at least July 2021.
This decision has not been taken lightly, but reflects the seriousness of the current situation in our society and is intended to provide some certainty in the months ahead, especially while schools are also existing in a similar state of uncertainty as to when and whether they will resume.
It is likely that once we return to ‘situation normal,’ the budgets of both the District and our Clubs will have been impacted by various flow-on factors associated with this pandemic and a careful review of programs and priorities will necessarily follow. It may be that some of our Youth Service programs may need to operate under different budgeting and committee models, to ensure that we can continue to offer the range and quality of program for which our District is noted. Our District Board, in consultation with other Districts across the Zone, will communicate with program Chairs as to when it is appropriate to begin their planning and preparation to re-commence activities.
On behalf of the District Board, I thank you in anticipation of your understanding surrounding this unusual move and am happy to answer any of your specific queries either by email or phone call.
Kind regards
DGN (Dr) Daryl Moran
D9810 Chair of Youth Service
Youth Service (previously known as New Generations) embraces a wide range of Rotary programs for young people of various age groups. The aims of these programs include personal development, education, community service, competitions, international understanding and goodwill and travel through student exchange.
Details of these programs are given on the linked pages.
A booklet describing District 9810 organised & supported programs for young people aged 14 – 30 years can be downloaded here:
Youth Services Booklet (revised February 2018)
A comprehensive list of youth programs conducted by Rotary clubs and districts across Australia can be downloaded on the following link: Rotary Programs for Youth across Australia
Youth Service Chair: DGN (Dr) Daryl Moran
