from The Rotary Club of Halifax North West
Welcome to the monthly newsletter from the Rotary Club of Halifax Northwest, where we share the club’s and Rotary’s news and activities with the communities we serve. This issue highlights Rotary’s Youth Services.
The Rotary Youth Exchange study abroad programs provide international students from 15 to 19 years of age the opportunity to learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become a global citizen. Students attend local schools and live with multiple host families. These exchanges create a catalyst for service, cultural understanding, and lifelong connections to Rotary. Our club is proud to share an epic Student Exchange success story. In 2019 our club and several other clubs in the Metro area welcomed Mauro from Venezuela. In his exchange year Mauro attended and graduated from Dartmouth High School, following which he studied journalism at Kings College. By then the political situation in his home country, compounded by COVID, made it very difficult for him to return home. The Rotary clubs rallied and raised the necessary funds to allow him to remain in Halifax and to continue his studies. We assisted with funding for his tuition, books, and accommodations. He worked to pay some of these expenses while still able to send some funds home to his family. He also applied and was able to secure a number of scholarships throughout the 4-year program. He switched to the math actuary program in his 2nd year.
Having served in a Rotary Interact (High School) Club in Venezuela, Mauro continued his involvement in Rotary with the Rotaract Club of Halifax at Dalhousie University. He embraced the Canadian way and learned to downhill and water ski, canoe, and kayak. He is running in the Bluenose Marathon and plans to donate the funds for a shelter box for Rotary. He also has applied for his work permit and has secured a job after graduation.
Breaking News: Mauro is graduating this month with an Actuary degree!
Mauro has been a model Exchange Student and an inspiration to everyone. Through his gregarious personality, he has charmed everyone with whom he has come in contact and has developed a deep love for his adopted country. We in Rotary are extremely proud of Mauro’s accomplishments. He is a shining example of how Rotary changes young lives – one student at a time!
Our Rotary Club of Halifax Northwest welcomes everyone to explore community service with us! We pride ourselves on being diverse and inclusive – and we’re friendly! We currently meet virtually every Tuesday from 1145 to 1 pm. at Station Six Restaurant, 247 Herring Cove Rd. in Spryfi eld. For more information contact Roger Chiasson at rogerchiasson305@gmail.com or 782 234 9408.
Photo credits to: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/
