Latest news with #YouthExchangeProgramme
The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Brentwood Park teen's Rotary exchange dream hinges on host family
Sipping exotic tea infusions while strolling the cobbled streets that once inspired authors like Yvonne Chauffin has long been a dream for Brentwood Park's Gina Lourens. That dream is now closer to reality, as the Benoni High Grade 11 learner has been selected to take part in Rotary International's prestigious Youth Exchange Programme. The programme will see the 17-year-old spend her matric year in the multicultural city of Lille, France. Seated in a sunny corner of her home, Gina straightens her blazer and launches into an enthusiastic explanation of how her journey with Rotary began. 'I became a member of our school's Interact Club at the beginning of high school,' said Gina. 'Through my experience, I have realised that being of service to others is the greatest gift you can give. Navigating the teenage years, we often become disconnected from the challenges others face, but those challenges remain, no matter how much we try to turn a blind eye.' Running her fingers across the cover of the latest addition to her Franz Kafka collection, Gina reflects on how her time with Interact has shaped her. She speaks passionately about how Rotary has had a profound impact not only on the global community but also on her personal growth. 'Connection — that is all anyone needs. We all want to feel seen, heard, and acknowledged for our unique traits.' Gina is one of only four Southern African Interact members selected for the year-long exchange. She says she is humbled and thrilled by the opportunity. 'I cannot wait to start this incredible journey. I've been given the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and a clean slate — a chance to introduce myself as real, raw, and authentic.' Host family needed However, Gina's dreams of walking in Kafka's footsteps hinge on one critical requirement: a host family in South Africa for her Italian counterpart, who is due to arrive in August. 'Due to the Northern Hemisphere academic calendar, the Italian student must be hosted until mid-2026,' she explained, a flicker of anxiety crossing her face. 'If we cannot secure a host family, my own exchange, scheduled to begin in January, cannot go ahead.' Hosting can be for the full duration of the exchange or shared between several vetted host families over an agreed period. 'The aim is to give the exchange student a fully immersive local experience and opportunities to engage with their peers,' Gina said. 'Safety and comfort are paramount. Hosts must provide balanced meals, a safe and comfortable place to stay, and transport to and from school and school-related events.' Hosting is voluntary and comes with no financial remuneration. However, Rotary International provides students with a monthly allowance to cover necessities and some experience costs. Quoting Kafka, Gina added: 'Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.' With that same spirit of optimism, she makes a heartfelt appeal to the Benoni community to help her and her fellow Interact member make their dreams come true. 'This is an opportunity that doesn't come knocking for everyone. I hope someone in our city, full of dedicated Rotarians, will open their home to a youth who is following in their footsteps,' she said. 'Thanks to their dedication, teens like me are stepping up to be of service and letting the movement's ethos guide us into the future.' For more information about the Youth Exchange Programme or to sign up as a host, visit or click the direct link: ALSO READ: Rotary Club of Benoni: End of an era but the good work will continue ALSO READ: Santa Shoebox Project and Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora donates takkies
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Local school learner prepares to take France by storm
Sipping exotic tea infusions while strolling the cobbled streets that once inspired authors like Yvonne Chauffin has long been a dream for Brentwood Park's Gina Lourens. That dream is now closer to reality, as the Benoni High Grade 11 learner has been selected to take part in Rotary International's prestigious Youth Exchange Programme. The programme will see the 17-year-old spend her matric year in the multicultural city of Lille, France. Seated in a sunny corner of her home, Gina straightens her blazer and launches into an enthusiastic explanation of how her journey with Rotary began. 'I became a member of our school's Interact Club at the beginning of high school,' said Gina. 'Through my experience, I have realised that being of service to others is the greatest gift you can give. Navigating the teenage years, we often become disconnected from the challenges others face, but those challenges remain, no matter how much we try to turn a blind eye.' Running her fingers across the cover of the latest addition to her Franz Kafka collection, Gina reflects on how her time with Interact has shaped her. She speaks passionately about how Rotary has had a profound impact not only on the global community but also on her personal growth. 'Connection — that is all anyone needs. We all want to feel seen, heard, and acknowledged for our unique traits.' Gina is one of only four Southern African Interact members selected for the year-long exchange. She says she is humbled and thrilled by the opportunity. 'I cannot wait to start this incredible journey. I've been given the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and a clean slate — a chance to introduce myself as real, raw, and authentic.' Host family needed However, Gina's dreams of walking in Kafka's footsteps hinge on one critical requirement: a host family in South Africa for her Italian counterpart, who is due to arrive in August. 'Due to the Northern Hemisphere academic calendar, the Italian student must be hosted until mid-2026,' she explained, a flicker of anxiety crossing her face. 'If we cannot secure a host family, my own exchange, scheduled to begin in January, cannot go ahead.' Hosting can be for the full duration of the exchange or shared between several vetted host families over an agreed period. 'The aim is to give the exchange student a fully immersive local experience and opportunities to engage with their peers,' Gina said. 'Safety and comfort are paramount. Hosts must provide balanced meals, a safe and comfortable place to stay, and transport to and from school and school-related events.' Hosting is voluntary and comes with no financial remuneration. However, Rotary International provides students with a monthly allowance to cover necessities and some experience costs. Quoting Kafka, Gina added: 'Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.' With that same spirit of optimism, she makes a heartfelt appeal to the Benoni community to help her and her fellow Interact member make their dreams come true. 'This is an opportunity that doesn't come knocking for everyone. I hope someone in our city, full of dedicated Rotarians, will open their home to a youth who is following in their footsteps,' she said. 'Thanks to their dedication, teens like me are stepping up to be of service and letting the movement's ethos guide us into the future.' For more information about the Youth Exchange Programme or to sign up as a host, visit or click the direct link: Also Read: Here's what's happening in and around Boksburg Also Read: Boksburg High honours longest-serving teacher At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
