Aspiring Leaders and Jungle Gyms!

Rotary International believes in developing the next generation of leaders. At a local level here in New Farm, Brisbane, our club sponsored programs help younger people build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service. You can learn more about Rotary youth centred programs here. At Rotary New Farm in 2024 we are committed to placing and recognising recipients success in youth projects including Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) Rotary Youth Transition Program (RYTS) and the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF).

The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a not-for-profit organisation that runs several programs to encourage young people in their passion for science. The fees can shared between Rotary and school and via an online application form. The application requires referees and academic data. An upfront payment of $65 – can be reimbursed by school or Rotary if that option is taken. Do you know a potential NYSF candidate for 2024? Let us know! You can find out more about the NYSF here. Schools can nominate recipients and the recipient then meets Rotary members.  The $2850 + $65 application fee applies per participant If choosing a STEM hub in Brisbane, but students may have to arrange/pay transport.

We recently celebrated the completion of the National Youth Science Forum with our Rotary New Farm sponsored student D, from an inner North Public School in Brisbane. D sent us some photos and shared some insights across the week spent at The University of Queensland.

Images above include young people celebrating the rigours and excitement of STEM related activities at The University of Queensland during the 2024 NYSF – 12 – 20 January.

Rotary clubs throughout the world sponsor youth services experiences and course, but what are the benefits for Rotary Clubs?

·         Supporting young people in their communities to realise their potential as leaders

·         Strengthening the Rotary name within the community

·         Inspiring young people to engage with Rotary and potentially become future Rotarians or Rotaractors

·         Contributing to the continued development of a large group of emerging leaders!

Image below: STEM creatives at The University of Queensland make a N – Y – S – F!

We’ve gave Rotary New Farm Youth Services NYSF Year 12 recipient D, a series of ‘quick-response’ questions! Her responses included a great metaphor around ‘a career being a jungle gym!’

1. What were your highlights of the NYSF and why.

• In my opinion, the highlights of the program would most likely be: meeting new like-minded people and doing group activities with them.

2. What was your most important ‘takeaway?’ 

• For me an important takeaway is that “your career is a jungle gym, not a ladder” this is a quote that one lecturer said during a presentation.

3. Can you discuss notable presenters – researchers? Why were they important to you? 

• I liked the presenters that talked about medical related things. It kept me engaged as it is something I’m planning to do in the future. But, also all the other presenters widened my options and I feel like I understand more of the STEM related career pathways. 
• I also liked the Griffith University presentation as they stated that in some medical areas two career pathways can be taken as one course for both careers. I am unsure of whether I want to pursue a dental career or a nursing career I thought this might be a good option for me. 

4. Challenges the NYSF brought you?

• At  the start I found it difficult to meet new people as I was the only person from my school to attend but as soon as i found a certain group i seemed to fit right in. I also keep in contact with all of them still. 
• I won’t lie – I was definitely nervous with the new surroundings, especially the food. I’m not used to eating such Western food. It was all a great and fun new experience for me.

5. Why is the NYSF important for Year 12s?

• It is important for Year 12 students who are planning to choose a career pathway in STEM because STEM careers are expanding and changing rapidly. We need a prepared workforce for the future. 

6. Did the NYSF meet your expectations? 7. What else would you have liked to have done?

• As I didn’t know what NYSF was actually about, I didn’t have an expectation but it was definitely a wonderful way to meet new people around the country and get to know more about STEM related things 
• I would have loved to get more in active opportunities then lectures, for example one of my friends went and did chemical reactions and experiments. 

8. Would you recommend the NYSF to others? Why? 

• 100%. I would definitely recommend it to others however if you’re not a social person it is best to go with a partner or someone who you already know. 

What other youth service opportunities does Rotary New Farm offer young people?

RYPEN is a residential camp that takes place over 2.5 days for school students aged between 14-16 that focuses on the development of self-concept, relationships, and is designed to develop skills that will assist in the transition to adulthood.

Participants engage in a range of activities that will challenge them on many different levels. RYPEN  can ‘build resilience, communication, teamwork, responsibility of self, habit formation, community advocacy, personal values and mindfulness skills’. The cost is $375/participant able to negotiated with sponsorship with application and approval processes. The Rotary Youth Transition Seminar fits in between Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) and Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA). RYTS is the perfect camp for young people in Years 11 and 12 transitioning into their life after school. The week is centered on a series of workshops, team building sessions and guest speakers.

“The week is centred on a series of workshops, team building sessions and guest speakers aimed to equip participants with important skills based around the concept of the life balance wheel”. RYTS spokesperson.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where students develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. RYLA connects with leaders in the community. RYLA aims to build communication and problem-solving skills, discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in the school or community. RYLA events are organized locally by Rotary clubs and districts for participants ages 14-30. Depending on community needs, RYLA may take the form of a one-day seminar, a three-day retreat, or a weeklong camp. Typically, events last 3-10 days and include presentations, activities, and workshops covering a variety of topics. Rotary New Farm offers Rotary Youth Leadership Awards – a weeklong program to cultivate authentic leaders for the future. Do you know a prospective RYLA or RYPEN participant? Let us know!

Would you like to join our RNF life? We’d love to have you! We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings at 6.45am for 7:00am at ARAFMI. 315 Harcourt Street, New Farm, Brisbane.

At our morning meetings we alternatively discuss our projects and our RNF club business or host an interesting and topical presenter.

Leave us a comment if you’d like information about memberships or Youth Services or email President Monica.

And, if you can – please Share this post! We would like to expand our scope re Youth Services and potential candidates.

Get in touch – email President Monica: president.newfarm@rotary9620.org

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About Melinda Wallace

Melinda Wallace Youth/Public Image Director (Co)

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