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Rotary Opens New Interact Club for Teenagers
By Martin Singer

Rotary believes that youth deserve and require training at an early age, and established Interact to serve that purpose for young boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 18. Interact holds weekly meetings, generally at the home of one of its members, when there is always a Rotarian to act as organizer and leader of the group. Parents are also invited to participate.

From an early age, Interactians are taught the values promoted by Rotary, beginning with a strong desire for world peace and tolerance, respect for moral values, the advantages of companionship, and the way that people can help to resolve the urgent problems of the poor, the disabled, and the needy of their communities.

Interact clubs vary according to the community and the leader, but most will hold events to raise money for projects and then implement the project. The Lima Sunrise Rotary Club's Interact club recently held a criolla dinner with music that raised money for a project to help a very poor school, while also offering the experience of working together for a good cause.

They have had several outings generally accompanied by their parents and other Rotarians to enjoy companionship of other young people with similar ideals. The club has grown from a half dozen youth from one school, and now includes fifteen young people from different areas who meet every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.

On Sunday, September 25th, the many Interact clubs in Rotary District 4450 (which includes the provinces of Lima and Callao) held an Assembly at a local school. They heard addresses by Rotary and other instructors, as well as a motivational speech by Lima Sunrise RC member Ynanina González, who urged them to take advantage of what Interact has to offer and to enjoy companionship while helping their community.

When Interactians reach the age of 18, they are encouraged to join Rotaract which is a step forward toward becoming Rotarians. The age limits for Rotaract are 18 to 30 years of age. Rotaract actually carries out many of Rotary's programs under the supervision of their Rotary sponsor.

Anyone interested in joining should contact Dina Chabes, the Interact club's Rotary leader, at 442-5682 or E-mail: dinachabes@yahoo.com.

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