ESTABLISHING the Interact Club of J.G Kiereini Boys Secondary School.
As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.
Under the guidance of a Rotary club, Interact offers its members a platform to develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of – Developing leadership skills and personal integrity – Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others – Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work – Advancing international understanding and goodwill.
It’s against this background that the Rotary Club of Ruiru in close partnership with the Rotaract Club of Ruiru, made a maiden visit at J.G Kiere-ini Boys Secondary School in Ruiru on 6th Feb 2020. Led by the RC Ruiru President Elect, Advocate Mburu Macua, the team had one objective in mind; establishing an interact club in the school.
J.G Kiereini Boys Secondary School is a public sub-county secondary school located in Komothai near Ruiru town, Githunguri constituency within Kiambu County.
The school administration had already gave a green light to the noble idea and welcomed the team of Rotarians, rotaractors, volunteers and guests to enlighten the students about Interact and Rotary at large.
Upon arrival at J.G Kiereini Boys Secondary School, the team was accorded a warm reception and preliminary introductions, followed. The President Elect introduced the team from RC Ruiru and thereafter, the Principal introduced his staff members.
We all proceeded to the hall where the students were eagerly awaiting. Their faces were brimming with excitement and the zeal in their smiles was hard to miss. After settling down, one teacher volunteered to open the session with prayer and later invited the President Elect, Advocate Mburu Macua, for a backgrounder on Interact.
Advocate Macua initiated the discussion by a detailed account on what Rotary is, its structural formation and its role in serving humanity. He further gave a breakdown of the various groups under the umbrella of Rotary; Rotary (for persons above the age of 30yrs), Rotaract (ages 18-30) and Interact (ages 14-18). The advocate took time discussing about the dynamic role played by Interact and the need to establish an Interact in the school. The pin-drop silence in the room was an indication that the students and teachers were all in awe at the noble idea.
Samuel Karanja , the Vice President of the Rotaract Club of Ruiru was next on stage. He performed an ice breaker and further elaborated on the benefits of joining an Interact club as a high school student. He called upon the students to cultivate the art of community service and to lead a life guided by the Four-Way test of Rotary: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
They were extremely pleased and excited with the information and knowledge passed to them. A spark within them had been ignited. Unanimously, the students pledged their commitment to uphold the values of Interact.
Behold, the Interact club of J.G Kiereini Boys Secondary School came to life. This was such a momentous occasion for both the Rotary team and the school administration.
The President Elect proceeded to lay down the structural and leadership formation of the Interact club, as stipulated by Rotary International. He challenged the students to vie for the leadership positions competitively. The students were given a few weeks to come up with the leading committee through an election, under the supervision of the administration.
The School Principal gave his final remarks and closed the meeting with prayer.
As the Rotaract Club of Ruiru, under the sponsorship of our mother club, the Rotary Club of Ruiru, we look forward to the inaugural chatter of the Interact club of J.G Kiereini Boys Secondary School. We remain committed in elevating our game by initiating action through visiting high schools within Ruiru Sub-County to spread the Interact wave. It’s crucial to tap, recognize and utilize the huge potential in our high school students through various activities that inculcate the principles of giving back to the community.
Article by Peter Marai | Rotaract Club of Ruiru
