Special to Aroostook Republican
The world becomes a smaller, friendlier place when we learn that all people — regardless of nationality — desire the same basic things: a safe, comfortable environment that allows for a rich and satisfying life for themselves and for their children. Caribou Rotary Club is one several Rotary Clubs in approximately 80 countries participating in international service, through Youth Exchange.
Contributed photos
Liam Kavin of New Sweden, left, Caribou Rotary’s outbound exchange student to Brazil, meets with his Rotary-assigned counselor Eduardo Sancho and Sancho’s son, Max.
For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Youth Exchange provides thousands of students with the opportunity to experience another culture, meet people from other lands, thus planting seeds for a lifetime of international understanding.
Students who participate in Rotary International’s Youth Exchange program experience an added layer of support when they arrive in a foreign land — a local Rotary Club. Rotarians in the community introduce the student to members of the community, arrange for education, select host families, provide a Rotary counselor and organize social and cultural functions for the student to attend. With a strong connection and support for area youth, Caribou Rotary began actively participating in Youth Exchange in 2003. This Rotary year 2007-2008, they are currently hosting a student from Slovakia and have sent an area student to Brazil.
Students interested in Rotary Youth Exchange have to be academically above average, articulate and be actively involved in their school and community. Having met the criteria, Liam Kavin, a 15-year-old from New Sweden Maine was selected by the local Rotary Club and Rotary District 7810 to become a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. Liam left Aroostook County on July 24 and flew to Brazil, the chosen country for his exchange. He is living in Rio de Janeiro, attending a private school, learning the Portuguese language, making new friends and enjoying the home of Bernardo and Regina Braune, his first host family.
Recently Liam attended a Rotary Exchange weekend with 10 other exchange students from the U.S, Holland, Romania, Turkey, Germany, Mexico and Switzerland. He has also enjoyed the country’s love of soccer and has attended a few professional soccer games.
Alzbeta “Betty” Kalnova from Rajecke Teplice, Slovakia arrived at the Presque Isle airport on August 5th. She was greeted by her host family — Tony, Melanie, Anthony, Ally and Dominique Hessert, Rotarians and students from Caribou High School.
After resting for a few days, Betty and her Rotary counselor arranged for her classes at Caribou High School, as a junior. Betty has quickly become part of the Caribou community; she is a member of the JV cross country girls team and participated as an alternate for the varsity girl’s team, as they participated in the regional and state competitions.
This winter, she plans on joining the alpine ski team. Not only is she doing well in her studies, she has adapted to her new culture; willing to try new things and participate in new adventures. She has attended local Rotary Club meetings and has participated with Rotarians during fund-raising projects.
Betty has been a pleasure to have, she has been an exemplary ambassador for her country, the Rotary Youth Exchange program and we are very proud of her.
These two Rotary exchange students will continue to live with and meet people of different cultures, creeds, and colors — all having to cope with day-to-day problems in an environment completely different from the one they have experienced at home. They’ll continue to act as ambassadors by imparting as much knowledge as they can of their own country, culture and ideas. The communities in which they reside will enjoy friendly contact with someone from a different culture.
Upon completion of the program, both Liam and Betty will return home with a broader view of the world and a deeper understanding of themselves. Liam and Betty are part of the 8,000 young people each year that have experiences like these through Rotary International’s Youth Exchange program. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime!
If you would like more information about Rotary Youth Exchange program, contact a Caribou Rotarian or visit Rotary International’s Web site at www.rotary.org.
Karen Chapman is the Youth Exchange Program chairman and student counselor for the Caribou Rotary Club.
Alzbeta “Betty” Kalnova is from Rajecke Teplice, Slovakia and lives with the Hessert family.
