An hour's drive to Tatum Park was well worth the effort this morning. Peter Harvey and his team had gathering the inbound and the outbound students together, along with parents, counsellors, his competent IYE committee along with DGN Graeme Blick and other people ready to contribute to the day and an half programme. This is a very worthwhile day to brief, to explain, to hear from those who have experienced this 
programme before. The young people selected this year continue to set a very high standard - motivated, keen to pack their bags and head overseas. I'm not sure they're so keen to give their prepared 2 minute speeches tonight - but I am sure they will do well.
It is a fact that New Zealand is a wonderful destination for in-bound students. Many overseas Districts seek to send their students to New Zealand. The problem we face is finding enough Clubs willing to host these students. To me, if a Club has never considered being involved in this programme, believe me when I say it is a real 'shot in the arm' for any Club. The programme is well run, sets very clear ground rules and has wonderful references from past parents whose children's lives have been changed for the good.DGN Graeme spoke of the life changing quality of the programme, where the friendships made have the tendancy to endure. Every year over 8,000 students from 80 countries are involved in this IYE programme, one of the world's biggest youth exchange programmes. Those involved were encouraged today to grab the opportunity with both hands and also to not forget to give back to Rotary Clubs on their return.
[See the video now posted]
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