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By PP Bonnie Wong, RC of Wanchai

The D3450 Junioract Programme Forum was successfully held on 20 November 2021 afternoon on zoom with participants from over 15 Rotary Clubs.

The Forum began with District Youth Services Chair PP Menza Chu, who provided an overview of the D3450’s Youth Services. He also clarified Rotary International’s position for Junioract to remain a District project (unlike Interact or Rotaract), as the programme is just being developed and due to major differences in local laws and regulations governing young children. 

District Junioract Committee (DJC) Chair PP Wing Leung gave an introduction to the Junioract Programme, which will service as an extension of Rotary’s services into primary schools & for primary school students. The objective is to provide students with enhance international understanding and global perspectives, broaden opportunities for professional & career development, and exposure to a range of community services. The Programme, Chair Wing stressed, is primarily school-based, and Rotary clubs should focus their support on the specific needs of each partnering school. Rules and regulations are flexible at the moment to ensure maximum output.

PP S.T. Leung shared insights on how to form a working relationship with primary schools to establish Junioract Clubs and some of the issues to keep in mind. Meanwhile CP Joseph Leung discussed some of the responsibilities and guidelines for Rotary Clubs that sponsor a Junioract Club. Please visit Junioract’s social media, including facebook and Instagram, for more details.

Rtn. Daniel Wong presented a joint project under the Junioract Programme: 雋雅喜閱 JOYOUS JUNIORACT READERS AWARDS. This awards project is designed for existing and potential Junioract Clubs and primary school students of primary schools with Junioract Clubs. Participating students will read books from the approved reading list, then complete a drawing or writing task according to their grade level.  In addition to the top 3 winning awards, there will be 10 honorary mentions prizes. We welcome sponsors, co-organizers and participants. Please contact committee members for details.

DJC Vice Chair PP Bonnie Wong described the committee’s work to promote Junioract Programme to Primary Schools and to Rotarians. We have also established an official logo and lapel pins for student members (HK$10 each, can be ordered through RIC). We have also established two social media accounts: Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/JunioractRotary3450) and Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/Junioract_Rotary3450), please follow us for the latest news.

We also invited several Junioract Club Advisors to share their experience on setting up and running Junioract Clubs. PP Rosa Pang shared her experience with RC Happy Valley’s partnership with Stewards Pooi Kei Primary School, particularly establishing an international  connection with their sister club in Australia. IPP Look Tsang spoke about the challenges starting RC Kowloon East’s relationship with Aberdeen St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School. Meanwhile, CP Jimmy Lau shared RC Star Avenue’s experience on setting up and maintaining two Junioract Clubs with ELCHK Hung Hom Lutheran Primary School and Tsing Yi Trade Association Primary School.

Finally, IPDG Eric Chak gave the closing remarks, wrapping up the session by sharing his vision of extending Rotary’s services to primary school students, which led to the pilot of this program that started last year. Thank you to all presenters and participants for joining us.

If you missed the Forum, you can watch the recording here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V2gpYvDSmGsh0i11xz9uAGrpOecNb1j-/view?usp=sharing

District Junioract Committee

PP Wing Leung (RC Kowloon West) [Chair]

DG Keith Chow (RC Admiralty) [Ex-official] 

PDG Eugene Fong (RC Kowloon West) [Advisor]

IPDG Eric Chak (RC Peninsula) [Advisor]

District Youth Services Chair Menza Chu (RC Soho HK) [Ex-official] 

IPP Bonnie B. Wong (RC Wanchai) [Vice-Chair]

PP Rosa Pang (RC Happy Valley) [Secretary]

CP Joseph Leung (RC of Central Harbourfront)

PP ST Leung (E-Club Lantau)

IPP Look Tsang (RC Kowloon East)

Rtn. Daniel Wong (RC Star Avenue)

Email: Junioractrotary3450@gmail.com