Youth Programmes

The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) is for young people aged 14 to 16 years and caters for teenagers who have shown qualities of decency, courage, persistence, sincerity, and application in everyday life, which deserve further development. 

RYPEN is held over a weekend, from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. There are 2 camps each year, in April and in August, both at Teen Ranch, Cobbitty. We provide transport to and from the camp for the young people we sponsor. 

RYPEN uses the common bonds of learning, co-operation, and friendship to design activities which facilitate trust and self-esteem. RYPEN seeks to broaden each participant’s horizons culturally, socially, and academically. It provides new friendships and develops the participants confidence and self-esteem.

 

RYLA is a leadership program organised by Rotary clubs and Districts around the world. In our District, it is held each January and is offered to young adults aged 19 - 25, who are chosen for their proven or potential leadership ability. Each participant is sponsored by a Rotary club.

RYLA is a residential program organised and run by Rotarians and previous participants over 6 days. It focuses on leadership, personal development, teamwork and community awareness.  The program uses workshops and presentations to explore effective leadership, and to help the young people know themselves better, and understand others. It provides challenges and fun and frequently leads to lasting friendships.

 

 

The Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) is an international Rotary youth program. It offers senior high school students – the delegates - an opportunity to develop their awareness of the United Nations and a greater knowledge of world affairs.

Teams are sponsored by a Rotary club or District and consist of two or three Year 10 or 11 students. Each team is allocated a country to represent. Teams are also given several topical resolutions that are written in the form of a UN resolution.

Delegates need to research their country to form a stance on each resolution from that country’s point of view and be prepared to argue their position on each resolution so they can convince the assembly to vote in their favour.

The students are also encouraged to wear the national dress or clothes typical of the country they are representing.

MUNA requires a significant commitment by the students but is a great opportunity for them to practice and develop their public speaking skills whilst debating topical world issues.

Road Safety Education Limited (RSE) is a not-for-profit organisation operating throughout Australia and New Zealand, committed to saving lives through the provision of world class road safety education to youth.

Illawarra schools are invited to send their Year 10 or 11 students to a one-day workshop held in rooms at Kembla Grange Racecourse. These workshops are held at various times during school terms. The program targets Year 10 and 11 students because many of them are learner drivers or planning to be, or have their gained their provisional license (P’s).

The students are encouraged to actively participate in 6 sessions that aim to make them safer drivers and safety-conscious passengers. The sessions cover speed and stopping, overtaking, distractions, the impact on driving of moods and personality, and giving a difficult message to a driver or passenger. Road rules, fines and a discussion around alcohol, medicines and drugs are also included.

The session presenters are arranged by RSE. Illawarra Rotarians including Corrimal members set up the rooms and equipment and assist with running each of the days.