Youth Service

Rotary organises a wide range of competitions and support for young people in our communities. Most are for those under 18 on 31st August. They include Public speaking, solo young chef, solo musicians and writing. Personal Leadership development for 18-26

Youth Services

Rotary International is committed to helping young people prepare for the future. As community leaders, Rotary club members support a variety of youth-oriented service projects and programs that include mentoring, tutoring, leadership development, vocational training, local and international scholarships and urban peace initiatives. 

Mission Statement

To better understand the needs and aspirations of all young people, and by means of new or existing Rotary programmes, projects, and initiatives, assist them in achieving their goals
For young people, with young people, by young people

Providing Opportunities for Education

Ambassadorial Scholarships

The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is the largest source of privately funded international scholarships. Each year, nearly 1,300 young adults serve as youth ambassadors and study at a college or university in another country.

Youth Exchange

Each year about 7,000 secondary school students visit or study in another country under the Youth Exchange program. The program allows students to experience first- hand life, culture and education in another country.

Rotary clubs promote literacy among youth and provide tools to facilitate learning.

A Rotary club in Bolivia built three libraries in low-income neighbourhoods to increase literacy and reading skills.

Building Future Leaders

Rotary-sponsored clubs for young people

Interact (for secondary school students) and Rotaract (for young adults 18-30 years old) provide opportunities for leadership development, fellowship and service.

Rotary Youth Leadership awards (RYLA)

Young people ages 18-26 participate in a leadership programme for 7 days focussing on developing young people to understand their contribution to their work and community by creating future leaders.

A commitment to youth ~ The Global Picture

Rotary maintains a strong connection to youth and young adults. Besides Youth Exchange, Rotary clubs sponsor youth service clubs such as Interact , Rotaract and RYLA and offer career development and mentoring programs.

Rotary is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in its programs, including Youth Exchange.

Globally minded

Rotary clubs are made up of volunteers who are involved in community service, emphasize high ethical standards, and work toward peace and understanding in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 32,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides support for Youth Exchange

Release the potential within

What are the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards?

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, or RYLA, is a leadership development programme run by Rotary for young adults aged between 14 - 18 years.

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to develop the next leaders of our community.

Whether you are a secondary school pupil, university student or young professional, RYLA will help you discover your potential and develop the skills needed to be a leader in your community, career and everyday life.

Each RYLA course is sponsored by a local Rotary club or group.

What does RYLA offer?

RYLA programmes run between three to ten days and give participants the opportunity to:

• Gain exposure to leadership scenarios
• Explore problem-solving strategies as part of a team
• Discuss and apply creative approaches to leadership and conflict management
• Build confidence in yourself and what you can achieve
• Meet new people and make lasting friendships
• Learn how to arrange youth activities and community service projects at locally and internationally

Being a leader is not just about being confident enough to speak out and knowing what to say, it is knowing when to listen to others and understand. RYLA teaches this, and other soft skills, to help everyone to be the best they can be.

Teamwork exercises bring people together from different walks of life in a safe environment where everyone can get to know each other without fear of exclusion or negativity.

As with all Rotary programmes, Rotary members are appropriately DBS checked and risk assessments are carried out for all activities.

Who is eligible?

You don’t need to be a high achiever with outstanding academic grades, just be willing to try something new through activity-based learning and discover new talents along the way, as well as having fun.

RYLA programmes involve physical challenges so can be demanding. Some degree of fitness is required.

The courses are open to people aged 14 to 18.

 How to get involved
For more information please fill out our enquiry form and we’ll point you in the right direction. Or if you prefer just pop along to our weekly meeting where you will be made most welcome.