Submitted by Vernon Lowrey, Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise
Hi Fellow Rotarians,
On Thursday, December 12, 2024 I had the privilege of sitting in. on the first Zoom call between two Rotary Interact groups, one at a high school in Prishtina, Kosovo and the other at Kealakehe High School in Kona. The groups are connected to Rotary Clubs (Rotary Club of Prishtina International and Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise) which have been officially “twinned” for more than a year.
The interaction was highly active on both sides. Their group is overseen by Arben Hoti, a member of the Pristina Rotary group.
Each club shared some of the projects they are doing. For example, the Prishtina Interactors (40 strong) shared Gender Equality Week, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Week, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Canine Welfare Week. The Kona Interactors (100 strong, overseen by Christian Rossman) shared some of their projects, including Help to Maui, End Polio Now, and support of an Orphanage in India.
The individual members (14 online) also shared their motivations for involvement in their Interactor groups. There was an inspiring enthusiasm for helping their fellow human beings in practical ways.
This was just the first meeting (about 45 minutes long). The two groups committed to meeting again, and also decided they would work on some joint projects in the future. It was so impressive to see these talented young people express their commitment to helping the community in which they live. This undoubtedly is the future of Rotary!
Derek Chignell
International Chair, Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise