Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people between the ages of 12 and 18, which provide support and guidance, and are supported by individual Rotary Clubs. Four BIA students, Deidre Barnardo (Treasurer), Adija Hartley (Secretary), Beugené Green (President) and Danelle Majavie (Vice President), are the office bearers of the new Rotary Plettenberg Bay 9350 club.

At the training day held in Knysna, Albert Lombaard who administers youth services for Rotary Knysna programs explained the rules and guidelines for Interact. Lesley Satchel went on to explain the aims of Interact as well as the choice of and commitment to projects that each Interact Club pursues. Helen Bennet gave a message on the importance of social networking. All the clubs then introduced themselves and spoke about their activities, followed by separate discussions on future plans and fundraisers where a brainstorming session was held. This was extremely valuable for our new club.

After a delicious lunch Christy Jacobs, a former Interactor from Knysna who now works with the Knysna Sea cadets, shared his inspirational story and encouraged the youth to follow their passions and never give up. The team from Knysna’s Santa’s shoebox shared this incredible project with the Rotarians and Interacters and it was incredible to see just how “paying it forward” has resulted in such a wonderful initiative. The group were also treated to a brilliant talk and power point presentation on “Fracking in the Karoo” which will become a very real issue in a few years and most certainly affect the Interacters who attended. The girls were inspired and enjoyed meeting other interacts who they can now stay in touch with!