Rotary Club students show their dedication to helping children around the world

I recently travelled to Poughkeepsie, New York to give a presentation to a group of students who are members of the Rotary International Interact Club of Dutchess County BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Service). The Interact program is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12 to 18. Each year, the Interact students pick an international project to support, and this year they chose UNICEF’s School-in-a-Box. 

The student leader of the Interact Club, the district advisor for Interact, other Rotary Club members and teachers, and Ananda Grant. Photo courtesy of the Interact Club.

After a warm introduction from the principal, the Interact district advisor and the student president, I gave a presentation on UNICEF School-in-a-Box, while also highlighting the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s longstanding partnership with Rotary International. I talked about the impact that School-in-a-Box has had all over the world, and shared photos and stories about the School-in-a-Box kits used in Pakistan, Haiti and beyond.  Following the presentation there was a Q & A, and I was extremely impressed by the thoughtful questions that were raised by the group of 12 to 15 year olds!

The staff and students were appreciative that I made the trip to their school and are excited to raise funds over the next several months. As I took the train back from Poughkeepsie, I thought about how grateful I was to have had the opportunity to meet with this amazing group of kids who are so dedicated to helping children in other countries. It was truly inspiring!