Youth is very large domain …It may takes us many sessions to discuss this subject. I am going to focus on two main programs in Rotary related to Youth; Rotaract and RYLA, especially that we cannot talk about RYLA without mentioning Rotaract.
               
Rotaract clubs are part of a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world.

Rotaract program has grown into a strong, international network of 7.300 clubs in more than 150 countries and geographical areas. Rotaract’s 145.000 members are young men and women (ages 18 to 30) serve the needs of their communities, widen their personal and professional contacts, and increase their understanding of the world.
                                                               

Rotaract clubs organize a variety of projects and activities, depending primarily on the interests of the club members. However, within the Rotaract program, all clubs undertake three types of activities in varying degrees: professional development, leadership development, and service projects. Together, these three areas ensure a balanced club program and provide important experience and opportunities for the personal development of each Rotaractor.

If we ask ourselves: why organize a Rotaract Club?
The answer is simply that today’s young people will become tomorrow’s parents, professionals, business leaders, and community leaders.

After we have taken a brief idea about Rotaract, let’s move now to another youth program: RYLA
First of all, RYLA is the abbreviation or the expression “Rotary Youth Leadership Awards”. In French « Action pour une formation en faveur de la jeunesse».

These are intensive training programs for youth ages 18 to 30. They help young people to learn how to interact between members, to learn about team work, plus human relations about in society.

RYLA participants are also exposed to values that Rotarians deem essential for those who hold leadership roles: ethical behavior, integrity of character, and a commitment to community service.

Rotary’s commitment to youth does not end with RYLA. Interact, Rotaract, Youth Exchange, Ambassadorial Scholarships, and Group Study Exchange can continue the development of young leaders who have been through a RYLA program.

Organizing a RYLA event is one of the most gratifying activates that a club or district can undertake in its community. The RYLA program gives Rotarians the opportunity to mentor promising young men and women interested in serving their own communities as well as the global community. Rotarians also act as a resource for awardees who are on the path to becoming professionals and community leaders. In turn, a RYLA can bring new energy to a Rotary district, inspire ideas for services, increase support of community service projects, and help develop future Rotarians.

N.B: Waiting for your support for the RYLA District 2450       
13 -> 16 March 2008 ECC Lebanon