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An Unforgettable Year

An Unforgettable Year

Date: 2014-06-27
The Rotary Club of Durban North bid a fond farewell to Johanna Polet who has been a Rotary Exchange Student in Durban for the past year.

When seventeen year old Johanna left home in Belgium she had no idea what to expect upon arriving in Durban but was reassured when she was met at King Shaka Airport by Gussie and Hilary Augustus and the President of the Rotary Club of Durban North, Peter Coutts.

Johanna said: "Taking part in the Youth Exchange Programme is the best decision I have ever made and it has led to a most amazing year. I have made so many friends at Danville Girls' High as well as becoming friends with other youth exchange students visiting South Africa from all over the world"

Johanna has travelled extensively during her stay and has visited Kruger National Park, Swaziland, Port Elizabeth, the Drakensberg and Leisure Bay as a guest of Rotarians and her host families. She has also been very active in school activities including taking part in house plays and sport teams. As a youth exchange student hosted by the Rotary Club of Durban North, she participated in club projects such as the Virginia Airshow and the Christmas Fantasy and attended the Rotary District 9370 Conference which was held on board the MSC Opera. A highlight for her was the District 9370 tour of the Cape together with exchange students from other clubs within the District.

Hilary Augustus, Secretary of District 9370 Youth Exchange Committee said: "Johanna has really embraced the opportunity given to her as an exchange student. Her friendly demeanour and willingness to get involved with activities has ensured that she has had an amazing year with us and will be missed by everyone who met her."

"I have had so many unforgettable experiences: spending Christmas Day swimming instead of knee-deep in snow; taking scuba diving classes in Scottburgh and obtaining my Open Water Diving Certificate at Aliwal Shoal; inviting a partner to my Matric Dance (and breaking a heel of my shoe at the dance!) I cannot thank Rotary and my host families enough," concluded Johanna.

The Rotary Youth Exchange programme is open to all students subject to certain criteria. This year will once again see numerous long term exchange students leaving from Rotary District 9370 to spend a year in other countries while students from Europe, USA and South America will arrive in South Africa during July. If you would like to know more about the programme or are interested in hosting an exchange student, please e-mail Hilary Augustus on aug@iafrica.com.