Programs for Young Leaders 

Rotary Youth Exchange students kicked off 2026 with a cultural orientation weekend in Halifax, enjoying skating, city tours, and cultural activities while preparing for their exchanges. Coming up, youth alumni are leading a National Walk for Truth, Reconciliation & the Earth in April, nine District 7815 students will attend the Youth-to-Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience in March, and RYLA 2026 will take place in NL (May 8–9) and NS (May 15–16). Volunteers and committee members are welcome to get involved!
 
 
'Read more' for all the updates & fun pictures!
 
 
PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG LEADERS - FEBRUARY 2026 

Youth Exchange
 
From January 22nd to January 25th, twenty current (inbound) and future (outbound) Rotary Youth Exchange Students took over the City of Halifax during our Long Term Outbound Orientation Weekend.
 
The students enjoyed a fun and cultural training packed weekend. With time spent skating at the Emera Oval, activities at Africville, a ghost tour at the Citadel, and breakfast at the Market, the students got to spend time exploring Halifax.
 
The inbound students shared their experiences and advice with the outbound exchange students and all participated in a fun cultural simulation, Ba Fa Ba Fa. While the inbound got to enjoy some free time in the city, the outbounds engaged with training sessions and discussions to begin preparing them for their Rotary Exchange experience.
 
We also had the pleasure of attending a Halifax Harbour Rotary Presentation - thank you to all for hosting us at the meeting and at the potluck the next night. With new friendships made and lots of laughter it was a weekend for the books. 
 
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Interact
Hoping for Good attendance at the Rotarian / Teacher Zoom on February 2nd 7:00 AST/7:30 NL time with our Guest Speaker Nikki Whyte talking about Epic Month of May. 
 
The advisers were also encouraged to invite fellow Rotarians and interested teachers and Interactors.
 
This meeting is being taped if you missed it and will be forwarded to all advisors.  Watch the Interact Facebook page for further information. 
 
Paula Hiltz, Interact Chair
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Honoring Indigenous Peoples (HIP)

April 18 — Youth Alumni Leading a National Walk for Truth, Reconciliation & the Earth
 
Youth Alumni from our National Program, led by Samantha Westlands, are organizing a National Walk with the Earth as a way to:
  • Promote Truth and Reconciliation
  • Raise awareness of environmental stewardship
  • And raise funds for future youth programs
What makes this especially meaningful is that these young leaders are not raising funds for themselves. Instead, they are choosing to give forward—working to ensure that future generations of youth can access the same life-changing experience they were given.  This is youth leadership in action.
 
Please see links below for further information:
 
 
 
Nine Youth have been selected from District 7815 to attend the 4th Youth-to-Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience at Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario March 22 – 28, 2026.  We have 6 indigenous and 3 non-indigenous youth who are attending; 1 student from PE, 1 from NB, 3 from NL, and 4 from NS are included in this group!
 
Thanks to Brendan McDonald, Gary Holt, Paula Hiltz, Harvey Bass, Najam Chishtie, and Jane Simmons for recruiting, interviewing and selecting our students. 
 
Donations to support our students’ participation are greatly appreciated!
 
In addition, A District Coordinator to Chair this committee for 7815 and other committee members are welcome for 2026-2027 Rotary year.  This is a great chance to connect with Rotarians across our district and Canada who support our youth and Truth and Reconciliation.  Chaperone opportunities are also available for adults interested in future events like this. 
 
Please reach out to Jane Simmons at jsimmons@iohs.ca or 709-749-8849 if you wish to get involved or lead this program in the future.
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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
RYLA 2026 in NL is being planned for St. John’s, NL for May 8th and 9th, 2026.  We are looking for committee members to work with Rotaract, Jane Simmons, and iChoose facilitator Edgar Allain to help make this a great event.  Please reach out if you are interested in joining our team.
 
RYLA 2026 for the Maritimes will be in Truro, NS May 15-16, 2026. 
 
More information on how to register students will be provided within the next month via Interact Clubs, and Club Presidents and Youth Directors. 
 
Our next District Committee are planning to meet February 11, 6:00 AST/ 6:30 NL time. 
If you wish to get involved with either event, please reach out to Jane Simmons jsimmons@iohs.ca , Acting Chair of District 7815 RYLA.