Students unite for service at Interact Conference

This year’s conference focused on the theme, ‘From Intention to Impact: Youth Empowerment Through Service’.

Interact, which stands for International Action, is a global service organisation for young people aged 12 to 18 years.  At Macleans College, the club has grown to more than 200 student members. Students take part in a range of community service initiatives and fundraising projects supporting organisations including Totara Hospice and Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand.

The conference highlighted the value of community service and the positive impact young people can make through volunteering. Students explored how service opportunities help build important life skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving. Volunteering also provides valuable real-world experience that can strengthen CVs, scholarship applications and university applications while demonstrating initiative, commitment and reliability.

Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of activities designed to encourage collaboration, creativity and social awareness. The conference concluded with the Interact Impact Challenge. Working in school teams, students identified issues affecting their communities and developed practical ideas to create positive change.

The conference was a successful and inspiring event that encouraged students to continue making a difference through service, leadership and community involvement.

Special thanks to Rotary District 9920 and the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay for sponsoring the event. Appreciation is also extended to the guest speakers and attendees, including John Spiller, Khorshed Tarapore (Mansfield House 2013 - 2016), representatives from local Rotary Clubs and Ms Matthews-Ward who oversees the Interact Club at Macleans College.