On Oct. 16, the Bell Interact Club presented a cheque for $3,000 to the Rotary Club of Nepean-Kanata president Susan Hopkinson. The Interact Club hopes to raise $4,000 more this year.

For Yuka Sai, president of the Interact Club, the project became real when she saw pictures of the Nduto school.

“There’s a real drive to contribute to the international community,” Yuka says.

Yuka first got involved in Interact as a way to fulfil her volunteer requirement for graduation but enjoyed contributing to her community.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to make a difference,” Yuka says. “It’s a training experience for students to learn how to get involved in the community at a local and international level. It’s a great learning experience.”

The Bell Interact Club currently has about 30 student members.

“Membership has soared,” says Victor Malkov, vice-president of the club. He thinks the fundraising for the Nduto school helped raise the club’s profile in the school. While some students are there for their volunteer hours, others are committed to helping improve education for less fortunate students in the world.

“I’m just glad there’s a lot of people,” Victor says.

Victor also joined Interact initially because of the volunteer graduation requirement, but once he got into it discovered he enjoyed helping others and supporting global education.

“It builds our reputation and theirs as a country,” Victor says.

With better schools like the one being rebuilt in Nduto, Victor sees a cascading effect that will eventually make Kenya a better place to live.

“It will help them run their country in a better way,” Victor says.

Every year the Interact Club takes on one international and one local project, usually presented by their Rotary advisor.

The Interact Club raised the $3,000 through an international banquet which showcased cultures from around the world and by holding a fundraising day where every student at Bell High School was challenged to donate $5.

“On behalf of the students who will benefit from your hard work, thank you very much,” said Nepean-Kanata Rotary Club president, Susan Hopkinson, when she accepted the cheque for the Nduto school from Yuka. 

margaret.sambol@nepeanthisweek.com