The club was known as the third largest in the world for the past two years up until earlier this year.
“In February, Rotary International told us that the Interact Club is the second largest in the world,” said the president of the Rotary Club of Benoni, Ian Williams.
Williams said that each country is supposed to constantly report to Rotary International on the growth statistics of their clubs.
Currently having 430 members, the Interact Club at Willowmoore High School, which is under the wing of the Rotary Club of Benoni, is coordinated by Sharol Naidoo.
“The core belief was that changing the life of one person was changing the nation,” said Naidoo,
“and that every act of kindness made a difference.”
Naidoo, who is also the deputy president of the school-based support team, said the group is successful because its strengths are recognised and used.
“We find what a child is good at doing and we let them do that,” she said. “If a child is good at packing, then we let them pack the foods for our feeding scheme project.”
The feeding scheme project is one of many projects hosted by the club.
“We look after 24 children who fall under our feeding scheme.
“Interact members are constantly donating tinned food towards the scheme, so we never run out of food to donate,” she said.
Every year, the club hosts a total of 21 projects to help the community.
One of its major projects this year is the Community Heart and Soul project, in partnership with Actonville Primary School.
“In October, together with the Rotary Club and professionals, we will assist parents in Actonville,” said Naidoo.
“This project will aim to help parents help their children.”
The club’s ultimate is to learn how to be a bigger support to the community.
Among its major projects, the club also hosts a number of other projects, such as adopt-a-baby Almond Tree Baby Home, You Initiate, Teacher Appreciation Day, donating water-storage tanks to Gift of the Givers for the Free State, Pauline Davis Mother’s Day, a pamper session for abused women and girls, Eddie House games morning, and ongoing community service with the Benoni Community Policing Forum (CPF).
Each project requires the service of the club members, not just financial handouts.
