POLOKWANE – For Jonathan Harris and Emilio Frare, an exchange programme has built a lifetime bond.
Jonathan, a 17-year-old PEPPS College student, took part in the Rotary Youth Exchange family to family exchange which saw him spend six weeks in Santa Fe, Argentina with Emilio’s family.
On January 10, Emilio came to the country to have the same exchange experience with Jonathan’s family. He will be returning on February 28.
In order to be part of the programme, Jonathan went for an interview which tested his knowledge about South Africa, general knowledge and social skills. Exchange students are seen as ambassadors for the Rotary in their country, their families and their schools. In Argentina, Emilio had to take an exam about the Argentinian culture and the rules for the Rotary Youth Exchange.
Emilio said his experience at PEPPS has been interesting and that he received a warm welcome.
“The subjects are really interesting. I was surprised at how big the school is. It is completely different from my school back home because it is an agricultural school. It is not really as strict and learners do a lot of practical activities outside of the classroom,” he said.
Jonathan expressed that the Rotary exchange is an experience that every child needs to have as it makes them more independent and social. “It gives you an experience of different cultures, see new places and make new friends. One of the biggest lessons that I have taken away from this experience is that the feeling of true happiness and being at home can come from places you have never been to before. Some places bring out your true happiness and you’ll realise that this is where you’ve always belonged.” he said.
