by Christine Mathews

Youth development is one of the signature projects of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise and the Club has kicked off 2013 with two projects.

The first of these was the sponsorship of a new EarlyAct club at Hope Academy. EarlyAct is a school-based service club, closely linked to the ideals of Rotary, for young persons from ages 5 to 13.

EarlyAct provides participants an opportunity to gain an increased awareness and knowledge of their community and the world and building respect for others. EarlyAct also promotes character building activities and leadership. Children carry out projects which benefit their school and community. It teaches caring, tolerance, respect, citizenship, empathy, compassion, responsibility, and friendship.

The students from Hope Academy not only recited their pledge but also learnt to do their pledge in sign language. They then received their pins from Rotary Sunrise Grand Cayman President Tony Catalanotto and New Generations Director Deirdre McFarlane. When asked why they wanted to be a part of EarlyAct, the unanimous answer was to make a difference in their community.

In keeping with the theme of character development the Club has also been distributing character development books to Year 3 students across the Cayman Islands. The book, All The Joy In The World, has a Caribbean theme and incorporates Rotary’s Four Way Test. It was commissioned by the Club and local author Nasaria Suckoo-Chollette wrote and illustrated the book. The project is in its fifth year.

Rotary Sunrise is a diverse group of likeminded professionals aged 30 years and older committed to serving their community who meet at the Grand Old House for breakfast on Wednesday mornings at 6:45am for 7:00am. For more information visit the Club’s website www.rotarysunrise.ky.