Chadstone / East Malvern Rotary - What we do

The Currajong School (Currajong) provides a positive and therapeutic school environment for children from all over Melbourne, whose social, emotional and behavioural needs are unable to be met within mainstream education. It is a registered independent special school that was established in 1974. However, Currajong receives no Federal Government school funding.

The Currajong staff endeavour to work intensively with the children to develop the learning and coping strategies which will allow them to re-enter mainstream education with healthy self-esteem, established work habits, and acceptable behaviours. Children are encouraged at all times to seek positive rather than negative ways of belonging.

Our Club has been working with this school for many years and provides an annual bursary for two students attending Currajong which provides for 50% of their fees.

We have also supported the school with other projects such as library books and the provision of computers and a student records system for the administration staff.

A special week in the Club program is our annual visit to the school where we enjoy dinner at the student desks and hear from the principal and the teachers about the progress of students at the Currajong.

Primary School Citizenship Award

We annually present an award to a Grade Five student at each of the local primary schools including Malvern Valley Primary School and Holy Eucharist.

The award recognises a broad contribution to the school from a student who makes their best endeavours all the time and is helpful around the school - developing characteristics that will benefit the community in their adult life.

Hands-on Support for the Variety Club's Christmas Party for Special Children

In addition to other volunteers, our Club provides hands-on support to the Annual Variety Club's Christmas Party For Special Children in the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The Variety Club organizes the Party so that these children with special needs whose families generally are struggling with the costs of their care can be part of the biggest Christmas party in Victoria. The fun filled extravaganza lasts for over three hours and ends will each child receiving an expensive present.

Donation of Computers to the Community

Through a Rotary District 9800 computer refurbishing and recycling program we have been able to provide computers (excess to requirements of large corporates) to communities in need, both local and international.

Sponsoring an Emerging Youth Leader to Reach their Potential

Every year we sponsor a young person, between the ages of 18 and 25 to attend a camp called the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA). It is a week-long residential personal development program, which focuses on the individual, leadership and community involvement.

The goal is to develop individuals to become active and effective leaders in the development of younger Australians.

Sponsoring Two Students to Attend a Self-development Seminar

We select four students each year to attend weekend seminars called the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), for young people between the ages of 14 and 17 years. The principal aim of the seminar is the communication of a series of ideas, problems and social experiences, which will assist the young participants in forming their own values and moral standards.

Selecting Students to attend the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in Canberra and Perth

The NYSF is one of the most significant events for students who are thinking of making science a career choice. It is held each year in January and is a great opportunity for young people to get exposure at scientific inventions and learn from inspiration speakers. They also make friends and build a great network that last a life time. This provides them the platform for their future.

Nominating a Team for the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) Camp

We select two mid to senior level secondary students from a local school to attend a weekend live-in camp where they will represent a country at a Model United Nations Assembly and debate current, pressing issues that world leaders are facing. The objective of MUNA is to build bridges of goodwill for world peace and understanding in young people. It is run in the format of a meeting of the United Nations general assembly.

Host an Overseas Student for a Year Long Exchange

Each year our club hosts an inbound exchange student between the ages of 15 and 17 from countries such as Finland, Sweden, Thailand, South Africa and others. They live with members and attend local schools. The purpose is the attainment of a friendlier world as the studnets learn about the people, their culture and extend friendship across the globe.

Select a Local Student for a Year Long Overseas Exchange

As the flip side to the hosting of an overseas student in the homes of club members for a year, we select a student from a local school to spend 12 months overseas being hosted by another Rotary Club to broaden their experiences and make life long friendships.