A three-day district conference was held at the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos, Nigeria, on leadership *: Rotarians (adult Rotary members), Interactors (young Rotary members). Special guests from various schools and communities were also present.
One of the main educational objectives of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Nigeria is to train their students and learners in good character, dignity and basic leadership skills. By doing so, they will be able to face their future tasks with confidence. To this end, seventeen (17) students from the Collège Catholique Marie-Balavenne (a school run by the Filles du Saint-Esprit) had the opportunity to become fully involved in the conference along with other participants, all united by the Rotary motto: ‘Service Above Self’.
The students involved are MBCC junior and senior secondary school pupils aged between 10 and 18 who are considered important in the community. They are trained to begin providing simple but essential community services. In other words, Rotary – the charitable society – believes in the ‘Catch the Youth’ system, which enables children to develop an interest in service in the different communities they are assigned to as they grow up.
The session on Empowering the Next Generation was moderated by Ms PP Fatimah Hassan, Chair of the Rotary District Interact Committee. The event provided a powerful platform for Interactors. From facilitating sessions to participating in service-oriented discussions, the young participants were not only included – they were at the heart of the event and actively involved. Jessica Samson, a dynamic sex therapist and police officer, presented another interesting topic: ‘My body, my voice’. Addressing important issues such as bodily autonomy, self-respect and personal empowerment, her message resonated particularly well with the young girls, encouraging them to express themselves, make informed decisions and claim their place in society with pride and confidence.
The leadership training session led by Mr Victor also set itself apart by introducing the Interactors to the vital skills of vision-building, effective communication, service and responsibility. These skills are essential not only for club activities, but also for life beyond Interact.
Inspiration through experience. The conference featured a series of seminars and workshops on topics such as addiction, information and making wise lifestyle choices. Speakers shared their stories of overcoming challenges, achieving excellence and staying true to their values. One of them, a multi-talented artist and lawyer who won an American award for his artwork at the age of 11, stressed that with passion and perseverance, young people can achieve anything. The Interactors also learned and reflected on the criteria of Rotary’s four questions:
– Is it the truth?
– Is it fair to all concerned?
– Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
– Will it benefit all concerned?
One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity for Interactors from different backgrounds to meet, network and collaborate. The synergy created by these interactions sparked new ideas for future community service projects, encouraged partnerships between schools and created a strong sense of unity and purpose.
Saturday night’s dinner added a joyous and festive note to the weekend. Interactors bonded over food, music and cultural performances, enjoying a night filled with laughter, dancing and fun. These moments helped to forge lasting friendships and strengthen the spirit of Rotary fellowship.
During the awards ceremony, the District Governor paid tribute to those individuals and clubs who have demonstrated excellence, innovation and commitment to service. The personal election of Interactor Hassan Yusuf as the new District Interact Representative (DIR) was a moment of pride and determination, marking a new chapter in youth leadership in the district.
For many participants, the conference was more than just a gathering, it was a life-changing experience. One young participant said: “I left the conference more confident, more compassionate and ready to take on new challenges. It made me believe in the power of community, service and my own potential.” Participants left the conference keen to put what they had learned into practice, whether in their schools, clubs or local communities. Plans are already afoot for new initiatives, mentoring projects and collaborations motivated by the knowledge and confidence gained at the conference.
The future is bright for Interact. District Conference 2025 was a true celebration of service, growth and unity: empowering students and youth, recognizing success, encouraging leadership and strengthening school and community connections. With leaders like Ms Jessica, Mr Victor, Ms PP Fatimah Hassan and the newly elected DIR, Hassan Yusuf, the future of Rotary and the Interact community is not only bright, it is radiant! As Interactors continue to take on leadership roles and deepen their service, one thing is clear: the Rotary District is in good hands and the legacy of ‘Service Above Self’ is alive and thriving.
Sister Rosemary ETIM, DHS. Published on 12 May 2025
* Leadership: the ability of an individual to lead others to achieve certain goals.
