Registered Charity No. 1027351
International Projects
Working in Africa
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper has established strong links with different organisations in Africa. This includes running projects related to improving rural farming and schools in Uganda, working with Action for Children in Conflict in Kenya, and funding training programmes for doctors in Tanzania. Club members pay regular visits to Africa to review these projects.
Group Study Exchange
Group Study Exchange is a Rotary International project executed at District level. Abingdon Vesper strongly supports this project, which broadens the outlook and experience of a small group of younger people who are selected on the basis that they are already making good progress in their chosen careers and will benefit from spending time with Rotarian families in foreign countries whilst looking at that country's approach to problems in their own areas of interest. Participants learn a great deal about the culture of the country they visit and grow greatly in confidence as they make presentations about their home environment and their work. Lasting friendships frequently result from Group Study Exchange visits.
It is a two-way process with our District enjoying reciprocal visits from other Rotary Districts around the world. Previously Abingdon Vesper has sponsored young people on trips to Taiwan and Australia, and the club has hosted visits from the Taiwanese team and most recently a group from Louisiana. In 2009 we are looking forward to welcoming a team from British Columbia and entertaining them in our homes.
Counsellors for foreign students
Another aspect of international service which we undertake is acting as Counsellors for foreign students who come to the UK to follow post-graduate studies under the Ambassadorial Scholars programme. This gives students a chance to get to study for a masters qualification whilst taking part in local Rotary activities and getting to know more about life in the UK through their links with their host counsellor and family. The support they receive in this way helps them to settle more quickly into life in a foreign country as well as broadening their understanding of the British way of life.
With Oxford University being a prime target for overseas post-graduate students, there are numerous opportunities to undertake this rewarding task and join the scholars in wide range of activities. At Abingdon Vesper our members have acted as counsellors to many students including Holger from Germany, Natsuno from Japan, and Betsy, Justin and Liana from the USA. This year we are hosting Luigi from Northern Italy who is studying law at St Hugh's College.