Andrea Tirone is a member of the Rotaract Club of the University of Toronto.

When I joined Rotaract many years ago, our club’s president was phenomenal at getting everyone motivated for the basic health and literacy project we were establishing in Krishnanagar, India.

We began the InspiReacHope project, through a partnership with a local Rotary club and non-governmental organization. It was one of the most enthusiastic, driven, and focused groups of people I had ever met. The project lasted for many years. 

As the club changed, so did our focus. We began efforts to prevent malaria overseas, to raise awareness of the basic water and sanitation needs of communities both around the world and at home in Canada, and became passionate about ending polio now.

In 2009, as an Ambassadorial Scholar in South Africa, I joined a local Rotaract club.  Through the Rotaract Club of Durban Berea, I participated in a community development project with nineteen other Rotaractors to Ponta D’Ouro, Mozambique.  In a very short amount of time, our group of young people came together to produce one of the most successful projects I have ever been a part of.

The Rotaract Club held two extremely popular fundraising events that featured local South African bands and DJs and welcomed crowds of up to 1,500 people; more than we ever imagined possible. With the funds that we raised, we were able to give the local school a major facelift and provide a number of Portuguese and English books to both the school and surrounding community.

Reflecting on World Rotaract Week 12-18 March, I realize that thanks to Rotaract, I have been a part of so many different projects which have addressed Rotary’s areas of focus. Rotaract helps pave the way into Rotary for future generations. I look forward to bringing my experiences to a Rotary Club in the near future.