Even the name Interact – a combination of the English words “international” and “action” – highlights the international aspect of the programme. There are Interact Clubs in all four corners of the world. In fact, more than 108,000 young people belonging to Interact live in more than 82 different countries – some in temperate, some in tropical and some in colder regions.
When you belong to a worldwide organization, you are bound to learn some interesting things, such as: what life is in Aanekoski, Finland (latitude 60 degrees north); or along the equator near Mount Kilimanjaro; or “down under” Australia; and what people do in the other part of the world on Saturday nights.
Generally, the conclusion is that people everywhere are amazingly and immensely different.
Interact Clubs send each other a tape, recordings, letters, stamps, books, music and pictures of themselves, among other things. One club puts together an audiovisual of their hometown. Clubs sponsor student exchange and visits. International Understanding becomes more than two words.
Interact has members of every race, creed and all colours committed and working towards the same ideal. While one club in Nairobi, Kenya is transplanting banana trees on the grounds of a home for disabled children, another club in Hong Kong is wrapping up Christmas presents for orphans and a third cutting a road through a swamp in India. Meanwhile in the U.S.A., one club is holding a carnival to raise funds for a programme to rehabilitate young drug addicts.
All these clubs are working towards the same cause – helping the less fortunate. They may be all doing different projects but they are all working towards one goal – meeting human needs.
OUR GOALS
╫To recognize and develope constructive leadership and personal integrity
╫To encourage and practie thoughtfulness of and helpfulness to others
╫To create an awareness of importance of home and family
╫To build respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of each individual
╫To emphasize acceptance of individual responsibility as the basis of personal success, community improvement, and group achievement
╫To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve society
╫To provide opportunities for gaining increased knowledge and understanding of community, national , and world affairs
╫To open avenues of personal andgroup action leading to the advancement of international understanding and goodwill towards all people
Interact Song
Oh, let the hands of friendship,
be stretched across the sea,
to be mankind together,
in one fraternity.
May love and understanding,
prevail in one and all,
may brothers come to brothers,
to answer duty's call.
We're faithful interactors,
prepared to play our part,
to serve and love the needy,
with an understanding heart.
When nations join with nations,
to build a brand new world,
thus then the heart of children,
shall sing the song of mirth.
Let not your feet be lagging,
but come and join our throng,
let's fill this world together,
with friendship's happy song.
