Youth – Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Empowering young people across Christchurch and Canterbury through leadership, opportunity and community
Supporting Our Youth
At Bishopdale-Burnside Rotary, we believe in empowering the next generation. Our initiatives focus on creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and thrive:
Helping Local Schools
We provide financial assistance for activities such as swimming lessons, outdoor school camps, and play equipment to ensure every child can participate.
Enhancing Literacy
Through programmes like Dictionaries in Schools and Duffy Books in Schools, we help foster a love of reading and improve literacy skills.
Youth Scholarships
We support promising young individuals with scholarships for educational and sporting events, helping them reach their full potential
Rotary Youth Programmes
Enabling Youth to learn and grow through various Rotary Programmes such as the following:
🎤 Primary and Intermediate School Speech Contest
For more than 30 years, our annual Speech Competition has encouraged young people to explore ideas, build confidence, and develop communication skills.
Working alongside local primary and intermediate schools, students present speeches on topics of their choice — sometimes surprising, always impressive. School winners go on to compete in a grand final, and age‑group winners are invited to present at a Rotary meeting.
🎓Rotary University Associates
Our club proudly supports the Rotary University of Canterbury Associates programme, originally developed by Papanui Rotary.
Each year, a group of University of Canterbury students join us to contribute to community projects such as BOOKarama, street appeals, and other service initiatives. When possible, they also attend club meetings and gain hands‑on experience in community leadership.
Rotary Associates 2022 – with Club President 2020/21 Matt Ellery as well as our District Co-ordinators
🏅 On a Roll Award
Established in 2007, this award recognises Year 8 students who may not be the top academic or athlete — but who consistently show resilience, effort, kindness, and quiet leadership.
Each school provides a written citation, and recipients and their families are invited to a special presentation evening. It’s often a proud and memorable moment for everyone involved.
🔬National Rotary Science and Technology Forum
This prestigious residential programme is designed for outstanding Year 12 students passionate about science, maths, and technology.
Held in Auckland and run by Rotary in partnership with tertiary institutions, the Forum helps students:
- Explore future study pathways
- Connect with like‑minded peers
- Understand the role of science and technology in society
- Grow personally and academically
The next Forum is expected in January 2027. Students living in the Bishopdale Burnside area are welcome to contact us to express interest.
🏔️Boyle River Leadership Programme
A five‑day outdoor leadership experience for Year 10–11 students, delivered in partnership with Rotary clubs across District 9999.
Set in the stunning Lewis Pass region, the programme helps young people:
- Build confidence and resilience
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Learn outdoor and recreational skills
- Experience challenge, teamwork, and achievement
This is often the first step on a young person’s leadership journey.
🚀 Rotary Youth Leadership (RYLA)
RYLA is an intensive leadership development programme for 18–25‑year‑olds who are ready to take the next step in their personal and professional growth.
District 9999 RYLA 2026 will be run in two different locations.
Both courses are residential.
Christchurch Course 18th January – 22th January 2026 at College House, Waimairi Road, Christchurch.
Queenstown Course 1st February – 6th February 2026 at Lakeland Park Camp at 496 Peninsula Road, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown.
Applications are invited from 18 to 25 year olds to register their interest with the our club for sponsorship to attend either of the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Applications should be made as soon as possible and no later than 31 October 2025.
Email our Youth Director youth@bishopdale-burnside-rotary.com your interest and for further information.
A few words from former RYLA attendees
I would love to encourage anyone who is considering this to do it. Although it has been many years since my RYLA course, I still remember much of what I learned and came away from that week inspired and encouraged.
Friends who have gone through it say the same.
A huge thanks to Bishopdale Burnside Rotary Club who were my sponsors at the time – what I gained has certainly helped me in my past and current leadership roles.
I couldn’t agree more.
RYLA helped me in many ways and I’ll forever be grateful.
I also would like to encourage youth to apply for this. I found this course so beneficial to attend after being an International Rotary Exchange Student.
The speakers were of high calibre and the team building exercises were well constructed. It will give someone so much confidence in their life to aspire and chase their dreams.
🌍 Rotary Youth Exchange
Since 1929, Rotary Youth Exchange has given thousands of young people the chance to live and study overseas, build global understanding, and act as ambassadors for their home country.
Students aged 15–19 can:
- Study abroad for a year
- Live with host families
- Experience a new culture
- Share New Zealand with the world
- Return home with lifelong friendships and broadened horizons
More than 100 countries participate in this life‑changing programme.
For information about Youth Exchange in District 9999 (South Island), contact our Youth Director
