What is Interact?
Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12 to 18. The name is a portmanteau of the words “International” and “Action.” Since its founding in 1962, Interact has grown into a global phenomenon, with thousands of clubs in over 150 countries. The core philosophy is simple: Service Above Self. Members (Interactors) take action to:
- Help their local school and community.
- Promote international understanding.
- Develop leadership skills and personal integrity.
The Interact Club of St. Anthony’s College
Located in Westmoorings, Trinidad, St. Anthony’s College is known for its "Tiger" spirit—a blend of fierce academic ambition, athletic dominance, and a deep-seated commitment to brotherhood. The Interact Club is the heart of the school's humanitarian efforts.
1. Leadership and Brotherhood
In an all-boys environment like St. Anthony's, the Interact Club serves as a vital space for developing emotional intelligence and empathy. It transforms young men into community leaders. Under the guidance of their sponsoring Rotary Club of Central Port-of-Spain, these students learn how to manage projects, handle finances, and speak publicly.
2. Signature Service Projects:
While projects vary year to year, the St. Anthony’s Interact Club is traditionally involved in:
Charity Drives: Collecting food, clothing, and school supplies for underprivileged families in the Diego Martin and Carenage areas.
Environmental Stewardship: Participating in beach clean-ups and school beautification projects to promote a "greener" Trinidad.
Inter-Club Collaboration: Working alongside other Interact clubs fostering social ties through joint community service.
3. The "Tiger" Legacy
Being an Interactor at St. Anthony’s isn’t just about putting a line on a resume; it’s about the "Tigers Helping Tigers" mentality. Whether they are raising funds for a peer’s medical expenses or volunteering at a local home for the aged, the members embody the school's motto: "SERVICE TO ALL."
Why it Matters?
In the context of Trinidad and Tobago, clubs like these provide a crucial outlet for youth. They offer a constructive alternative to the challenges many young men face, replacing idle time with purpose.
When a student joins the Interact Club of St. Anthony’s College, they join a global network of changemakers. They learn that they don't have to wait until they are adults to make a difference—they can start exactly where they are.
"To be an Interactor is to see a need and have the courage to fill it and they follow the Rotary words: Service above self!"
