Sawtell Rotary Youth Exchange student addresses her Danish hosts

IN late October, Toormina High School student Saskia Iredale, nearing the end of her one-year Youth Exchange to Denmark, addressed members of the local Rotary Club of Aalborg Oest with her final presentation.

Speaking fluently in her newly acquired Danish tongue, Saskia thanked the four families who hosted her during the year and gave her numerous experiences in Denmark and several European countries including Germany, Italy and England.

Also speaking on the night was a young Danish girl returning to the club from a Youth Exchange trip to Brazil.

Additionally, an inbound student from New York introduced herself by speaking about her school and life in New York.

Saskia’s Counsellor in Australia, Sawtell Rotary’s Youth Director Alan Freedman, has received monthly reports from Saskia with photos of her travels and life experiences.

When Mr Freedman heard about the planned student presentations in Denmark, he leapt at the chance to spring a surprise visit on the night.

“With the help of the Danish Club’s President and local Counsellor we managed to arrange it,” Mr Freedman told News Of The Area.

“Saskia had no idea about my visit and was so surprised to see me in the room, in Denmark, so far from Australia, let alone Toormina.”

Half an hour by air from Copenhagen by air, Aalborg is a small town of approximately 133,000 with roughly 120,000 living in the inner-city area.

Mr Freedman was invited to give an address to the Club explaining what Sawtell Rotary does in the local Youth portfolio.

“We look forward to welcoming Saskia home at a special dinner at the Sawtell RSL Club on February 8, 2027 when her address will be given in English,” he said.

The Rotary Club of Sawtell is looking to host an inbound student once again in 2028 and is looking for host parents who could assist with the accommodation for periods of three months, preferably with students of the same age; 16 to 16.

For further information call 0419 357 864.

By Andrea FERRARI