Interact Club
Rotary Club of Richmond Inspires New Generation of Humanitarians at Melbourne Girls' College Interact Club
On Friday, 25th October, the Rotary Club of Richmond had the privilege of joining Melbourne Girls’ College (MGC) to share an inspiring story of service and collaboration in education and humanitarian support for students in Nepal. Invited by Ms. Shaunagh O'Connell, our dedicated teacher liaison, I (Maria Makris) addressed an audience that included the MGC Interact Club’s middle school members, who will be forming the club's executive team in 2025, and the broader school community.
The presentation focused on my recent educational and humanitarian mission to Nepal in partnership with my friend and former special needs teacher, Jenine Threlfall. In April and May, Jenine and I—both retired educators (Jenine from primary special needs and myself from secondary humanities and commerce)—travelled to Nepal to visit two significant educational projects.
Our first stop was the Kopan district in Kathmandu, where we connected with the 'Bright Futures Community Centre'project, an international initiative by our own Rotary Club of Richmond. Our second stop was in Sarangkot, near Pokhara, where we visited the Shree Bal Prativa Boarding School. Here, Jenine’s foundation, Nepal-ease Sponsorship Dental Hygiene and Community Support Foundation, has established a scholarship program, awarding 34 scholarships to enable students from low-income families to access independent, quality education. Through these scholarships, children are not only empowered to excel academically but are also encouraged to help uplift their communities and contribute to local economic growth.
The students from MGC’s Interact Club listened attentively as I shared stories of our time in Nepal, the impact of our work, and the lives touched by these scholarships. A key purpose of the presentation was to raise awareness about the challenges students face internationally and the transformative role education can play in overcoming these barriers. Our MGC Interact Club members are currently designing their own humanitarian projects, with a special focus on supporting global communities in need of resources like clean water and access to educational materials. This event helped to deepen their understanding of the powerful impact that young leaders can have when dedicated to service.
Also in attendance was teacher Ms. Ella McDonald, who will be stepping into the role of Rotarian teacher liaison at MGC in 2025 as Ms. Shaunagh O’Connell prepares to retire at the end of the year. Ms. McDonald, a former mentee of mine during my teaching tenure at MGC, embodies the strong, continuing bonds between our Rotary Club and Melbourne Girls’ College. We are incredibly grateful for Ms. O’Connell’s steadfast support of our Club over the years and welcome Ms. McDonald to our Rotary family with great enthusiasm.
An unexpected yet heartwarming moment was shared when student Sarah Fox welcomed me with a white traditional scarf, symbolizing the Nepali custom of honouring guests. This gesture of hospitality brought a touch of Nepal to our event, reminding us of the spirit of global unity that lies at the heart of our work.
Thank you to Ms. Shaunagh O'Connell for her invitation, the MGC Interact Club for their enthusiastic participation, and all the students and faculty who are a part of this journey. We are thrilled to see the next generation of humanitarians at MGC stepping forward with enthusiasm, determination, and compassion to make a meaningful impact worldwide. Namaste!
Rotarian Maria Makris, Director of Youth Service, RCR