Meyersdal’s youngster enjoys her Rotary stay in Germany

A club that prides itself on being associated with youth, Rotary Club of Johannesburg South 101 has once again granted another fearless youngster an opportunity to make new friends and ‘adopt’ a new family abroad.

Meyersdal’s Celine Sardinha’s dreams to travel outside the borders of South Africa and explore one of her favourite countries, Germany, have been fulfilled.

According to this young dreamer, she first heard of Rotary from her older sister, Carmen, who heard about Rotary at school in 2017. Carmen was also part of Rotary’s exchange student programme and had the opportunity to travel to Italy and Argentina.

Through Carmen’s experience, their mother, Celeste Pereira, also joined the club and became a member in 2019.

“My biggest concern before I left was being away from my family for two consecutive months, travelling to a foreign country on my own and I was slightly afraid of the language barrier.

“I landed up not missing home at all because travelling with the Rotary exchange blazer placed me as a high priority in all airports and everyone I came in contact with spoke English,” said Celine.

Celine’s experience in Germany

The Rotarian left SA on November 28 and arrived back in Johannesburg on January 11.

Celine told the Alberton Record that going to Germany as a short-term Rotary youth exchange student was one of the best experiences she has ever been exposed to because it granted her the honour of being a proud ambassador of SA.

“I was warmly welcomed at Munich Airport by my host father. My new home was a 30-minute train ride from the airport in a town called Kottgeisering. Meeting my host sister, Florina, together with her twin sister, Elena, felt like I was reunited with my SA family. We got along instantly,” Celine said.

Celine as a risk-taker

“Risk involves taking a chance, attempting something new, and either failing or succeeding, yet the risk is something that we must all face in life. Taking risks is one of the most important strategies to develop one’s abilities and gain experience.

“This was an eye-opening experience with regards to freedom that we don’t have here in SA because the youth in Germany have assured safety when travelling on their own.

“Life is either a great adventure or nothing. I took the risk of visiting another country on my own and this helped me to gain another mother, father and two amazing sisters. Through this adventure, the travel bug has bitten me. I want to become successful to travel one day because travelling is the only thing you pay for that makes you richer on the inside,” said Celine.

What does Celine love the most about Germany?

• I loved everything. I loved the food and the freedom.

• I rode to school on a bicycle.

• The school I attended was a beautiful monastery and was incredible seeing the monks teach.

• I loved the true connections that I made with so many people as they will remain friends forever.

• The towns and cities were all beautiful.

• The Christmas spirit surrounding her, with snow falling, was better than any postcard she has ever seen.

Celine’s hobbies

The youngster enjoys serving the community where she can during her spare time.

She is a sporting girl and especially loves soccer. She also plays squash and swimming.

Like any other girl her age, she loves going out with friends.

“I would like to thank Rotary for allowing me this phenomenal opportunity. I cannot wait for Florina to see our beautiful country. I’m sure that she, like myself, will not miss her home because South Africa has a lot to offer in its people, wildlife and scenic sights,” Celine concluded.