PHILIPSBURG:--- The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise recently observed International Youth Day, August 12, 2014 with a radio program on 98.1 Pearl FM. International Youth Day is a day of awareness designated by the United Nations to draw attention to issues surrounding youth. This year the issue is "Youth and Mental Health", under the slogan "Mental Health Matters". Rotary Sunrise President Dr. Virginia Asin, Rotaract Sunrise President Micaela Hart and Rotary Sunrise Membership Director Okama Ekpe Brook were on hand to discuss this year's theme and the role Rotarians are playing.
Rotary Sunrise President Asin stressed the need for awareness raising, policy action and coordination on mental health issues. Ms. Ekpe Brook highlighted the importance of the youth voice as it pertains to the National Development Plan, which includes a conversation on the mental health plans for the youth. Rotaract Sunrise President Hart elucidated on the community work that her organization is doing and that she wants the youth to know they are there to help and support and that they are not alone. President Asin also encourages anyone who has any questions of the state of their mental health to please contact a physician.
Rotary Sunrise has always supported youth development and youth involvement in community service through the establishment of Rotaract and Interact clubs. They have also co-sponsored breakfast programs, eyeglasses donations, and painting of schools. Most recently school bags and supplies were given out to the students of the Leonard Connor, Ruby Labega and Oranje School.
Rotary President Asin says, "The beginning of the school year is the perfect opportunity to reconfirm our commitment to stimulate excellence. I see education as a protective factor in achieving a healthy lifestyle".
The club meet every Tuesday mornings at 7:00am at their temporary location of Carl & Sons on the Pondfill for fellowship and breakfast. For more information on the club visit us at sxmsunrise.org or send us a message on Facebook Rotary Club of Saint Martin Sunrise.
