Kristin Bandura Attends

Rotary’s World Affairs Seminar

Kristin Bandura, a Newtown High School senior, reported to Newtown Rotary on her week at the University of Wisconsin where she attended the Rotary sponsored  World Affairs Seminar. Approximately 2,000 students from the United States and about 50 other countries gather every June to attend this seminar.

She said an adult addresses the entire group and talks about a particular world problem such as political oppression, the Middle East unrest or world hunger. The students then break into groups of about 40 and, led by one of their peers, discuss possible solutions.

Kristin stated that one of the most captivating and emotional talks was given by a woman from Guatemala who lost two children and her father through government oppression. They “just disappeared.” She managed to escape in 1984 to the United States with her two remaining children and has become very active in human rights. She has brought her story to the American people by appearing on many of our television shows including Night Line, Donohue, Barbara Walters and  The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Kristin’s most enlightening and favorite experiences were the night time talks about cultures, religions and values. No matter what person she talked to, they all had plans for world peace in the future. Kristin walked away from the seminar with the comforting thought that thousands of  teenagers in the world will not be content with sitting on the sidelines.

She met many friends from countries she never heard of but now will never forget. She thanked Newtown Rotary for sponsoring her and affording her an opportunity that has had a dramatic effect on her thoughts and actions.

Newtown Rotary is currently conducting a membership drive and anyone who would like more information about how one can give service to their community, their area and the world are urged to call Ed Osterman at 425-0530 or come to one of the supper meetings held every Monday evening (6:10 pm) at the Fireside Inn on Route 25 in Newtown.