Exchange student to explore Czech Republic

AFTER months of planning, 14-year-old Heathcote student Jason Moore is getting ready to pack his bags for a trip of a lifetime.

Moore will spend 2027 on a Rotary Exchange program, staying with host families in Czech Republic.

“I originally talked to my father Robert about doing something like this two years ago,” said Moore.

“Dad thought it was a great idea and said he would do everything he could to help.

“Then last year the daughter of one of my mother Anita’s co-workers returned from a Rotary Exchange.

“After talking to her, I applied.”

During the application process, Moore who attends Catherine McAuley College in Bendigo had to submit several essays and was interviewed by Rotary Club members.

“After I was accepted, I met with other students for a bonding session in Macedon,” said Moore.

“I had to choose six countries I was interested in visiting and selected France, Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, Italy and Spain.

“I only found out last week which one I would be going to.

“I was checking my emails over breakfast at 6.30 in the morning and found out I was going to the Czech Republic.”

Moore will leave Australia on 16 January.

“Between now and then I will be attending two training sessions with other students,” he said.

“We will meet with previous exchange students and learn survival skills.

“In December we will be presented with our official blazers.

“We are assigned case managers and counsellors both here and in our chosen countries.”

Moore will stay with three or four host families while he is in the Czech Republic.

“The first family will be about 70 percent fluent in English,” he said.

“That will give me a chance to learn some of the language.

“With each new host family their command of English is less but by then I hope to be able to communicate well.”

Moore and his parents are members Heathcote RSL and his family and friends will be fundraising to assist with expenses.

“Jason does a lot for the RSL,” said president Miles Humphrey.

“We are all very proud of him.”

A trivia night and quilt auction will be held at the RSL Hall on Friday 18 September.

“Everyone is welcome,” said RSL member Lyn Hough.

“The event will follow our regular Friday night drinks.

“Entry is $10 per person, BYO snacks, and drinks will be available at the bar.

“The silent quilt auction will feature a special Liquid Ambers quilt to be auctioned live.”

To pre-book, contact Lyn Hough on 0409 767 582.