Zahira Interacts the best

By Nilma Dole

The Interact Club, that has achieved much popularity not only in Sri Lanka but around the world has come a long way from its inception. In 1960, when Rotary International President Harold T. Thomas envisioned the youth to join together to facilitate youth service, promote active community interest and offer potential leadership opportunities only then did a set of energetic 23 students from the Melbourne High School started the first Interact Club.

The Zahira College Colombo has been an exceptional Interact Club which shone recently by being awarded the 'Best Interact Club' with 10 (it should be from 10 citations thus we only got 4 citations and a certificate of honour) citations.

From a total of nearly 84 clubs, where 7 were awarded Best Interact Clubs and 3 for Best Up and Coming Clubs, they received awards for 'Best Club', 'Best President - Sharjoon Ahamed', 'Best Newsletter - The Herald', 'Best Interactor - Thaha Adamjee' and a 'Certificate of Honour in Recognition of Outstanding Contribution made towards the success in the year 2007/2008.

The President of The Interact Club of Zahira College, Colombo, Sharjoon Ahamed said. "We are part of the Rotary Club of Colombo - Midtown (RI 320) and it is their patrons who help us, offer advice and support us lest we fail".

They were the first to initiate the 'Teacher's Day' programme in 2003 which has been at the helm of recognising their teachers and appreciating them. The Club also works towards their notable charity, medical, educational and religious projects.

The Principal of the Zahira College, Colombo T. K. Azoor highlights "The success and determination of these students who come from within".

He stated that community service is an inborn talent possessed by these students for they themselves come from humble backgrounds. "This has been the key in shaping them into worthy individuals in society for they understand it best" he said.

Individuals like these are required in society to do good and set an example for others to follow. Hence, Zahira College builds the foundation for them to succeed in their chosen paths.

He further noted "The fundamental has been laid from their time at school which makes it one the reasons why their interact club has been so successful".

Being equipped in understanding what priorities to put to the projects is also a vital part.

The Interact Club of Zahira College, Colombo is now counting their thirteenth lucky year in the Interact circles and hope to reach greater heights according to the vision of their President "We ensure that our projects, once started are very much sustainable and that it is beneficial to all", he commented.

"We acknowledge the Old Boys' Association of Zahira College, Colombo and the Board of Governors, who have been instrumental in supporting us" said the Interact Club President.

A special 'thank you' goes to Mr. Rizwana Noordeen who has also been a pillar of strength for helping the Interact Club perform to its best. "We hope others follow the example we lead and hope that society will work for a better cause to make a change ", the President concluded.