May - Youth Service Month: Building Bridges to the Future

May is Youth Service Month in Rotary, and here at Chiang Mai International Rotary Club, we take this opportunity to reflect on the role young people play in shaping the future and the role we play in supporting them along the way.

Rotary has long recognised that youth are not just our future; they’re our present. Through mentorship, education, service, and cultural exchange, we aim to equip young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive. In doing so, we help build stronger communities and a more peaceful world.

One of the most impactful ways we support youth development is through the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Program. Each year, District 3360 sends students from Northern Thailand abroad for a year-long cultural and educational experience. This year, students are heading to France, Germany, Taiwan, and the United States and next year, we’ll add Argentina to the list. In return, we also welcome students from these countries into our communities, offering them a home away from home and a window into Thai culture.

These exchanges change lives. Students return more confident, more curious, and more connected to the wider world. They gain perspective, build lasting friendships, and develop a sense of independence and global responsibility. It’s a powerful example of what Rotary can do when we invest in young people.

But Youth Service at CMIRC goes beyond international exchange. We continue to support local schools with health initiatives, water and sanitation projects, scholarships, and mentoring. Whether it’s conducting health checks at migrant learning centres or sponsoring a student’s education, we remain committed to making a lasting difference.

Youth Service Month is a reminder of how important it is to walk alongside young people, offering them guidance, encouragement, and opportunity. It’s also a time to celebrate the energy, resilience, and creativity that youth bring to our world.

As Rotarians, we have the chance to make a real impact. Let’s continue to listen, support, and stand beside our youth because when they thrive, we all do.