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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-12-02, Page 20Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, December 2, 2009 - Page 19 Rotary exchange students offer a taste of the world Dec. 5 Gerard Crimes signal -star staff Kekeletso Mokgothu, Keke for short, is an exchange student with a global perspec- tive. The 16 -year-old South African student is nearing the end of her stay in Canada, and is hoping to bring back more than memories when she returns to her home country. "There are a whole lot of kids who can not go to school in Africa," she said. "And I can do something about it." "We will try to help as many as we can." At her final conference with her fellow ex- change students, Keke made a proposition; a dinner to raise funds for children who can't afford school in South Africa and promote diversity and international friendship. "I would probably say it was like a mid- summer nights's dream," she said of the idea. "If the exchange students came together and made a dinner... we would be promoting friendships and understanding." Echoing the Rotary motto, Keke added the dinner is also about "service above self?' Keke hails from the Carletonville, South Africa, Rotary district, and said she hopes this dinner will be the first of many. She said when she originally put the idea to her fellow exchange students, the response was unani- mous. Photo contributed Kekeletso Mokgothu (front row, third from left) and her fellow Rotary exchange students will be hosting an evening of international cuisine and culture December 5 at Knox Presbyterian on East Street. "I said, `Okay, this is the idea." she recalled. "I asked who would like to help and they all put up their hands." The exchange students immediately began planning for the dinner, and Keke said each will bring their own tastes to the table, be it German, African, Mexican or elsewhere around the globe. Fifteen countries will be represented and 20 different dishes will be served in the continu- ous buffet meal. The evening will also feature a silent auction and presentations from the students on their home countries. The students will also be featuring mu- sic from their own countries. Keke said she hopes the colourful menu will be a hit with diners. "I hope other people are willing to try inter- national food," she said. "I'm so excited?' Keke's hosts are Art and Mary Fitzgerald of Goderich. Art said Keke's enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious. "She is just a marvelous person," he said. "She's got drive and energy and is just a de- light to have at the house" Members of the Goderich Rotary Club have been selling tickets to the event, and Keke has been busy promoting it herself. She said it is something that only comes once in a lifetime, with the right mix of diversity, cul- ture and enthusiasm. "These people are willing to educate other people about our countries... just making the world a better place," she said. "We can say, this is how I've changed. This is how I see the world. It's like a 360 degree angle." The dinner takes place Saturday, Decem- ber 5 at Knox Presbyterian from 5-8 p.m. 53 Victoria St. www.lakeshorehardwood.ca 524-9671 525-3829 Our Counselors partner with clients to develop a successful weight management lifestyle and will elect the right program specific to each client. • Quick 8c 'easy results using grocery store-bought foods and herbal supplements • Ore -on -one counselling with ongoing maintenance support • Safe Sc effective weight loss erns for :diabetics, menopausal terns` Kristylee Varley lost 65 lbs and 78 inches! "1 feel AMAZING! i have so much more energy and can't believe how much I have been missing out on! My eating habits have totally changed and I find myself making better decisions every day. Not only because it has become habit but because 1 don't { �, want to see myself going back to the 'old me'!"