2018 Exchange

The 2018 TABU group left Belfast on Wednesday 27th March, travelling from Dublin to Chicago. The group comprised Rotarians Chris Warnock, Alan Rundle and Bryan Johnston and Alan’s wife, Fleur Rundle. The 6 students were: Sarah Hand (Victoria College), Grace Stanley (St Dominic’s), Martyna Eron (Wellington College), Matthew Black (Carrickfergus Grammar), Lucy Hamilton (Grosvenor Grammar ), and Theo Burton (Boys’ Model).

They were greeted at Chicago O’Hare Airport by the current President of Highland Park Rotary Club, Yesim Sonmez (far right), along with Rotarians Phil Lazarus, Paul Munk, Martha Gray, Len Tenner and Cynthia Plouché, who transported everyone to their host families.

During the trip the group enjoyed a packed programme of events and the students were fine ambassadors for Northern Ireland, showing a high level of interest and inquisitiveness in all activities, integrating happily with each other and with the Chicago host students and their families. All six were particularly interested in the concept of Interact and are now very enthusiastic about setting up their own Club in Belfast.

The great success of this trip was made possible by the hard work of the organisers, and by the kindness of the host families and drivers from Highland Park, to whom the Rotary Club of Belfast and all participants are extremely grateful.

During the visit they visited 2 High Schools - Highland Park and Libertyville and all students were amazed by their size and the range of subjects and facilities available. Highland Park High School Lucy notes felt “was just like walking into an American Teen Movie! We visited the “Drop In Center” which is an area where students can go either to receive counselling, talk to people or just chill when they are feeling overwhelmed. We piled into one of the rooms with one of the counsellors and had a discussion on all of the different support groups within the school. It was really eye-opening to discover how involved the High School is in the wellbeing of their students and it made me realise the sheer lack of those support networks in my own school.” They attended and really enjoyed a Directing for the Stage class participating in the activities such as “mirroring”. In the School’s Media Centre they filmed an announcement that will be played to the school after Spring Breakwith a group called SOAR -Students Organised Against Racism, they talked about the similarities between the racial problems faced in Chicago and the rest of America and the sectarian issues at home. Lucy notes “It was an interesting conversation because we talked about the problems people would face on a day to day basis when dealing with discrimination and the assumptions that people can make about other people.” They sat in on classes in both schools and in Libertyville High School having met Principal Tom Koulentes (himself a former teacher in Highland Park and participant in Belfast) they sat in on a “Life of a Wildcat” Club meeting. Matthew notes “It was interesting to hear their views on the legal drinking age of 21 compared to our age of 18 and to hear their tips and tricks the wildcats use to stay on top of their game.”

They were particularly impressed by the Interact groups which are very active in the schools. A visit was also made to the Chicago High School for the Arts, where the Belfast students were interested to see how a full academic programme is offered in tandem with training in all aspects of the arts.

On a visit to Evanston, the group visited the Headquarters of Rotary International, and toured Northwestern University’s magnificent campus. Sarah notes ”it was interesting to see the different structure of the university compared to UK and Irish universities. We were also given a tour of the amazing facilities the university has to offer and got to see the library which is built based on Hogwarts!”

Lunch at Curt’s Café in Evanston was a very moving experience, as its ethos is to employ disadvantaged young people, who have experienced horrifying challenges in life and many of whom have criminal records. Hearing some of their stories had a profound effect on all the students.

The group thoroughly enjoyed a fascinating and informative tour of Chicago city, which was organised by Rotarian Fred Orkin and his wife Sylvia taking in such sights as: the magnificent Ba’hai Temple and its gardens, the picturesque Millennium Park and the ‘Bean’, the Chicago History Museum, the Marquette and the Navy Pier.

This was followed by a party for all at Martha Gray and Jim Gray’s house, where the students and Alan Rundle entertained all by performing some well-known Irish songs!

Easter Sunday was a chance for relaxation spent with the respective host families.

On Easter Monday, the incoming president of Highland Park Rotary Club, Ghida Neukirch, who is the City Manager of Highland Park, arranged a visit to the Police Station, Fire Station, and Public Works Department, which gave a great insight into how the City’s public services work. They were particularly delighted to get to sit in actual fire trucks especially a 1929 fire truck.

This was followed by the Rotary Club Meeting at Highland Park Country Club, where all students introduced themselves to the Club and expressed their gratitude at being given the wonderful opportunity of being a TABU student. At the lunch a tribute was made to Rotarian Brian Byers, who had recently passed away. Brian’s total dedication to the TABU project since its inception was recognised by the presentation of a cheque for £1000 from the Highland Park Club, which was gratefully received on behalf of the Belfast Club by Chris Warnock. Chris was also presented with a Mayoral proclamation declaring a TABU week whereby the City of Highland Park was recognising the work TABU was doing to break down prejudices and pre-conceptions, by setting an example of humanitarian involvement for all those who come in contact with the programme. This was presented by Ghida Neukirch, on behalf of the City of Highland Park.

All members of the group were privileged to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and get a very in-depth tour about what the holocaust actually was and how it began. Martyna notes “with great honour we even had the opportunity to speak to Ida Kurds one of the holocaust survivors who told us her whole life story how she lost her family, the traumatic experiences that she had lived through and that the Nazis showed no mercy to anyone".

At the Anti-Defamation League they learnt at first hand the dreadful realities and consequences of hatred and bullying in all its forms, in particular, anti-Semitism and Grace notes “we participated in a discussion with the leaders about conflict in our own area and the differences between conflicts in Ireland and conflicts here in the US and left inspired by the changes they were making every day”.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther-King a visit to the Chicago History Museum allowed the group to learn about his life as well as his assassination. Later that evening they gathered in the Highland Park Library and the students gave presentations on various aspects of his life and the music which defined that era. Matthew notes “we all developed a deeper understanding of how Martin Luther King’s work changed the lives of millions across the world”.

A visit to the 19th Judicial Circuit Court gave the group an in-depth experience of the judicial system, allowing access to real court hearings, and providing a tour of the County Jail. The serious nature of this visit was alleviated by meeting Hitch, the court’s black Labrador, whose job it is to comfort those who are distressed by their experience in court. All students enjoyed a photo opportunity with Hitch!

Their final visit was to the Zacharias Center for rehabilitation of victims of sexual abuse. The staff explained how they are trained to work with adults and children, using a variety of therapies and counselling, in a calming environment.

This full programme of activities was interspersed with fun and relaxation, including restaurant trips, karate, shopping and the “60 to Escape” experience. The “last night” allowed all to express their appreciation and thanks for the organisation and hospitality.

Theo notes in his Blog “We would like to again thank the Rotary Club of Highland Park and the host families for such a warm and exciting welcome to Highland Park and the fantastic city of Chicago!”

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