With the beginning of June only days away, the countdown to summer is about to enter high gear. With that being said, even though picnics and pool days begin to take shape, the new school year is not so far away.
This year, the Rotary Club of Fonthill is excitedly preparing for the arrival of Touti Gendre-Guittard, an exchange student who will be studying at E.L. Crossley Secondary School during the 2025-26 academic calendar as a participant in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.
“The Rotary Club of Fonthill has a long, successful history of hosting Rotary Youth Exchange Students in partnership with E.L. Crossley Secondary School,” Rotary Club of Fonthill Public Image Chair and Executive Secretary Dave Schulz shared with The Niagara Independent. “This school year, 2024-25, was no exception as we were privileged to host Maria from Brazil. For the 2025-26 school year, we are excited to host Touti from France!”
The Rotary Club of Fonthill describes Touti, who will be turning 17 in June, as a “bright, curious and adventurous student.” The Club says that Touti “is eager to experience Canadian family life, school culture, and community traditions.”
“Our exchange students have come from countries around the world, and our outgoing students have travelled just as widely, providing an amazing opportunity for cultural exchange and learning,” said Schulz.
An essential component of an exchange student’s experience is having the opportunity to be hosted by several local families for designated periods throughout their stay.
Students usually live with each family for three or four months. The families receive a $300 stipend per month, which helps to cover the associated costs of hosting the student.
Host families ensure that the exchange student receives a “safe and supportive home, meals and everyday family inclusion, encouragement in school and community activities, (and) a chance to share Canadian life and learn about French culture.”
Through engaging by hosting an exchange student, the Club says that families will enjoy a wide range of unique benefits, including “a rewarding cultural exchange experience, a fresh perspective and global connection, (and make) lifelong memories and international friendships.” The Club is looking for three to four “kind and open-hearted” families in Fonthill to embark on this exciting adventure with Touti. There is no requirement that host families be Rotary members.
Those interested in learning more about the exchange student process and/or hosting are invited to contact Mike Taylor at the following email address: taylor.mikey03@gmail.com
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
